RAF Haddock Force June 1940 Part 3

Chapter 1 

Final Part with references from National Archive

While these preparations were going on Wing Commander Field was kept busy meeting the local French commanders to ensure the smooth running of the operation. Amongst the commanders he met on 9th June was a Captain of the French Naval Air Arm with whom flying restrictions and identification was discussed as these differed from those of the French Air Force.

The bombers for the force were to be Wellingtons [13] of No.3 Group Bomber Command and the operational instructions of AOC No.3 Group were delivered by Group Captain Harrison on 8th June; he returned to England on 9th June. The bomber operations were under the control of the AOC in C Bomber Command at his HQ in High Wycombe [14] through AOC No.3 Group. The bomber squadrons were still to be based in England and were only using the airfields around Marseilles as advanced landing grounds. Wing Commander Field who was Officer Commanding 'Haddock' was therefore under the administrative control of BAFF HQ and operational control of AOC in C Bomber Command.[15]

On 9th June, just 5 days after Wing Commander Field had first arrived at Salon, he was able to report to 'Eagle' (BAFF HQ) that 'Haddock' would be ready to operate on 10th June. The 10th saw the installation of an R.F.D/F Station and further last minute preparations before the arrival of the bombers. Also a very important cypher arrived from the Air Ministry [16] during the day, stating that Britain would be at war with Italy from 0001 hrs. 11th June. The first attack was scheduled for the night of 11-12th June.

The operation was to be carried out by twelve aircraft from two squadrons within No.3 Group. The plan was that the aircraft would fly down to Salon during the afternoon and carry out an attack the same evening. The next day the aircraft would be readied for an attack that night, and after returning from the raid, they would be refuelled and flown back to England probably passing the 12 aircraft heading for Salon, on the way to replace them. The stay in France was therefore three days in which time two attacks could be carried out; this method of operation required the minimum number of ground parties to be flown in from England. With the Germans occupying much of Northern France, the aircraft were routed away from trouble. They flew from their airfields in Suffolk to Poole followed by St Cast, Nantes, Bordeaux, Castres, Arles and on to Salon or Le Vallon. The list prepared showing the squadrons supplying aircraft rather optimistically goes down to 26th June 1940. [17]

All was set at Salon for the arrival of bombers, which in keeping with the fishy theme, were referred to as baskets of fish.[18] The Wellington bombers were expected to arrive at 1500 hrs. on 11th June and a message from 'Haddock' confirmed that all twelve aircraft had arrived safely between 1530 hrs. and 1615 hrs.[19]

Notes

1          AIR 35 158 1A

2          AIR 35 158 20A

3          AIR 35 74  1A

4          AIR 35 158 18A

5          AIR 35 74  3A

6          AIR 35 74  7A

7          AIR 35 157 1A

8          AIR 35 157 7A

9          AIR 35 157 5A

10        AIR 35 157 8A

11        AIR 25 51/58 (Appendix) B.150

12        AIR 26 97 Diary for May 1940

13        AIR 35 157 10A

14        AIR 35 157 No number on document but dated 7/6/40.

15        AIR 25 51/58 (Appendix) B.148

16        AIR 35 157 31A

17        AIR 25 51/58 (Appendix) B.148

18        AIR 35 323 4A          "Told Haddock that the first basket of fish is being dispatched. They are prepared to receive them at any time." This is written in pencil at the bottom of 4A and is apparently a message to BAFF from Bomber Command.

19        AIR 35 157 35A

Chapter 2 to follow