Who knew the RAF were on Omaha Beach on D-Day?!
 

There aren't many perks to being on the Committee of the Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers but corresponding with a Dr Lesley G Dobinson CEng MIET about the participation of RAF radar units who took part in the assault phase on D-Day has got to be right up there!

Embarrassingly (I thought Fighter Direction Tenders were the closest we got) it was news to me that an RAF Radar Unit disembarked from Tank Landing Craft onto Omaha Beach on D-day, at 1700 hours, with their 27 specialised vehicles that were fitted with Radar and Radio Communications equipment. This RAF Unit was 15082GCI. Its function was to protect the American Beachhead, and American assault troops, from air attack by using its Radar equipment to locate the position and altitude of enemy aircraft and, by means of direct radio contact with RAF fighter aircraft, to direct them to intercept and engage the enemy aircraft. This was a facility that the US Military were unable to provide themselves at that time.

This little known RAF Unit was awarded 4 Military Crosses, together with 2 Military Medals and a Croix de Guerre to their Chaplain, Medical Officer, Commanding Officer and the Chief Technical Officer - quite amazing when you consider that RAF Officers, throughout the whole of WW2, were only awarded a total of 69 Military Crosses!

Dr Dobinson (now aged 90) was one of the technicians that landed with 15082GCI Mobile Radar Unit on Omaha Beach on D-Day and he was personally responsible for getting the 15082GCI RAF Memorial erected on the Beach a couple of years ago. I believe he is the only surviving RAF veteran from the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach.

I'm delighted that he will be attending the 70th Anniversary events in Normandy which will include attending the unveiling by the Commanding General of the new 29th Infantry Division USNG statue and laying a tribute at the 15082GCI RAF Memorial.

This is just one small attempt to spread the word and help Dr Dobinson to achieve appropriate recognition for 15082GCI and the key role that they played in Operation Overlord.

I knew of the unit's existence as there were 2 RAF mobile radar convoys landed on D Day at Omaha and Juno. The History of the FDT's and mobile radar convoys that were involved in Operation Neptune can be found here.

http://www.rquirk.com/cdnradar/cor/chapter11.pdf

Plus you can add the two RAF/USAAF manned mobile radar units airlifted into Arnhem as part of Market Garden to that as well (though neither unit got to do their planned mission due to 3 of the 4 gliders carrying them and their radars were lost, one landed outside the landing zone when the tug was shot down, One glider was shot down while under tow and the third was destroyed on the ground before unloading. (the radar's were AMES Type 6, with two gliders carrying the transmitter / aerial equipment, while the other two gliders had the display and radio systems on board, both gliders that were lost in flight had the same load, thus the systems were unable to operate). Details are here

6080 & 6341 Light Warning Units, 38 Group : History

Oosterbeek Airborne Museum does have a Type 6 transmitter antennae system on display, which suggests that it was the Display / Comms equipment was on board the gliders which were lost before landing (which is a pity as a working ground to air radio could have been a massive game changer on that operation). I do know that a LAC RDF Mechanic from one of the units was killed in a tree while trying to rig an aerial to get working long range radio comms.

Many thanks MAINJAFAD

The Association has taken upon itself the task of protecting and promoting the heritage and achievements of the 'radar' units and the people who manned, operated and maintained the systems during WW2. Specifically this year for the 70th Anniversary, we are hoping to promote the D-Day participation of RAF radar units who took part in the assault phase and are producing a pamphlet on the topic for the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Museum and the Air Defence Radar Museum so the additional information you provided will be invaluable to the Heritage team who are currently doing the bulk of the research :ok:

I'll also make the Heritage team aware of your interest and knowledge as they may wish to PM you to swap stories!

Thanks again :D

A fascinating read ... many thanks for the post, Agatha, and to MAINJAFAD for the links :ok:

Nice work, Scopies :cool:

MPN 11 - we live to serve!! :p

I was involved with the ADRM as volunteer when I was an ECPO at Tidytoilet about 10 years ago and they do have a display that covers the role of the mobile convoys and FDT's throughout WWII and beyond. Everything I have is taken from there. One of my fellow SNCO's from there at the time made me aware of the Type 6 at Oosterbeek (I do have a couple of photos of it via him). As regards other sources, National Archives at Kew may hold something, but nothing stands out on their search engine for the 15082 or 15083 GCI convoys (nor the two light warning units that were airlifted into Arnhem).

Thanks again - much appreciated!

Found this link that has a lot of detail about 50082.

Introduction : The RAF at Omaha Beach

If anyone comes across anything about the early mobile GCA outfits ....

... Oh, come on, we are all mates here, and I was once GATCO 11 GP :cool:

Great stuff MAINJAFAD, really appreciate all the support :D

Agatha

Having looked though that last link, I'd say that the bloke who has done the research for that site has dug out everything that Kew has on the subject.

On the RAF website is an article on a chap who was at Gold beach and the equipment he used. Veteran Dusts Off Top-Secret D-Day Equipment
mmitch.

After D Day and fighting E Boats in the channel, my father was drafted into HMS Boxer in August 1944. It had just completed conversion from its original LST configuration to a Fighter Director ship and began training to provide air support to the supply lines for the British army advance into Germany. The ship's crew were RN and the operational personnel were all RAF. The ship's shallow draught allowed it to go close inshore and removed the need to land on a still hostile beach and set up ashore. After VE Day they set off in June 1945 for the invasion of Japan but the Japanese surrendered while they were still undergoing minor repairs at Malta.

Extra snippet from the Wiki entry for HMS Boxer:

A "last" 2nd TAF Veteran rejoins the real D-day heroes 🇨🇦
 

Agatha (with unpredicted foresight) is probably now correct in Leslie Dobinson being the sole living Veteran of the RAF who landed on Omaha Beach; for ex-Flt Sgt Muir Adair RCAF the "Chiefie" Radar Technician of 15082GCI, and last Canadian survivor, sadly passed away on 16th August 2015 aged 96 in Langley British Columbia, shortly after his grandson accepted the insignia of Chevalier of l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur on his behalf. Chiefie Adair was Agatha's unspecied Other Rank, who was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Having swum ashore at an isolated location he gathered together a motley squad of RN, Army and US stragglers and led them in the clearance of German defenders from an orchard that separated him from the 15082GCI survivors who had regrouped with salvaged equipment a mile or two inland. The two other OR's, who were awarded the even rarer, for the RAF, Military Medal were the LAC Nursing Orderly and Adair's "brother" Flight Sergeant. May they all rest in peace. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Gessoo

Very many thanks for the information about ex-Flt Sgt Muir Adair RCAF the "Chiefie" Radar Technician of 15082GCI.

Huge apologies for any offence caused by me not being aware that Muir Adair was still alive until recently.

I will pass on the information to Les Dobinson and add the information to the Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers heritage database.

RIP Muir Adair. Per Ardua.

Agatha

Thanks Nutloose - those are some of the memoirs of Dr Les Dobinson mentioned above :)

Agatha

Ex-Flt Sgt Muir Adair RCAF
 

Gessoo

I passed on the information you posted about ex-Flt Sgt Muir Adair RCAF to the Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers.

If you are in contact with ex-Flt Sgt Muir Adair's family would it be possible to ask if they have any photos of him during the War that they'd be prepared to share with the Association?

Scanned copies of the photos would be very much appreciated to add to our archives and the papers that we have written on the subject to try and ensure that we never forget. The D-Day Fighter Control Story - Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers

Many thanks

Agatha

Thanks all for that history lesson, and much respect to Dr Dobinson and his comrades.

My own Pop went over on something like D-Day + 12, I'm not sure where he landed but I believe it was one of the American Beaches, on the trip over under cover of darkness, he woke up, they'd been on board the vessel waiting to set sail for sometime and unable to move apart from (I imagine) answering a call of nature. He'd fallen asleep, so part way across he stepped over others and made his way up top to see what was going on and described two Americans with a heavy machine gun, or perhaps slightly heavier piece, on the Bow who gave some friendly advice about returning down below lest they get fired on.

That's the story as best as I can recall it when he told me 40 or so years ago.

He was a servicing commando on 609 West Riding Squadron.

FB:)

FB:-
If the presence within the invading force of the RAF might be a surprise to some, the term "RAF Commandos" might equally be. Formed some two years earlier than D-Day, they kept the aircraft serviced on the front line airstrips; in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. I was pleased to see they had a mention in this year's Remembrance Festival:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force_Commandos

Mobile ground control after D-Day
 

Hello, I am brand new here. I have been searching for a while for any information about MGCI after D-Day. I have found quite a lot on a Canadian unit that covered the beach and went on until September, when they returned to the U.K.
Oddly enough I saw the post saying that the last surviving Canadian member, forget the name, Adhair? very recently died in Langley B.C. I live just a few miles away, but prior to this lived myself in Langley.

The info I have been looking for concerns MGCI units that went on after D-day and followed the army until the end of the war. My dad crossed on Omaha beach. I say my Dad, well it is my Dad and step dad, they were both in the same unit.

My Father was Frederick Owen King, my step dad was Herbert Roderick Williamson. I do not have any other military info on them. My step dad did sign up. I know they were in the area of Belgium, the unit was badly shot up and they returned to the U.K. to re-equip. I remember seeing the RAF jeep parked outside the house, although I was only 3 at the time. Then returned I think into Holland.

So, I'm wondering if anyone could direct me to any links that would lead me to information re the above.

I never knew my father, my parents divorced before the end of the war. My step dad never wanted to discuss the events, only picked up the odd remark that lead to the info above. Oh! I do know also that at some stage he was based at Banff Scotland. He did drive one of those big Thornycroft giant tractors, he admitted that. He broke his nose when he crashed it somewhere in Holland!!

So I would be very grateful for any leads.

Thanks very much!

I should add.......
 

Both my dads were residents of the U.K. at the time. We lived in Ruislip, my step dad came from Manchester, and was known as Bill Williamson. They are both moved on from here.

I moved to Canada in 1976.

Thanks, Dave King

Mobile Ground Radar after D-Day
 

Hi daveking650

Great to hear from you.

I've contacted our Association historian to see if he can help and also copied the note to our last surviving RAF veteran of the landings on Omaha Beach on D-Day and I'm sure between them they can either provide some information or point you in the right direction.

I'll be back in touch as soon as I've heard back from them :ok:

Kind regards

Agatha

daveking650

Have heard back from our Historian and Chairman - Gp Capt (Retd) Tim Willbond who wrote:

"There is quite a lot of material available not the least of which is the material produced by Dr Les Dobinson (last surviving RAF Veteran of D-day landings) which we drew on to write a more broadly based article on FC involvement in D Day The D-Day Fighter Control Story - Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers.

Further, for some time I have been trying to put together a paper on the evolution of tactical control in Air Defence as a complimentary piece to the Filter Centre paper we produced. There is some material in there on the role and successes of GCI and FDP units in the battles in North West Europe The battles that followed D day saw a number of C&R (ASAC) units involved. I would be very happy to be contacted directly at [email protected]"

Tim can send you a copy of information supplied by Dr Les Dobinson and the paper on tactical control in Air Defence if you'd like - just e-mail him to let him know you'd like a copy.

Other links that may prove useful:
http://www.rquirk.com/cdnradar/cor/chapter11.pdf
You may also find this website run by Peter Best, son of Acting Squadron Leader Norman Best, who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions on Omaha Beach on D-Day of interent. The RAF at Omaha Beach

Hope that helps?

Agatha

Hello there. I have found nothing online to suggest this, but I contend that in addition to the two FDPs that have been mentioned in several sources as landing on D-Day, 15053 FDP/GCI also landed on D-Day on Sword. I don't know why this has never appeared anywhere, but there are several reasons why I think this. Firstly my father was in the unit and he told me. Of course a father may well exaggerate things for his son, but I have also corresponded with two other people whose fathers served in 15053 and they said the same thing. Secondly I have a map showing the path of 15053 through Europe apparently produced by the unit itself called "'53 Action". It shows landing on the 6th. Thirdly I have my father's copy of the unit's operational record in terms of contacts made that resulted in kills. It shows where they were on each date (they got by far the most of their action when in Eindhoven), and it also shows "Landed" on 6 June. I understand there are official records of the unit at Kew, and I hope to get down there one day to find out more.

I mentioned this in the D-Day anniversary thread (https://www.pprune.org/military-avia...on-2019-a.html) because my father said he went over with the US forces on D-Day as part of a small group of RAF personnel in order to set up mobile radar sites as it was expected the landing forces would be hit hard by the Luftwaffe. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1989 so I can't ask him the things I want to, but he told both my mother and myself that he shared a tent with someone who went on to become a famous Welsh opera singer. After a little reseach, I believe that singer was Sir Geraint Evans. My father's name was Thomas Kerr.

It would mean a lot to me if I could find out more about my father's service, but living on the other side of the planet from Kew I don't know how best to carry out my research of my father's service. If anyone has tips, please let me know, and vimhawkraf, would you mind if I PM you? Thank you.

Of course, ask anything you like.

Daveking, To get a feel for what they would have gone through, find a copy of "Off to War with '054" by John Kemp who was OC 15054. They landed in Normandy on 11 June 1944 and travelled across Europe to Travemunde, providing GCI services all the way.

I am sure the Heritage Member of the Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers would love to hear from you as your informatin will help to complete or clarity the picture of the RAF Fighter Control involvement in D-Day. Our Heritage Member is Gp Capt (Retd) Tim Willbond and you can email him at [email protected] or [email protected].

I read that recently. It's out of print but you can get second hand copies from Amazon. It's not a huge book but a good insight into the operations and equipment of the FDP/GCIs. As I said earlier, my father was in 15053, described as the "sister unit" of 15054 in the book.

vimhawkraf

I just tried to send you a PM with Tim Willbond's personal email address (He's keen to chat!) but received the following error message "vimhawkraf has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space."

Agatha

Agatha,

I sent a PM to vimhawkraf last night which seemed to get through, so my apologies if I managed to fill up the inbox (it was one PM, I promise!). In the meantime, would you be kind enough to send me Tim Willbond's email address? I'm happy to use the ones you posted here but if you think it would be better to use Tim's personal email, please let me know. Unfortunately, I can't really add an information other than my father shared a tent with Sir Geraint Evans. I've checked with my mother and my father left no records of his service other than what he told us, his RAF blue coat, beret (or maybe a cap) and his medals. My mother is now 86 and would like to find out more before I see her again this Christmas. Any help would be very much appreciated.

For info to all, Tim's [email protected] and [email protected] addresses will redirect to his private address and he will, I am sure, respond from there. Use of the '[email protected]' address that Agatha mentioned in an earlier post will no longer get to Tim, but to the new Chairman. I am now the Secretary and Web Manager of the Association.

SP

SP

Thanks for that :-)

Tim gave permission to pass on his personal email address so have PM'd the gentlemen concerned and hopefully they have now made contact.

Agatha

Forgive me for being new to this but my late father LAC Stan Mallett was involved in the D-Day landing on Omaha. He was with 15082 and I have a few photos of him. I would be interested in liaising with anyone who would be able to help me in my search for more details about his involvement.

Further to some of the information earlier in the thread from Agatha, I can confirm that Tim Willbond is still the Association’s Heritage Member and is still contactable on [email protected]. He is always looking out for ‘new’ resources!

SP

Frank Mallett I'll contact the last surviving member of 15082, Dr Les Dobinson, and see if I can put you in direct contact :-)