papajuliet
6th Jul 2012, 16:45
In 1944 my father, then a Flt/Sgt [ non aircrew] was in a task force formed to retake the Channel Islands. I recall him saying that it turned back as German resistance was too high.
His record of service shows he was with 147 Wing HQ 135 Force between 12.9 44 and 26.4.45.
Research at the RAF Museum reveals that Force 135 was established on 17.8.44. within 85 Group, at RAF Exeter. It was disbanded 7.6.45. Records show that, if serious resistance was met, the Task Force would turn around but,so far as the Museum are aware, the landings did go ahead at the first attempt. The liberation of the Channel Islands took place in May 45.
The O.C of 135 Force was a W/C Stewart - that info. came from a museum in Guernsey.
147 Wing seems to have been at Hunsdon in 1944 but, presumably,would detach aircraft to the South West for operations there. I do recall my father being at Hunsdon.
Can anyone throw any light on this little known Force? Could there have been a sortie to the Islands in late 44 which turned back?
His record of service shows he was with 147 Wing HQ 135 Force between 12.9 44 and 26.4.45.
Research at the RAF Museum reveals that Force 135 was established on 17.8.44. within 85 Group, at RAF Exeter. It was disbanded 7.6.45. Records show that, if serious resistance was met, the Task Force would turn around but,so far as the Museum are aware, the landings did go ahead at the first attempt. The liberation of the Channel Islands took place in May 45.
The O.C of 135 Force was a W/C Stewart - that info. came from a museum in Guernsey.
147 Wing seems to have been at Hunsdon in 1944 but, presumably,would detach aircraft to the South West for operations there. I do recall my father being at Hunsdon.
Can anyone throw any light on this little known Force? Could there have been a sortie to the Islands in late 44 which turned back?