November 1942
Genesis of the Strike Wing
Even though the operations did not include 404 aircraft, it is important to note that the first mission by a 'Strike Wing' was carried out on 20 November. The brainchild of Air Chief Marshal Philip Joubert de la Ferte, this unit would comprise a torpedo squadron with an associated anti-flak unit. Only two weeks were put into the training of such a complex tactic. The torpedo unit not fully equipped or trained and only one Beaufighter squadron was available to fly anti-flak support. It was not surprising that the mission, flown from North Coates, was to be a disaster - one small vessel was sunk for the loss of five aircraft.
After a hiatus of four months, Northwood again focused on the development of the Strike Wing. Lessons had been learned from the November attacks, and some developments in weapon research led to increased optimism about the efficacy of the Wing. A top-secret weapon had been developed which showed potential to counter the flak threat from escort vessels to the attacking torpedo bombers. Originally called UP for unrotated (or rocket) projectile, in the future it would be known as a rocket projectile, or RP.
After an inauspicious beginning to the Strike Wing experiment, efforts were finally being made to harmonize inter-squadron missions. Eventually, the synergy of the units flying together was apparent and the Strike Wing, which would include the Buffalo Squadron, was to evolve into a devastating force, destroying or damaging hundreds of enemy vessels and seriously disrupting the vital lifeline of supplies to Nazi Germany.
Squadron personnel numbers for November 1942:
RCAF Aircrew Officers 16
RCAF Groundcrew Officers 7
RCAF Airmen 11
RCAF Groundcrew 164
RAF Aircrew Officers 13
RAF Groundcrew Officers 0
RAF Airmen 24
RAF Groundcrew 68
Total 303
December 1942
During the last month of 1942, 404 Squadron continued to build up its expertise with the Beaufighter, but not without cost in both aircraft and men. On 5 December, 404 lost its first Beaufighter when V8157 crashed during a high-speed stall. "Flt Sgt Taylor and "Sammy" were having a dog fight with P.O. Bell and he got down too low and side slipped into the ground. They both were killed in full sight of P.O. Bell who was only 100 yards behind them right on their tail. The fuselage broke in two. " F/S M Taylor and Sgt SE Pike were killed.
Two days later, on 7 December, P/O JV Ensom and Sgt JB Elder were also killed in a flying accident when V8211 crashed. "Death stalked us again tonight and W/O Ensom and Johnny Elders were killed in a similar crash but were on night flying and they side slipped into the ground again. The plane crashed between a house and a barn and burned up 10 stacks of feed. "
Other members of the unit moved on when plans to return American citizens serving in RAF and RCAF squadrons to United States forces came to fruition. P/Os Miller and Griffin relinquished their commissions in November when approval for their transfers came through.
On 12 December, the squadron moved 12 aircraft and crews to Skitten to participate in a detachment to last two weeks. This special convoy escort was completed under difficult conditions and won for the Squadron congratulations from the Air Officer Commanding their Group .
P/O TM Griffin, one of several American pilots to fly with 404 during the War. (PL 10878)
Cpl RC 'Bob' Maloney of St. Thomas, Ont (left), 24-year old NCO in charge of the Orderly Room of 404 Squadron discussing matters with Cpl JE Cooney, the Squadron disciplinarian. Cooney is 26 years old and is from Montreal. He was formerly a sporting goods salesman before putting on the airforce blue. (PL 10880)
P/O JV Ensom was killed in a flying accident on 7 December 1942. (PL 7716)
Squadron personnel numbers for December 1942:
RCAF Aircrew Officers 18
RCAF Groundcrew Officers 7
RCAF Airmen 7
RCAF Groundcrew 157
RAF Aircrew Officers 11
RAF Groundcrew Officers 0
RAF Airmen 15
RAF Groundcrew 65
Total 280
