Bomber Command query
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Wallace Ian Covington 97 squadron
Originally Posted by sidevalve;8411565
Hello SV
You are asking about my father and I would be happy to oblige.
He also returned to the UK through the French Resistance and the Comet line.
Please send email to me at [email protected]
Thanks!
Tim
Hello SV
You are asking about my father and I would be happy to oblige.
He also returned to the UK through the French Resistance and the Comet line.
Please send email to me at [email protected]
Thanks!
Tim
I'm looking for a photograph of Flt Lt Wallace Ian Covington RAF. He was the pilot of a 97 Sqn Lancaster Mk III, JA716, OF-V that was shot down on the night of 10/11 Aug '43 in the vicinity of Hanzinelle, 6km NE of Florennes, nr Namur.
This info has come from a Belgian website and so the details may have been scrambled.
Can anyone oblige?
Thanks in advance.
sv
This info has come from a Belgian website and so the details may have been scrambled.
Can anyone oblige?
Thanks in advance.
sv
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My father flew non operationally with Flt/Lt. Covington. My father's log book states that on June 19th 1943 he made a flight to Scampton in ED862 with F/Lt Covington as pilot. Wally has the flight logged as Base to Scampton and Scampton to Base, both flights of .35 hours duration. The Flight Engineer Joe Nelson has recorded the same brief details in his log book with the interesting addition in capital letters of THE DAM BUSTERS BASE TWO WEEKS AFTER THE HISTORIC ATTACK. ATMOSPHERE IN MESS EUPHORIC. MET W/C GIBSON V.C.
https://wallyswar.wordpress.com/1942-2/
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Wallace Ian Covington 97 squadron
To all those who posted about my father Ian Covington I am fascinated to learn more about his exploits and will post what he shared with me over the years in a few days about his escape over the Pyrenees via the Comete.
He had logged 23,000 hours flying initially for Airwork, Hunting Clan, Freddie Lakers Silver City on Bristol Frighteners and then BUA flying BAC 1-11 and VC10 to Nairobi and the BOAC routes to South America.
Became BA later after BCAL was absorbed.
I have some great shots of my Dad and will post also.
He obtained the DFC and Bar and became a member of the Silk Club when he parachuted down to Chatlineaux in Belgium after his Lancaster was shot down by a "Shimmelmusic" - but someone will know more about that German aircraft.
Thanks, Tim Covington.
He had logged 23,000 hours flying initially for Airwork, Hunting Clan, Freddie Lakers Silver City on Bristol Frighteners and then BUA flying BAC 1-11 and VC10 to Nairobi and the BOAC routes to South America.
Became BA later after BCAL was absorbed.
I have some great shots of my Dad and will post also.
He obtained the DFC and Bar and became a member of the Silk Club when he parachuted down to Chatlineaux in Belgium after his Lancaster was shot down by a "Shimmelmusic" - but someone will know more about that German aircraft.
Thanks, Tim Covington.
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I don't know if Covington served with another squadron prior to joining 97 Squadron however here are his operational flights with 97 Squadron.
8/9 January 1943 Gardening Pumpkin area 4 mines
R5559W F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1748 Down 2312. Primary garden reached. Rosnaes port visually identified. Veg dropped in correct position. Satisfactory trip.
11/12 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1721 down 2138. Primary target bombed. Bombs dropped by white flares. Own bombs observed through clouds.
3 cans of incendiaries hung up. Straightforward trip.
12/13 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
ED323O P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 0410 Down 0837. Primary target reached. Much cloud. Bombed by release point flares, no results seen. Uneventful trip.
16/17 January 1943 Berlin
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 14 SBC.
Up 1653 Down 0033. Believed primary target bombed. Bombed on white marker flares in large built up area.
Own incendiaries seen to ignite. Saw three fires burning. Some opposition encountered.
17/18 January 1943 Berlin 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC
R5889V P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1710 Down 0130. Primary Berlin bombed. ETA. Recognied features from previous night. Own bombs seen to straddle built up area.
Fires observed starting over large area. PFF failed to ignite target.
21/22 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1729 Down 2218. Bombed estimated target area. Thick ground haze from 20,000.
Bombed estimated position of release point flares. Own bursts observed. Five red fires seen burning, two appeared to be large.
Some flak encountered.
27/28 January 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
R5612R P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1737 Down 2200. Dusseldorf successfully bombed. Cloud over target. Own bomb dropped on marker and seen to explode.
Many sticks of incendiaries seen burning. Conditions were ideal for this method of bombing.
7/8 February 1943 Lorient
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.
Up 1757 Down 2351. Primary target successfully attacked. Clear, good
Visually pin-pointed target, saw and bombed on TI markers. W/Op saw bombs burst. Whole town covered with incendiaries.
Excellent trip and appeared effective.
13/14 February 1943 Lorient
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt R.Thompson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1907 Down 0105. Primary objective successfully attacked. Target identified visually. Pin-pointed down river bend.
Own bomb bursts seen. Many fires around target and in town. Defences strengthened since last attack. Fighters in evidence.
14/15 February 1943 Milan
R5559W F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunne, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.
Up 1907 Down 0304. Primary target successfully attacked. Saw and bombed on red TI markers. Own bursts were seen.
At least 40 good fires observed burning around TI markers. Fires visible 100 miles away. Successful trip conditions ideal.
18/19 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1840 Down 2326. Wilhelmshaven successfully attacked. Visibility good. Visual on target with assistance of marker flares,
which were right on aiming point. Saw own 4000 pounder burst. About 20 big fires observed in dock area. PFF good.
21/22 February 1943 Bremen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.W.Covington, J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1841 Down 2339. Bremen attacked from 20,000. Cloud over target. Sky marker flares seen and bombed. Flares in sights.
No ground detail observed.
5/6 March 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts J.F.Gardner, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Dillon. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1851 Down 2312. Primary objective attacked. 22,000 clear, no cloud. Bombed red TI markers which were in sights.
One very large explosion seen. About 30 fires counted as aircraft was about to leave target area.
9/10 March 1943 Munich
W5609S F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
1 x 8000lb. Up 2100 Down 0451. Primary target Munich attacked. 14,000, clear, visibility good.
Markers had burnt out by the time aircraft reached the target. Bombed the centre of area where fires were observed burning.
Numerous scattered fires. One particularly large explosion.
11/12 March 1943 Stuttgart Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1939 Down 0236. Primary target Stuttgart attacked. 13,000. Clear, slight ground haze.
All TI markers had gone out when we were ready to bomb. Bomb released on edge of fire area but not seen to burst.
Hardly enough PFF markers.
12/13 March 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5483D F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, P/O Pratt (Nav 2), Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1903 Down 2325. Primary objective attacked. Clear but slight haze at 20,000.
Bombed centre of green TI markers, own 4000 pounder seen to burst. 5 large fires and about 30 smaller ones counted.
Good concentrated raid.
27/28 March 1943 Berlin Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5896Y F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2016 Down 0300. Primary objective Berlin bombed. No cloud, some haze. 20,000.
Bombed on cluster of TI markers (mostly green) in sights. Raid seemed slow in developing but aircraft were piling in as we left.
Fires were developing.
29/30 March 1943 Berlin Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2202 Down 0506. Primary objective attacked. 20,000. No cloud. Slight ground haze. Lake identified visually.
Centre of cluster of TI markers in sights when we bombed. About 15 good fires seen, developing well as we left target.
3/4 April 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1931 Down 0006. Essen attacked from 20,000. Clear, weather good over target, some ground haze.
Bombed on cluster of TI markers which were in sights. One terrific explosion observed (larger than a 8000 pounder). Very large fires.
4/5 April 1943 Kiel Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2105 Down 0218. Kiel attacked. 9/10ths cloud, 19,000. Bombed estimated position of two green TI markers which disappeared
into cloud. Glow seen through cloud.
8/9 April 1943 Duisburg Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5889V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2053 Down 0221. Believed Duisburg attacked. 10/10ths cloud at 20,000. Bombed on ETA. No release point flares seen.
Nickles also dropped. Nothing seen owing to cloud.
10/11 April 1943 Frankfurt Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5917K F/L I.W.Covington, J.H.Mason (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 0012 Down 0603. Believed Frankfurt attacked. 16,000. 10/10ths cloud. Time run from position E where green steady
flares were seen, bombed on estimated position from there. Spent ten minutes over target but no PFF markers were seen.
13/14 April 1943 Spezia Bomb load 4 x 1000lb 5 SBC unless stated
ED816U F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2036 Down 0636. Primary target bombed. Visibility good with ground haze and smoke.
Pin-pointed Palmeira and base of fires and smoke in town. Ship seen burning along outer dock. Town well ablaze. Opposition was meagre
14/15 April 1943 Stuttgart Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612P F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2232 Down 0429. Primary objective bombed. 15,000. Clear, some haze. Saw and bombed on green TI markers which were in sights.
Whole town seemed to be well alight. Raid seemed concentrated on western half of town. Good track marking.
12/13 May 1943 Duisburg Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 8 x 5000lb unless stated
ED870T F/L I.W.Covington, Sgts J.R.Thomas (2nd Pilot), K.Fairlie (F/E), F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2333 Down 0422. Primary target Duisburg attacked. 18,000. Moon, no cloud, visibility good except for slight ground haze.
Cluster of three red TI markers in sights when we bombed. No fires while over target but glow seen when 40 miles away.
13/14 May 1943 Pilsen
ED878K F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J,Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2133 Down 0436. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb. Primary target Pilsen bombed. 13,000, moonlight, no cloud, hazy.
Bombed on centre of cluster of red TI markers. No ground detail observed, area covered by pall of thick smoke. Bomb flashes seen.
25/26 May 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb Load 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb unless stated
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2352 Down 0420. Bomb load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Dusseldorf attacked. 21,000. Clear over target. Visibility fair.
Bombs released on two green TI markers. Own results not seen.
28/29 May 1943 Wuppertal Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb unless stated
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2242 Down 0331. Primary target Wuppertal attacked. 18,500. Visibility good. Bombed on red TI markers but own results not
observed. Many bomb bursts seen from other aircraft. Good fires seen and well concentrated in marked area.
11/12 June 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb Load 5 TIs, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgts J.L.Thomas, J.P.McMillin, R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2249 Down 0305. Primary objective Dusseldorf attacked. Half moon. 2/10ths cloud. Ground haze. Built up area identified
visually. No TIs seen on approaching. Bombed built up area. Some fires seen going well and were spreading as we left.
16/17 June 1943 Cologne Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.L.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, Davis, G.Partos.
Up 2242 Down 0256. Cologne attacked. 7/10ths cloud. 20,000. Made timed run from green steady flares.
Red and green skymarkers in sight when bombs released. Nothing seen.
24/25 July 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, S/L K.J.Foster, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 12 x 20 flares.
Up 2204 Down 3021. Primary objective attacked. 18,000 Visibility good. Target identified by town and river (visually) and yellow
TI markers. Latter in bombsight when load released. Many fires seen on leaving target.
25/26 July 1943 Essen Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 5 x 500lb.
Up 2230 Down 0257. Essen attacked. Light cloud. Visibility poor and hazy. 20,000. One red TI marker in bombsight when load
released. Many explosions and fires observed and great pall of heavy smoke up to 21,000 seen.
27/28 July 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 4 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/O G.de Wesselow (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt T.Lancashire, P/O W.G.Wishart, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 10 x 500lb.
Up 2158 Down 0325. Primary target successfully attacked. 18,500. Hazy no cloud. Fires from previous raid were still burning.
Bombed centre of concentration of yellow markers. One large explosion seen at 0059.
30/31 July 1943 Remscheid Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb, 2 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 96 incs.
Up 2211 Down 0239. Remscheid attacked. 19,900. No cloud. Visibility moderate. Ground haze. Centre of concentration of
red and green TI markers in bombsight when load released. One large explosion seen at 0110.
159537 A/F/L I.W.Covington GD Awarded DFC auth London Gazette 6.7.43
2/3 August 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. Bomb load as F/O Moodie.
Up 2311 Down 0455. Possibly target Hamburg reached. Weather bad, lightning practically continuous. Bombed on ETA and light from
yellow TI (believed). Glow from fires. No other results seen.
9/10 August 1943 Mannheim Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. Bomb load as P/O Munro.
Up 2228 Down 0422. Target Mannheim attacked. 19,500. 8/10ths cloud. Red TI markers centre of built up area in bomb sight at
time of bombing. Many bursts seen around TI markers. One big red explosion seen at 0130 near main railway yards.
10/11 August 1943 Nuremburg Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb unless stated
JA716V F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, Sgts F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.
Up 2137 aircraft and crew missing.
8/9 January 1943 Gardening Pumpkin area 4 mines
R5559W F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1748 Down 2312. Primary garden reached. Rosnaes port visually identified. Veg dropped in correct position. Satisfactory trip.
11/12 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1721 down 2138. Primary target bombed. Bombs dropped by white flares. Own bombs observed through clouds.
3 cans of incendiaries hung up. Straightforward trip.
12/13 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
ED323O P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 0410 Down 0837. Primary target reached. Much cloud. Bombed by release point flares, no results seen. Uneventful trip.
16/17 January 1943 Berlin
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 14 SBC.
Up 1653 Down 0033. Believed primary target bombed. Bombed on white marker flares in large built up area.
Own incendiaries seen to ignite. Saw three fires burning. Some opposition encountered.
17/18 January 1943 Berlin 1 x 4000lb 8 SBC
R5889V P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1710 Down 0130. Primary Berlin bombed. ETA. Recognied features from previous night. Own bombs seen to straddle built up area.
Fires observed starting over large area. PFF failed to ignite target.
21/22 January 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1729 Down 2218. Bombed estimated target area. Thick ground haze from 20,000.
Bombed estimated position of release point flares. Own bursts observed. Five red fires seen burning, two appeared to be large.
Some flak encountered.
27/28 January 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
R5612R P/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1737 Down 2200. Dusseldorf successfully bombed. Cloud over target. Own bomb dropped on marker and seen to explode.
Many sticks of incendiaries seen burning. Conditions were ideal for this method of bombing.
7/8 February 1943 Lorient
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC.
Up 1757 Down 2351. Primary target successfully attacked. Clear, good
Visually pin-pointed target, saw and bombed on TI markers. W/Op saw bombs burst. Whole town covered with incendiaries.
Excellent trip and appeared effective.
13/14 February 1943 Lorient
R5889V F/O I.Covington, Sgt R.Thompson, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1907 Down 0105. Primary objective successfully attacked. Target identified visually. Pin-pointed down river bend.
Own bomb bursts seen. Many fires around target and in town. Defences strengthened since last attack. Fighters in evidence.
14/15 February 1943 Milan
R5559W F/O I.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunne, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 4000lb 4 SBC.
Up 1907 Down 0304. Primary target successfully attacked. Saw and bombed on red TI markers. Own bursts were seen.
At least 40 good fires observed burning around TI markers. Fires visible 100 miles away. Successful trip conditions ideal.
18/19 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1840 Down 2326. Wilhelmshaven successfully attacked. Visibility good. Visual on target with assistance of marker flares,
which were right on aiming point. Saw own 4000 pounder burst. About 20 big fires observed in dock area. PFF good.
21/22 February 1943 Bremen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
W4355T F/O I.W.Covington, J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1841 Down 2339. Bremen attacked from 20,000. Cloud over target. Sky marker flares seen and bombed. Flares in sights.
No ground detail observed.
5/6 March 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts J.F.Gardner, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Dillon. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1851 Down 2312. Primary objective attacked. 22,000 clear, no cloud. Bombed red TI markers which were in sights.
One very large explosion seen. About 30 fires counted as aircraft was about to leave target area.
9/10 March 1943 Munich
W5609S F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
1 x 8000lb. Up 2100 Down 0451. Primary target Munich attacked. 14,000, clear, visibility good.
Markers had burnt out by the time aircraft reached the target. Bombed the centre of area where fires were observed burning.
Numerous scattered fires. One particularly large explosion.
11/12 March 1943 Stuttgart Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1939 Down 0236. Primary target Stuttgart attacked. 13,000. Clear, slight ground haze.
All TI markers had gone out when we were ready to bomb. Bomb released on edge of fire area but not seen to burst.
Hardly enough PFF markers.
12/13 March 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5483D F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, P/O Pratt (Nav 2), Sgts R.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 1903 Down 2325. Primary objective attacked. Clear but slight haze at 20,000.
Bombed centre of green TI markers, own 4000 pounder seen to burst. 5 large fires and about 30 smaller ones counted.
Good concentrated raid.
27/28 March 1943 Berlin Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5896Y F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2016 Down 0300. Primary objective Berlin bombed. No cloud, some haze. 20,000.
Bombed on cluster of TI markers (mostly green) in sights. Raid seemed slow in developing but aircraft were piling in as we left.
Fires were developing.
29/30 March 1943 Berlin Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2202 Down 0506. Primary objective attacked. 20,000. No cloud. Slight ground haze. Lake identified visually.
Centre of cluster of TI markers in sights when we bombed. About 15 good fires seen, developing well as we left target.
3/4 April 1943 Essen Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 1931 Down 0006. Essen attacked from 20,000. Clear, weather good over target, some ground haze.
Bombed on cluster of TI markers which were in sights. One terrific explosion observed (larger than a 8000 pounder). Very large fires.
4/5 April 1943 Kiel Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612R F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2105 Down 0218. Kiel attacked. 9/10ths cloud, 19,000. Bombed estimated position of two green TI markers which disappeared
into cloud. Glow seen through cloud.
8/9 April 1943 Duisburg Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5889V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2053 Down 0221. Believed Duisburg attacked. 10/10ths cloud at 20,000. Bombed on ETA. No release point flares seen.
Nickles also dropped. Nothing seen owing to cloud.
10/11 April 1943 Frankfurt Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5917K F/L I.W.Covington, J.H.Mason (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 0012 Down 0603. Believed Frankfurt attacked. 16,000. 10/10ths cloud. Time run from position E where green steady
flares were seen, bombed on estimated position from there. Spent ten minutes over target but no PFF markers were seen.
13/14 April 1943 Spezia Bomb load 4 x 1000lb 5 SBC unless stated
ED816U F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2036 Down 0636. Primary target bombed. Visibility good with ground haze and smoke.
Pin-pointed Palmeira and base of fires and smoke in town. Ship seen burning along outer dock. Town well ablaze. Opposition was meagre
14/15 April 1943 Stuttgart Bomb load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC unless stated
R5612P F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts A.J.Goad, C.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos. 1 x 8000lb.
Up 2232 Down 0429. Primary objective bombed. 15,000. Clear, some haze. Saw and bombed on green TI markers which were in sights.
Whole town seemed to be well alight. Raid seemed concentrated on western half of town. Good track marking.
12/13 May 1943 Duisburg Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb, 8 x 5000lb unless stated
ED870T F/L I.W.Covington, Sgts J.R.Thomas (2nd Pilot), K.Fairlie (F/E), F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2333 Down 0422. Primary target Duisburg attacked. 18,000. Moon, no cloud, visibility good except for slight ground haze.
Cluster of three red TI markers in sights when we bombed. No fires while over target but glow seen when 40 miles away.
13/14 May 1943 Pilsen
ED878K F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J,Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2133 Down 0436. Bomb load 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb. Primary target Pilsen bombed. 13,000, moonlight, no cloud, hazy.
Bombed on centre of cluster of red TI markers. No ground detail observed, area covered by pall of thick smoke. Bomb flashes seen.
25/26 May 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb Load 6 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb unless stated
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2352 Down 0420. Bomb load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb. Dusseldorf attacked. 21,000. Clear over target. Visibility fair.
Bombs released on two green TI markers. Own results not seen.
28/29 May 1943 Wuppertal Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 1000lb unless stated
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.R.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2242 Down 0331. Primary target Wuppertal attacked. 18,500. Visibility good. Bombed on red TI markers but own results not
observed. Many bomb bursts seen from other aircraft. Good fires seen and well concentrated in marked area.
11/12 June 1943 Dusseldorf Bomb Load 5 TIs, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 1 x 500lb
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgts J.L.Thomas, J.P.McMillin, R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, H.Walters, G.Partos.
Up 2249 Down 0305. Primary objective Dusseldorf attacked. Half moon. 2/10ths cloud. Ground haze. Built up area identified
visually. No TIs seen on approaching. Bombed built up area. Some fires seen going well and were spreading as we left.
16/17 June 1943 Cologne Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 12 SBC
ED923V F/L I.W.Covington, Sgt J.L.Thomas, F/Sgt J.Dunn, Sgts R.J.Goad, G.T.Ambrose, Davis, G.Partos.
Up 2242 Down 0256. Cologne attacked. 7/10ths cloud. 20,000. Made timed run from green steady flares.
Red and green skymarkers in sight when bombs released. Nothing seen.
24/25 July 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, S/L K.J.Foster, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb, 12 x 20 flares.
Up 2204 Down 3021. Primary objective attacked. 18,000 Visibility good. Target identified by town and river (visually) and yellow
TI markers. Latter in bombsight when load released. Many fires seen on leaving target.
25/26 July 1943 Essen Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 5 x 500lb.
Up 2230 Down 0257. Essen attacked. Light cloud. Visibility poor and hazy. 20,000. One red TI marker in bombsight when load
released. Many explosions and fires observed and great pall of heavy smoke up to 21,000 seen.
27/28 July 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 1 x 4000lb 4 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/O G.de Wesselow (2nd Pilot), F/Sgt T.Lancashire, P/O W.G.Wishart, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 10 x 500lb.
Up 2158 Down 0325. Primary target successfully attacked. 18,500. Hazy no cloud. Fires from previous raid were still burning.
Bombed centre of concentration of yellow markers. One large explosion seen at 0059.
30/31 July 1943 Remscheid Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 5 x 500lb, 2 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, O.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 2 x 1000lb, 96 incs.
Up 2211 Down 0239. Remscheid attacked. 19,900. No cloud. Visibility moderate. Ground haze. Centre of concentration of
red and green TI markers in bombsight when load released. One large explosion seen at 0110.
159537 A/F/L I.W.Covington GD Awarded DFC auth London Gazette 6.7.43
2/3 August 1943 Hamburg Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L I.W.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. Bomb load as F/O Moodie.
Up 2311 Down 0455. Possibly target Hamburg reached. Weather bad, lightning practically continuous. Bombed on ETA and light from
yellow TI (believed). Glow from fires. No other results seen.
9/10 August 1943 Mannheim Bomb Load 5 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 4 x 1000lb unless stated
JA716V F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, Sgts S.Powell, S.S.Ramsden, F.Jackson, J.McKnight. Bomb load as P/O Munro.
Up 2228 Down 0422. Target Mannheim attacked. 19,500. 8/10ths cloud. Red TI markers centre of built up area in bomb sight at
time of bombing. Many bursts seen around TI markers. One big red explosion seen at 0130 near main railway yards.
10/11 August 1943 Nuremburg Bomb Load 4 x TI, 1 x 4000lb, 3 x 500lb unless stated
JA716V F/L W.I.Covington, F/Sgt T.Lancashire, F/O J.L.Canham, F/Sgt S.Powell, Sgts S.S.Ramsden, Sgts F.Jackson, J.McKnight. 1 x 4000lb, 6 x 500lb.
Up 2137 aircraft and crew missing.
He was shot down by Lt Otto Fries, II/NJG 1, 6km NW of Florennes. Fries survived 2 ejections from He 219 night fighters.
And just to round off Ian Covington's story, here's his Comθte file (only in French unfortunately) that describes how he made his way back home..
In brief, he took a train from Paris to Bordeaux where he switched to a local stopping train as far as Dax. From there he cycled to a safe house at Anglet-Sutar (Auberge Larre) before undertaking a night crossing of the Pyrenees..
And just to round off Ian Covington's story, here's his Comθte file (only in French unfortunately) that describes how he made his way back home..
In brief, he took a train from Paris to Bordeaux where he switched to a local stopping train as far as Dax. From there he cycled to a safe house at Anglet-Sutar (Auberge Larre) before undertaking a night crossing of the Pyrenees..
Last edited by PPRuNeUser0139; 19th Jul 2015 at 12:55.
