Last updated on
10 June, 2009
|
| Reference | AIR20/8474 | ||
| Name of operation | MAGDALEN (not completed) | Date of operation | 16-17 Oct 1943 |
| Aircraft | Lysander F | Squadron | 161 Squadron, RAF |
| Based at | RAF Tangmere, Sussex, UK | Pilot(s) | F/O Bathgate |
| Personnel In | - | Packages In | - |
| Personnel Out | - | Packages Out | several |
| Area | France | Pinpoint | near Compiègne |
| Recognition signal | "F" | Answering signal | "N" |
| Takeoff | 21:30 | Landing | - |
| Time on ground | - | ||
| Takeoff | - | Landing | 01:45 |
[Note: this information was copied from the original typed report filed under reference AIR20/8474 held in the UK National Archives]
Meteorological report
Weather was excellent although the visibility was poor in places.Enemy opposition
Searchlights from several unidentified towns and aerodromes. Light flak from an aerodrome.Report by pilot
Owing to changing winds the coast was crossed about 30 miles to the port off track. The coast was not identified and Compiègne could not be found. Map reading was extremely difficult as the rivers did not show up owing to the the base, although the moon was quite bright. In actual fact I was in an area which was not on my maps. Consequently the towns that were passed could not be identified.
Flight Commander's Remarks
Bathgate was put across the coast by V.H.F. with the error referred to. This is an exceptional case of error in R.D.F. plotting.
S/L Verity
Remarks by OC 161 Squadron
None.
W/Cmdr Hodges