Sunderland - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

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Sunderland - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

Sunderland

Name : Sunderland
Manufacturer : Short
Production Began : 1938
Retired : 1959
Number Built : 749

The Short Sunderland, Patrol and Reconnaissance Flying Boat. normal crew level 10. maximum speed of 210mph for Mark I, 205mph Mark II and Mark III, and 213mph Mark V. ceiling 17,900 feet and range of 2110 miles (mk I) 2880 miles for Mark V. endurance in the air 13.5 hours. The Sunderland carries 1 .303 machine gun in the nose, (mark I) and four .303 browning machine guns in the Tail Turret. Also in the Mark II four Vickers .303 inch machine guns were used in the body positions. and four browning machineguns in the nose flanks in the Mark III. Maximum bomb load of 4960 lbs. Based on the design of the Civil Empire class flying boat. The Short Sunderland entered service with the Royal Air Force in June 1938 with 230 squadron. and by the end of the war, 20 squadrons of the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force were equipped with Sunderland's. By the end of the production in 1946 a total of 749 were built, The roles the Short Sunderland played, mainly were in Maritime and anti Submarine duties, especially in the battle of the Atlantic, The Sunderland accounted for 58 U-Boats sunk or badly damaged. The Sunderland was also used in other theatres of the war and in the Mediterranean helped in the evacuation of troops from Crete and Greece, as well as helping in the evacuation of troops in Burma. The Short Sunderland remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1959. used during the Korean War, The Berlin Air Lift, and during Operation Firedog, , The Malayan Emergency.

Pilots and Aircrew for : Sunderland

A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.

Name

Info

Bishop, John
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Bishop, John

Joined the RAF in April 1943 from Edinburgh University Air Squadron and trained as a pilot in Rhodesia. In August 1944 he was posted to Diego Suarez to fly Catalina flying boats on anti-submarine patrols. He converted to Sunderlands at Mombassa on 209 Sqdn. and 57 MU also on Sunderlands until 1953. This included the Berlin airlift in 1948, flying from the river in Hamburg to Havel Lake, and flew in an anti-shipping role in Burma. At the end o fthe war in the Far East he flew form Hong Kong and Singapore until returning to the UK in Spetember 1946. He continued on 201 Sqd. Flying Boats until 1953. Thereafter he was mainly employed on V.I.P. duties flying from Malta, Northolt, Fontainebleau, Bovingdon and White Waltham. He flew 173 ops and 1800 hours on Sunderlands and 1800 hours on Devons out of a total of 6250 flying hours. The last fiver years of his service was as an Air Traffic Controller at R.A.F. Benson and RAF Abingdon.

Brant, G W
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Brant, G W

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Britton, George
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Britton, George

Joining the RAF in 1941, George trained on Wellington and Stirlings as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. Converting to Lancasters he was posted to 90 Squadron for his first operational tour, and then to 186 Squadron, still on Lancasters. George then found himself designated to be an Intelligence Officer at Lossiemouth, interrogating Italian POWs Finally, before leaving the service in 1946, he served in Sunderland flying boats, flying to West Africa, Europe and Scandinavia.

Burnside, Dudley
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Died : 20 / 9 / 2005

Burnside, Dudley

Dudley joined the RAF in 1935 and in 1937 went to India flying on the North West Frontier, and Iraq. At the outbreak of war he went to Burma and in 1942 was fortunate to escape when his airfield was overrun by the Japanese. Escaping back to England he took command of 195 Squadron RCAF flying Wellingtons. In 1943 he became CO of 427 Squadron on Halifaxs, later converting to Lancasters. In the Korean War he commanded a Flying Boat Wing operating Sunderlands. He retired from the RAF in 1962. He died 20th September 2005.

Campbell, W. W
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Campbell, W. W

Pilot of Sunderland L5804, that the Italian Submarines "Argonauta" on 28 June, 1940, The crew spotted a periscope and attacked with 2 250lb anti submarine bombs, and the Submarine was seen to rise and then vertically down, wreakage and oil was seen, the Italian Submarine was captained by Tenente d. Voscello Vittorio Cavocchic Scalamonti and the "Rubino", on the 29th June 1940 for these successes F/L W W Campbell, was awarded a DFC The crew spotted a partially surfaced Submarine and attacked it at 1000 feet with 2 250 anti submarine bombs and gain a second time with two more. Survivors were spotted in the sea and with deteriorating weather Campbell landed the Sunderland and picked up 4 submarine crew on the 26th August 1940 Campbell was the pilot of another Sunderland which he had to alight from in Greek waters and was interned by the Greeks

Davies, Leonard
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Davies, Leonard

Joined 151 Squadron in July 1940 and was wounded in combat over the Thames estuary on August 18th of that year. He later flew Sunderlands in the Middle East.

Davies, T I
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Davies, T I

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Devany,
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Devany,

Was Air Gunner of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Dillon, Ken
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Dillon, Ken

Was 2nd Pilot of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Doyle, 'Lofty'
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Doyle, 'Lofty'

Was on the crew of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Dulieu, Dick
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Dulieu, Dick

HMS Amethyst was trapped on the Yangste river by the Commusnist forces. The third Sunderland to drop supplies and crew to the Amethyst was ML772. Also the following day piloted by Dick Dulieu flying out of Shanghai made a reconnaissance flight over the Yangtse, only again to be fired on by the Communist forces, which holed the Sunderland in the port main fuel tank and it had to return to Kai Tak on the 24th. Flying Officer Dick Dulieu flew a second Sunderland NJ176 to Shanghai.

Ewens, R W
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Ewens, R W

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Gray, Don
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Gray, Don

No.88 Sqn, Sunderlands. Involved in the Yagtse incident.

Hamel, Ian de
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Died : 2003

Hamel, Ian de

Flt Lt Ian de Hamel flew Sunderlands with Coastal Command, 1944-1945. His introduction to flying was with the University Air Squadron whilst at Oxford, and he volunteered as a pilot in the RAF in 1942. His request to be allowed to serve on flying boats was granted due to his experience and skill in sailing, and he trained with the US Navy at Pensacola. However, due to the RAFs insistence that all flying boat pilots must also be fully trained navigators, he flew on Oxfords for a while before starting operations on Sunderlands with 228 Sqn at Pembroke Dock. These consisted of long and exhausting patrols hunting U-Boats in the Bay of Biscay and the North Atlantic before his transfer, as Captain, to 201 Sqn, also at Pembroke Dock. His flying career ended with this unit at Calshot in 1945 when he left the RAF. He died in 2003.

Hodgkinson, V
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Hodgkinson, V

Joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1937 (Service no 463). He was posted to No. 10 Sqdn. RAAF in the UK in January 1940 flying Sunderlands from Pembroke Dock and went on to serve until 1942 flying operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean from bases in Pembroke Dock, Oban, Plymouth, Gibraltar and Alexandria (Egypt). In 1942 he was posted back to No. 20 Sqdn. in Australia flying Catalinas from Cairns on bombing raids over Japanese bases and anti-shipping patrols throughout the Solomon Islands and north of New Guinea . He went on to complete 44 operations and commanded this squadron until 1943 before becoming Chief Flying Instructor, Catalinas 3 OTU Rathmines. Vic later formed and commanded No. 40 Sqdn. RAAF Sunderlands, Port Moresby, New Guinea until 1945. He retired from the RAAF in 1946 to join BOAC, Hythe, flying their civil Sunderland conversions - Hythes, Sandringhams and Solents. Vic transferred to landplanes in 1950 flying Canadair "Argonauts", Bristol "Britannias, DH Comet 4s, 707-436s and 336s. Vic retired in 1971 having amassed 19,300 hours, including some 4,300 hours on Flying Boats. In his retirement Vic is currently restoring and maintaining a Sandringham Flying Boat at the Southampton Hall of Aviation.

Hudson, F E
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Hudson, F E

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Lee, Peter Denis
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Died : 6 / 5 / 2014

Lee, Peter Denis

Peter joined the RAF in August 1941 as an airman and later trained as a navigator in Canada before joining Coastal Command. During a night navigation training flight on May 12 1944 his Catalina flying boat crashed in the Western Isles and three of the 10-man crew were killed. After a period recovering in hospital, Lee joined No 490 (NZ) Squadron, equipped with the Sunderland flying boats. In July that year, he was the navigator on a flight from Oban in Scotland to Jui, 15 miles upriver from Freetown in Sierra Leone. â€œIt was a delightful summer evening as we taxied up the Sound of Kerrara,â€ he recalled. After refuelling in Gibraltar, the aircraft headed down the coasts of French and Spanish Morocco. Seven hours into the flight an engine failed and the pilot landed on the sea to allow repairs, which involved clearing out the oil filter. Shortly after taking off, the other three engines were similarly affected and the pilot was forced to alight again. It was thought that the aircraft might have been sabotaged in Gibraltar. One engine became unusable, preventing the aircraft from taking off. Throughout the night the aircraft was taxied towards the coast and at dawn they were informed that a second Sunderland had suffered the same fate and had been forced to alight on the sea some 30 miles away. The two aircraft rendezvoused and at dusk a Free French gunboat intercepted the drifting Sunderlands. A tow was established but the rope broke and the aircrews were forced to spend a second night on the sea. A larger American gunboat re-established a tow but, after 150 miles, with the sea becoming increasingly rough, one of the floats on Leeâ€™s aircraft was damaged. Despite a valiant attempt by the flight engineer to make repairs whilst balanced precariously on the wing tip, the situation worsened â€“ he was awarded the BEM for gallantry. The flying boat was in danger of sinking and the crew had to take to the dinghy and were picked up by the French boat, which then sank the Sunderland by gunfire. â€œAfter some confusion and several misses the Sunderland was finally hit, caught fire and gracefully sank beneath the waves,â€ recalled Lee. Leeâ€™s crew spent another night at sea before reaching Agadir from where they continued to Gibraltar. They finally reached Jui, after a seven-week journey, where they rejoined No 490 Squadron to carry out anti-U-boat patrols off the West African coast. After completing his flying tour, Lee remained on the staff of Air HQ West Africa. He left the RAF with the rank of flying officer in November 1946.

Letford, Ken
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Letford, Ken

Was Captain of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Mahon, A W L Paddy
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Mahon, A W L Paddy

Started his 37 year career in the Royal Air Force in 1930 when he enlisted as an Aircraft Apprentice at Halton. he served as Metal Rigger and later as an Aircraft Fitter on Fleet Air stations and ships, for a while on Queen Bee aircraft. In 1937 he finally succeeded in selection as an Airman Pilot. EFTS at Bristol, SFTS at South Cerney, Maritime Recce at Thorney Island, and finally Flying Boat School at Calshot. There he learned his craft as a "Boat" pilot on ageing Supermarine Scapas formerly used by 202 Squadron, Malta. On completion he was posted to 228 Squadrion at Pembroke Dock which was in process of re-equipping with Stranraers. In December 1938 he was 2nd pilot on the collection from Rochester of the Squadron's first Sunderland. In June 1939 the Squadron moved to Alexandria for Naval Co-operation Exercises. In addition to these the Sunderlands were used for long range V.I.P. flights and for transport around the Med. In course of these, the crew of which Sgt Mahon was a member, visited Malta, Bizerta, Cairo, Cyprus and for the third time Athens, leaving on 2nd September 1939. The Squadron was ordered home to Pembroke Dock on September 9th and immediately started the round of convoy escorting anti-submarine sweeps and general maritime tasks covering from Norway to Malta. On 24th November Sgt Mahon was one of the crew detailed to search for the "Deutschland" after it had sunk the armed merchant cruiser "Jervis Bay". The operation involved the crew in 15 hours of flying in the most severe weather. Detachments to the Shetlands often meant the whole crew living on the aircraft for several days at a time because the weather prevented small craft coming along side but flying by day continued. In June 1940 he was seconded to 10 RAAF Squadron at Mount Batten to increase their roll of qualified first Pilots. One of his first trips was to convey Lord Gort and Mr Duff Cooper to Rabat on an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Sultan of Morocco to continue the war on its allies' side. That trip earned the Captain a DFC. In the months he spent with 10 Squadron several trips were made to Malta supporting the Hurricane reinforcement by aircraft carriers conveying essential ground personnel and equipment including one load of several tons of Browning gun links, none of which were held on the island. In February 1941 it was back to "two layers of wing". He was posted to 202 Squadron at Gibraltar, which was flying Saro Londons but expected to be re-equipped with Sunderlands. He travelled as a "passenger" on a 10 Squadron aircraft in company with Anthony Eden and Lord Dill. That trip is recorded in several books on the Sunderland as being "special". It was Sgt Mahon's last ever time flying in a Sunderland as 202 Squadron were subsequently re-equipped with Catalinas. The transfer meant flying to UK with a London, a memorable trip of over 15 hours. Qualifying courses at Stranraer on the Catalina led to the ferrying flight back to Gibraltar. Unfortunately on Sgt Mahon's ferry trip the elevator controls failed en route and the attempted landing at Gibraltar using only trim tabs resulted in a serious crash ending his flying career. After a long period of hospital and subsequent rehabilitation, he reverted to his ground trade. He was commissioned into the Technical Branch in which he served until 1967 being awarded the MBE in 1963.

Marrows, Dudley
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Marrows, Dudley

On 30 July 1943, Dudley Marrows captained Sunderland U/461 Sqn., and took part in the "Greatest air/U-boat battle of WWII". During the engagement, all three U-boats were sunk, whilst Marrow's Sunderland 'U' of 461 accounted for U/461. On 16 September, 1943, his Sunderland was attacked by six JU88s, after having battled them for more than an hour, shooting one down and loosing three engines in the process, he force landed on the Bay of Biscay in a 15' swell. His Sunderland, riddled with bullet holes subsequently sank with all crew surviving to be rescued by the Royal Navy. Marrows then Captained one of six Sunderlands to Australia for service with 40 Sqn. RAAF.

Marshall, Maurice
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Marshall, Maurice

Was Navigator of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Moreby, Gerry
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Moreby, Gerry

Gerry Moreby was part of the crew of a Sunderland flying boat that went to aid HMS Amethyst during the famed Yangtse Incident of 1949.

In 1949, No.88 Sunderland Squadron was stationed at Kai Tak, Hong Kong. We were mainly occupied with the transport of mail and freight between Japan, Singapore and Borneo. Sunderlands were particularly useful where there were no adequate airfields. On the afternoon of 20th April we heard that HMS Amethyst had been fired on by Chinese Communists guns on the Yangtse River. There were urgent talks between the Royal Navy and RAF and it was decided to send an aircraft to Nanking with medical supplies. These would then be sent overland to the Amethyst. All this changed when it was learned that the Amethyst's M.O. had been killed. The plan was now for a Sunderland to land on the river as close to the ship as possible, so that an RAF doctor could be sent on board. The crew of Sunderland Dâ€”Dog ML772 was Flt. Lt. Ken Letford DSO DFC (Captain), P.O. Ken Dillon (2nd Pilot), Flt. Lt. Maurice Marshall (Nav.), Engr.1 Lofty Doyle, Sig.1 Gerry Moreby (Wop/Air), Sig.2 Price (Wop/Air) and Gunner Devany (AG). Also on board was Gp. Capt. J.M. Jefferson, Station Commander, RAF Kai Tak. Flt. Lt. Michael Fernley RAF Medical Officer, a Royal Navy Medical Officer plus two Army Despatchers whose names are unknown. Gp. Capt. Jefferson had elected to make the trip himself and the two experienced Army parachute droppers were included as they would be able to accurately release supplies over the ship if a landing was not possible. We had reached the Yangste, flying at 5000ft when we were told by HMS London that landing under heavy fire would be too dangerous and we were ordered back to Shanghai at the mouth of the river. After lunch we heard that the Amethyst's situation was even more desperate than first reported so it was decided to try again. We took off again at about 16.3Ohrs. During the flight it was realised that there might not be enough time to transfer the cases of medical supplies to the ship so we broke open the boxes and the doctors filled their pockets and knapsacks with plasma, anaesthetics etc. As we got closer to HMS Amethyst, Ken Letford came down very low along a creek. Suddenly, there was the main river in front of us and as we circled we saw the ship close to the sand bank, the crew waving to us from the deck. Ken decided to land in the lee of the Amethyst where we would have some protection from the communist batteries. The landing was uneventful and we came to rest less than 100 yards from the Amethyst. Monaghan, the Amethyst's Commissioned Gunner had left Amethyst in a sampan rowed by chinese women. He persuaded them to row to the aircraft, We opened the door and Monaghan climbed in. At that moment the Communists opened fire and Michael Fearnley saw that the terrified women were rowing away rapidly, so, he hurriedly jumped in the sampan which proceeded to zigâ€”zag away back to the Amethyst, leaving Monaghan and the Naval Doctor plus most of the medical supplies behind on the aircraft. Although everything was open and the anchor down, Ken Letford shouted that he was going to take off at once. Sig. Price and myself rushed down to the bows and chopped the anchor free. The rest of us shut what doors we could and we climbed away, pursued by fire from the Chinese guns. As most of the medical supplies destined for the Amethyst had not been delivered and were still aboard Dâ€”Dog we decided to make another attempt the next day and this time we were to take a Padre with us to bury the dead. This time the Gp. Capt. demanded and got a much fuller briefing. On the second sortie (22.04.49) we successfully landed alongside HMS Amethyst, opened the rear door and launched a rubber dinghy, attaching it by rope. Once again several bursts of shell and other gunfire forced us yet again into an immediate takeâ€”off. Goodbye dinghy. We were airborne again on 23.04.49 from Shanghai to carry out reconnaissance in the area where HMS Amethyst was. We were hit by ground fire and the port main tank was holed causing heavy leaking into the bomb bay. Also on landing we discovered the main aileron control wire between the Signaller's position and the Captain's position running along the floor, was almost severed and that two bullets were lodged in the Navigator's computer which was in his Nav's bag. The bullets had entered through the portside of the wardroom, continuing upwards through the control housing in the floor of the upper deck. Luckily, the computer had stopped the bullets travelling in line for the Gp. Capt.'s bottom, which was strategically placed between the two pilots. Also, the 0.5in round that had entered the starboard side, passed through the sleeve of Ken Dillon#39;s uniform and did no harm, so we all reckoned that lady luck had been on our side. Quite an eventful few days away from Kaiâ€”Tak.

Moss, J
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Moss, J

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Murphy, M
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Murphy, M

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Nicoll, Alan
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Nicoll, Alan

Joined the RAF in February 1939 and trained as an Observer (Navigator). His first posting was to 44 Squadron newly equipped with the Hampden bomber at RAF Waddington. When war was declared on 3rd September 1939 he was immediately involved in operations flying that night on the very first sortie of WW2. By the end of 1940 he had completed a full tour of 37 raids before being commissioned and selected for advanced navigation training in Canada. He was subsequently posted to Rhodesia as a navigational instructor and examiner. He completed Pilot training before returning to the UK where he qualified as a Sunderland flying boat Captain serving at Calshot and Pembroke Dock. In 1956 he took the last RAF aircraft to moor up in the Pool of London for "Battle of Britain" celebrations. A posting to RAF Seletar (Singapore) followed where Sunderlands were finally retired from service in 1959. He then served on Shackletons and in Transport Command before retiring in 1975.

O'Brien, W A
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

O'Brien, W A

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Price,
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Price,

Was on the crew of Sunderland ML772 as it landed to assist HMS Amethyst during the Yangtse Incident, flying on 21st to 23rd April 1949.

Soanes , W A
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Died : 17 / 9 / 1939

Soanes , W A

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Soffe , F J
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Died : 7 / 9 / 1939

Soffe , F J

Killed on 17th September 1939 when his Sunderland Mk.1 L2165 DA-B of no.210 Sqn crashed into the sea near Milford Haven.

Woolley, Denis
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Died : 28 / 12 / 2009

Woolley, Denis

Flight Lieutenant Dennis William, Woolley. DFC, DFM. 106 (5 Group) and 83 (S-PFF- Group) Squadrons. 1940 - Volunteered for air crew service. 1941 - Trained as an Air Observer in Manitoba. 1942 - Did 1st tour, on Manchesters (6 trips) and on Lancasters (27 trips). Awarded DFM. 1942 - 3 - Instructor at Winthorpe, Notts. 1943 - Engaged in special operations relating to the advancement of the Italian campaign. Based latterly in Sicily. 1944 - Did 2nd tour in Bomber Command in 83 (PFF) Squadron. 25 trips in Lancasters. Awarded DFC and Pathfinder Badge. 1944 - 5 - Joined Transport Command, Transatlantic Ferry Unit based at Darval, Montreal. 1945 - 6 - Seconded to what is now known as British Airways. Based at Poole, navigating Sunderland flying boats to and from Singapore. 1946 - Demobilised. A long time resident of Chipstead, Denis Woolley, died on 28th of December 2009, at the age of 89. The following Obituary was prepared by Rupert Courtenay-Evans: Denis Woolley was born in London and as a boy lived in Kew. He was educated at Latimer Upper School, which he enjoyed. When he left school he briefly went to work at the Gas, Light and Coke Company; however when war was declared he joined the RAFVR as a navigator on the grounds of not liking the sound of the sea or army and his love of maths at school! His initial operational training of navigation, bombing and gunnery was mainly in Canada, because of the practical difficulties of flying in Britain at the time. Navigation at night in those pre-radar days involved astral navigation which depended on seeing the stars as well being able to fly straight and level for 15 minutes, often not very safe or practical on night raids over enemy occupied Europe as Denis would jokingly say. He went on to become an expert in all forms of more sophisticated electronic navigational equipment including G, Oboe and H2S which were radar systems. On return to England in 1942, he joined an operational bomber squadron at Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a sergeant navigator. Initially he was in the poorly performing Manchester bombers, but after six trips the squadron was converted to its successor, the Lancaster bomber and all his subsequent 27 trips with this unit were in these aircraft. Most of these trips were with Guy Gibson as squadron commander, with whom he seemed to get on very well. With the exception of two, all trips were at night, which of course relied very heavily on navigational skills. Of the two day trips one was to Le Cressau, which involved flying at 250 feet to avoid the enemy flack and the other was over the Alps to bomb Milan, which turned out to be very poorly defended by recruits firing rifles, and all the aircraft got back safely! After a brief tour to Sicily as an instructor to help set up a bomber base from which to attack Italy more easily in support of the advancing ground forces, which, in Denis`s words, was abortive as the Italians surrendered immediately! He returned to operational flying in England and was considered good enough to be commissioned and to join the newly formed Pathfinder Force under the brilliant Australian airman Don Bennett. Pathfinder Force or Group 8 was set up against the wishes of Bomber Harris, the chief of Bomber Command, but with the agreement of Churchill. Its purpose was to reduce casualties, and to improve the accuracy of identifying targets at night, by marking not only the appropriate route to the target, but also the target itself by a force of selected crews specialised in these skills. Harris was against it as he felt it would create jealousy and have an adverse on effect on morale. The Pathfinder planes, which roughly were in a ratio of 1 to 15 of the main force, which could be 800 or more strong, would lead the raid to the target along the pre-arranged route often with diversionary tactics, then drop their marker bombs and leave. Denis modestly used to say that the German gunners let Pathfinders through safely and then concentrated their fire on the following main force. Denis was not only selected to join Group 8 but went on to be a Master Bomber whose role had been extended to be a sort of Master of Ceremonies, whose plane circulated the target correcting aiming points and co-ordinating the raid by radio. Denis did his final 6 trips in this position, thus completing 58 bombing raids without being shot down, such was his luck as he would say, but others would put it down to his skill and calmness under stress. Denis always said that every bomber crew set off on a raid convinced that they would not be shot down on that trip. At this stage the RAF decided to take him off further combat flights, enough was enough. He completed his service with Transport Command and was demobbed in 1946. He ended his RAF career as a Flight Lt. with the DFC, the DFM and the cherished Pathfinders Badge. After the war he had hoped to continue his flying career with BOAC, the fore-runner of BA, but they unexpectedly decided to charge him a Â£500 training fee, which he did not have, and probably thought was unnecessary. Instead he joined the Bank of England. He died 28th December 2009.

Squadrons :
No.210 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
T I Davies
N. C. Boyle
G W Brant
R W Ewens
M Murphy
F J Soffe
W A Soanes
F E Hudson
J Moss
W A O'Brien

Historical Notes :
17-09-1939 - Crashed into the sea near Milford Haven. F/Lt T I Davies killed, P/O G W Sutton killed, P/O G W Brant killed, Cpl R W Ewens killed, AC1 M Murphy killed, AC1 F J soffe killed, AC1 W A Soanes killed, AC1 F E Hudson killed, AC2 J Moss killed, AC2 W A O'Brien killed.

Squadrons :
No.230 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
W. W Campbell

Historical Notes :
25-02-1941 - Sank in gale.Scaramanga Greecen broke free from its moorings and was completely written off. The following day the squadron (230), began to salvage spares from the wreck.
28-06-1940 - attack and sank the Italian Submarines "Argonauta" The pilot of L5804, F/L W W Campbell,
29-06-1940 - 29th June 1940 for these successes F/L W W Campbell, was awarded a DFC The crew spotted a partially surfaced Submarine and attacked it at 1000 feet with 2 250 anti submarine bombs and gain a second time with two more. Survivors were spotted in the sea and with deteriorating weather Campbell landed the Sunderland and picked up 4 submarine crew for these successes F/L W W Campbell, was awarded a DFC (on the 26th August 1940 Campbell was the pilot of another Sunderland which he had to alight from in Greek waters and was interned by the Greeks )

Squadrons :
No.88 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
Ken Letford
Ken Dillon
Maurice Marshall
'Lofty' Doyle
Price
Devany
Gerry Moreby

Historical Notes :
21-04-1949 - Made first attempt to assist HMS Amethyst on the Yangtze River.
22-04-1949 - Assisted HMS Amethyst on the Yangtze River.
23-04-1949 - Damaged by ground fire while on reconnaissance to assist HMS Amethyst on the Yangtze River.

Squadrons :
No.422 Sqn RCAF
No.330 Sqn RAF

Squadrons :
No.500 Sqn RAF
No.228 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
J. J. C. Batty

Historical Notes :
10-09-1939 - Landed downwind due to bad weather, S/Ldr G L Menzies rescued.

Known Individual Aircraft : Sunderland :
Type	Serial	Codes	First Flew	Squadron History	Aircrew History	History Notes	Engine	Factory
Sunderland I	L2165	DA-B	-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Sunderland I	L5804	NM-S	-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Sunderland	ML772	D	-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Sunderland	ML814		-	*details*	*no information*	*no information*
Sunderland I	N6135	DQ-U	-	*details*	*details*	*details*

Squadrons for : Sunderland
A list of all squadrons known to have flown the Sunderland. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
Squadron	Info
No.201 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Hic et ubique - Here and everywhere Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.201 Sqn RAF	No.201 Sqn RAF 201 Squadron is one of the oldest squadrons in the RAF. It began as No. 1 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) on 17 October 1914, and reformed on under that designation on 6 December 1916,and being renumbered to 201 Squadron on the formation of the RAF on 1 April 1918 No 201 reformed with Southampton flying boats and based at Calshot. These had been replaced by Londons by the time of World War II, and the unit found itself patrolling the Shetland-Norway gap. The following year, No 201 received Sunderlands and commenced anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic until the U-boat menace had been defeated. The Squadron also joined the successful Channel blockade prior to the D-Day it also had the distinction of carrying the final Coastal Command patrol of the War on 3 June 1945. The Sunderlands soldiered on, even taking part in the Berlin Airlift, until 1957 when the Squadron was disbanded. No 201 reformed at St Mawgan on 1 October 1958 with the new Shackleton Mk3s and moving to Kinloss in 1965. The 'Shacks' remained until 1970 when the unit received its first Nimrods, and these have seen action in both the South Atlantic, Gulf (twice) and Balkans conflicts.
No.202 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Semper vigilate - Be always vigilant Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.202 Sqn RAF	No.202 Sqn RAF 202 Squadron's origins started with the formation of No. 2 Squadron Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) at Eastchurch on 17 October 1914. and was renumbered No. 202 Squadron on 1 April 1918. Supermarine Scapas, the Squadron's first flying boats, continuing to fly patrols over the Mediterranean Sea throughout the 1930s, with Supermarine Scapa from May 1935 and these were replaced in September 1937 with Saro Londons which were flown on anti-submarine patrols. During the Second World War, 202 Squadron flew anti-submarine patrols from RAF Gibraltar with Saro London, Consolidated Catalina and Short Sunderland flying boats and some Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers until 1944, when it moved with their Catalinas to RAF Castle Archdale, Northern Ireland, disbanding there on 12 June 1945
No.204 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 28th April 1972 Praedam man quaero - I seek my prey in the sea Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.204 Sqn RAF	No.204 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.209 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st December 1968 City of Hong Kong Might and main Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.209 Sqn RAF	No.209 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.210 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st April 1918 Fate : Disbanded 15th November 1971 Yn y nwyfre yn hedfan - Hovering in the heavens Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.210 Sqn RAF	No.210 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.228 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 20th August 1918 Fate : Disbanded 1st September 1964 Auxilium a caelo - Help from the sky Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.228 Sqn RAF	No.228 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.230 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 20th August 1918 Kita chari juah - We seek far Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.230 Sqn RAF	No.230 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.330 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 25th April 1941 Fate : Disbanded 21st November 1945 Norwegian Trygg havet - Guarding the seas Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.330 Sqn RAF	No.330 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.422 Sqn RCAF Country : Canada Founded : 2nd April 1942 Fate : Disbanded 3rd September 1945 This arm shall do it Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.422 Sqn RCAF	No.422 Sqn RCAF This squadron and No.423 Sqn were the only Canadian squadrons to fly the Sunderland.
No.423 Sqn RCAF Country : Canada Founded : 18th May 1942 Fate : Disbanded 3rd September 1945 Quaerimus et petimus - We search and strike Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.423 Sqn RCAF	No.423 Sqn RCAF Formed at Oban on 18th May 1942 flying Sunderlands, the squadron moved to Lough Erne on 3rd November 1942. Later they re-equipped with Liberators at Bassingbourn and were part of Transport Command. This squadron and No.422 Sqn were the only Canadian squadrons to fly the Sunderland.
No.461 Sqn RAAF Country : Australia Founded : 25th April 1942 Fate : Disbanded 20th June 1945 They shall not pass unseen Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.461 Sqn RAAF	No.461 Sqn RAAF Full profile not yet available.
No.490 Sqn RNZAF Country : New Zealand Founded : 28th March 1943 Fate : Disbanded 30th June 1945 Taniwha kei runga - The taniwha is in the air Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.490 Sqn RNZAF	No.490 Sqn RNZAF Full profile not yet available.
No.88 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 24th July 1917 Fate : Disbanded 17th December 1962 Hong Kong En garde - Be on your guard Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.88 Sqn RAF	No.88 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.95 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 8th October 1917 Fate : Disbanded 30th June 1945 Trans mare exivi - I went out over the sea Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.95 Sqn RAF	No.95 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.

Last edited : 12:16, April 13, 2017
Last editor : kc

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