206429 F/O Donald Grant Royal Air Force 50 Sqd from:Cullen, Banffshire, Scotland I have been left my uncle Donald Grant's RAF navigator's air bomber's and air gunner's flying log book. I found reading it really interesting, not just because he was my uncle, but the details of training, bombing raids and the eventual winding down of the war in Europe and return to peacetime.
At the start of his log he writes; After retreat to Dunkirk with 6th Gordons in 1940, volunteered for 9th Gordons but was sent to 1st Bn London Scottish in Kent, July 1940, saw "Battle of Britain" dog fights every day. Hated London Scottish, crazy about bayonet practice. I volunteered for commandos and airborne troops.
However, how he ended up in the RAF is a mystery. The log goes on though his training as, Wireless operator, Air gunner and Signals leader. It goes on to list all his ops, targets, aircraft, successes and failures.
On his third ops on 29th May 1943, he writes; Wuppertal, bloody shaky do, back on 2 engines, caught by searchlights over Cologne. First one engine hit by flak and knocked out, 2nd engine caught fire over North Sea - terrific flames. Pilot told us to fix on our 'shutes and be ready to bail out. Dived plane for at least 5000ft and fortunately fire went out.
My uncle went on to be on 32 bombing ops in total and survived the war and passed away only a few years ago. I hope many other people find this as interesting as I have. If I can help give anyone information from this logbook please contact me.
Additional Information: | My great uncle was Fred Tweedale who was in your uncles crew, they were transferred to 50 squadron together from 1660 conversion unit. My uncle was Kia after going with a different crew on 04/10/1943, his original crew with your uncle had finished their missions but Fred still had one left to do. My grandma, Fred sister met your uncle and they stayed in touch with Christmas cards until your uncle sadly passed away. Unfortunately Freds log book and medals were lost to the family, as he was with your uncle at their time in Skellingthorpe I would love to hear any information you have. He was with your uncle on the flight you describe.Debbie Willetts
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