Wartime Logbook query

[split system breaker]

I've recently acquired my Grandfather's aircrew logbooks. He was a RAF Airgunner, rear on Wellingtons, and mid-upper on Mitchells.

Several of the Operational entries refer to "Circus" and "Ramrod", all were daylight flights, mostly over France. The Circus flights were largely in the summer of 1943, and Ramrod in the winter of 1943-1944.

Does anyone know what type of missions these were, I can give exact dates and locations if needed, but I'm only after a general idea of the objective.

Thanks in anticipation,

SSB

[Ali Qadoo]

Don't know if this helps, but my late father who flew Typhoons also has mentions of Ramrods in his logbook. From what I can see it refers to attacks against ground targets - obviously not in the same fashion as a Wellington of course!

[MReyn24050]

This might help:-

http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com/Abbreviations_assets/Abbreviations2.pdf

Both Ramrod and Circus are listed.

[split system breaker]

Thanks for both of those. It's all fascinating stuff; astonishing that something that occurred almost 70 years ago can suddenly seem as real and alive as my last New York nightstop,

yours,
SSB

[albatross]

I recall that WC J. E. Johnson's book " Wing Leader" describes both types of ops in detail.

[Bluey Snuttzov]

'Rhubarb', (small scale freelance fighter sorties against ground targets of opportunity), 'Rodeo' (fighter sweep without bombers), 'Circus' (bombers heavily escorted by fighter to bring enemy fighters into combat) or 'Ramrod' missions (like Circus but with a specific target).