Danny42C,
The IAF Lysanders did carry 250lb bombs.
The shackles are shown here
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Hi...nder-burma.jpg and here
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Hi...Sqn-Pandit.jpg
Here are the bombs being prepped
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Hi...ft/4Sqn-02.jpg
Sqn Ldr Majumdar won the DFC in Burma for attacking Japanese airfields during January-March 1942 using the 250 lb bombs. His citation is here
"MAJUMDAR, Karun Krishna, S/L (Ind 1555, Indian Air Force) - No.1 Squadron, Indian Air Force - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 10 November 1942. Following text from Flight, 10 December 1942; relevant Air Ministry Bulletin probably has more.
"Early this year this officer commanded the squadron during its activities in Burma. He led two unescorted attacks on enemy airfields in Thailand and attacks in support of the army in Tennasserim; he also completed valuable reconnaissances during the retirement from Rangoon to the Prome positions."
Majumdar was very forthright about the RAF's reluctance to fight (specifically 28 Sqn with Lysanders) during that period.
Some Colonel Blimp at Air HQ passed a remark about Majumdar's DFC being "given for a retreat". Majumdar was a Wg Cdr at the time, dropped a rank and volunteered for the European theater. He flew with 268 Sqn over France and won a bar to his DFC.
"MAJUMDAR, Karun Krishna, S/L (Ind 1555, Indian Air Force) - No.268 Squadron - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 23 January 1945. Public Record Office Air 2/9043 has citation drafted when he had flown 68 sorties (102 operational hours). Identical text published in Flight, 8 March 1945.
"This officer has completed many tactical reconnaissance and photographic sorties. His keenness for operational work and his skill on difficult and dangerous missions has always been outstanding. Before the advance northwards in France, he completed exceptionally valuable photographic reconnaissances of the Seine bridges, in the face of heavy ground defences. He has also participated in long tactical reconnaissances on which he was several times intercepted by superior formations of enemy aircraft. His skill and courage have always been outstanding.""
A good book to read about the Indian side of the CBI air war is "Combat Lore: Indian Air Force 1930-1945" available here
Lancer Publishers Online Bookshop