Ulster Aviation Society

Operations: Part two

For nearly a year, 120 was the only operational VLR squadron in RAFCC, albeit it rarely had more than nine aircraft available. Then, in January 1942, 220 Sqn was moved from Wick to Nutts Corner to convert from Hudsons to Fortresses, a very small number of which managed to achieve operational status in April. In May and June, the VLR force at Nutts Corner was briefly enhanced by four Liberators and seven Lancasters respectively of 160 and 44 Sqns, detached from bases in England but whereas their presence was welcome, U-Boats were still managing to avoid being sunk by Province-based aircraft. In fact, no U-Boats were sunk in the first six months of 1942 by RAFCC aircraft anywhere. Not surprisingly, the total of operational U-Boats increased steadily, reaching 200 in November yet at the end of the year 15 Group's strength in the Province consisted of just 120 and 220 Sqns at Ballykelly plus three Sunderland squadrons at Lough Erne, i.e. 201,228 and 423 Sqn RCAF. This was a reflection of the extent to which RAFCC was over-stretched everywhere.

At long last, locally-based aircraft opened their account against the U-Boats. The precise number sunk will long remain a matter for reassessment and debate but at least 18 were accounted for between February and November 1943. It is invidious and potentially misleading to do so but for what it's worth it may be noted that Fortresses sank three, Sunderlands five and Liberators ten, the most successful unit being 86 Sqn, which accounted for seven. As an indication of the intensity of the conflict, no less than three U-Boats were sunk in one day, 8 October 1943, two by Liberators of 86 Sqn the third by a Sunderland of 423 Sqn. Some details arising out of the Sunderland's action will serve to highlight a few poignant aspects of the conflict in general. The Sunderland was patrolling astern of a convoy at about 7.30 pm when the submarine, U-610, was sighted just a few hundred yards away as the aircraft emerged from some low cloud. The pilot, F/O Russell banked hard and attacked from 100 feet. Only 3 of the 4 depth charges selected released but two of them perfectly straddled the U-Boat which was lifted out of the water before disappearing. As the Sunderland came round again, some men could be seen in the water amidst the debris and oil, however none were rescued. Launched in December 1941 U-610 was on her fourth patrol and had sunk 4 ships and damaged another. F/O Russell was awarded the DFC.

On 5 December, he and four of his crew were passengers in another of the squadron's Sunderlands which crashed into Knocklayd Mountain near Ballycastle killing 9 and injuring 7 of those on board. Russell and two of his particular crew were among the injured; his other two colleagues from the U-610 incident were killed.

On Monday 14 May, the formal surrender of U-Boats was taken at Lisahally by the Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches. They came in convoy from Loch Alsh, escorted, appropriately, by a Sunderland, Wellington and Liberator of 15 Group with surface escort by representative ships of Western Approaches Command. Thus the Battle ended, at huge cost in lives, ships and aircraft. RAFCC's losses overall came to 5866 men, 1630 of them from the Dominions and Allied nations, and about 1800 aircraft, including about 300 in non operational accidents.

Overall, about 170 U-Boats were sunk exclusively by RAFCC aircraft, in all theatres. The most successful period was the record year of 1943 when 84 were destroyed, 18 of them (21%) by aircraft based in Northern Ireland. It is but a crude measure of effectiveness because it takes no account of the numerous times that the mere presence of a patrolling aircraft was sufficient to prevent a ship being attacked. Nor does it take account of the long hours endured on patrol by many aircraft crews, some of whom went through the Battle without even seeing a U-Boat.

1. Short Sunderland III, taking off from Lough Erne. The aircraft belongs to 422 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force based at Castle Archdale.

2. Low level oblique shot taken from Sunderland EK591on 10th March 1944 after attacking U-625, a Type VIIC U-boat. Six depth charges form the Sunderland straddled the U-Boats stern. The submarine submerged only to resurface 3 minutes later in badly damaged condition.The picture shows the crew taking to their dinghies as the submarine sinks some one and a half hours after being depth-charged by the Sunderland. None of the 53 crew survived the ordeal.

3. Crew from a 120 Squadron B-24 Liberator pictured at Ballykelly during September 1944. Note the radar antenna for the Mk2 radar above the triangular section of glazing.The Royal Australian Air Force had darker uniforms than their RAF counterparts.
The crew are from left to right: Warrant Officer (WO) Ken Brickly ( Wireless operator Air Gunner, RAAF) Flight Sergeant Dick Watkins( Wireless Operator Mechanic, RAF); WO Alwyn Jay ( Navigator Bombardier, RAF) Flight Lieutentant Arthur Steel (Co-Pilot, RAF); Squadron Leader Leonard Taylor (Captain, RAF); Pilot Officer Allan Petersen (Co-Navigator, RAAF); Sergeant Bob George( Flight Engineer, RAF); WO Geoff Oliver(Wireless Operator Air Gunner, RAAF); PO Arch Liddell( Wireless Operator Air Gunner, RAAF)

4. Surrendered U-Boats at Lisahally, 12th June 1945. There are 9 of the type XXI class (1600 tons carrying 23 torpedoes), four of the type IX class (1120 tons) and 39 of the type VII class (769 tons - 999 tons depending on mark). A total of fifty two U-Boats. A tripartite agreement between the USA, USSR and Great Britain stated that surrendered U-Boats had to be sunk in waters deeper than 100 metres by February 15th 1946. Operation Deadlight followed and the U-Boats were towed into the Atlantic, north west of Donegal to be sunk by demolition charges or torpedoed.