Length of Tours

[smudgersmith218]

Gents,

While researching the exploits of W/Cdr Arthur James Samson DFC ( former flight commander, 218 Squadron) I chanced upon this page in the No.33 Base ORB. I found it interesting to read the thoughts of the C/O's and station commander. The meeting was chaired by Air Commodore Gayford CBE DFC AFC on January 31st 1944. Perhaps the topic was on the agenda due to the very heavy operational losses over the winter of 1943/44 against Berlin?

Regards

Steve

[K4KittyCrew]

Tour expired after 25 ? ................. Wonder if Harris knew of such comment.

I have read of individuals being 'tour expired' at different numbers of ops but only for crews that had done a second tour or more.
Example - Most crew may have done say, 60 ops but a individual or two in the crew may have only done, say 58 & 59 ............... The whole crew were deemed as 'tour expired' after that given op.
John

[smudgersmith218]

Hi John,

I have come across a number of occasions when crews were taken off operations before reaching the magical 30 operations. On 218 Squadron during the winter of 1943 a number of crews were tour expired with 25 operations to their credit. This was obviously a decision by the squadron commander, I think if anything this was more to keep up morale on the squadron. On the flipside of this I have a 218 crew, F/Lt Klenner RAAF who completed 40 operations on their first tour, this was however late 1944 – early 1945. I have never heard of a first tour of 40 operations before.

Steve

[PAFG]

Interesting find Steve - I wonder what was driving this further up the chain? Nothing in the B.C ORB relates to this.

Cheers,

Richard

[smudgersmith218]

Hi Richard,

I very much doubt if this went any higher than No.33 Base Commander.

My perception on it is simple, losses and morale. The high operational losses being sustained by the Lancaster equipped squadrons of No.3 Group during the winter months of 1943/ 1944 and the debacle of Berlin were having a detrimental effect of crew morale. Seasoned senior officers on the front line (many of whom were operating) were astute enough to see the signs amongst the aircrews.

I cannot think of any other reason, would be interested to hear any other members thoughts !

Steve