6 Group Unavailable
403 had two operations. Morning escort (Ramrod 637), afternoon sweep (Ranger 127/23)
From 430 Daily Operations Record Book:
"RANGER 127/23: Our aircraft took off from Friston on this ranger and swept areas of Evereux, Paris, Melun, Creil. The swoop was uneventful until just after our aircraft had passed Evereux where a few bursts of flak were encountered. Three of our aircraft were hit by intense accurate light flak thrown up from a wood near Saint-Andre l'Eure and Flying Officer Ballantyne's aircraft was seen to strike the ground and explode. Flight Lieutenant Goldberg reported that he would have to force land and was last seen gliding down with flaps down at about 300 feet. Flying Officer Preston's aircraft was also damaged. South of Saint-Andre L'Eure the weather was seen to be closing in with 10/10th low cloud and so our aircraft turned for base. They crossed out the French coast at Trouville where light flak was experienced. Three army lorries where shot up and claimed as destroyed in the vicinity of Verneuil. No enemy aircraft were seen."
From 403 Monthly Summary Operations Record Book
"Two shows today and also 21 non-operational sorties. We were escort wing on the morning do and this afternoon carried out an eight man Ranger. No enemy aircraft were seen. On the Ranger we lost two pilots, Flying Officer DH Ballantyne and Flight Lieutenant D Goldberg our adjutant. Flying Officer J Preston's aircraft was severely damaged by flank but he managed to land at Friston. Flying Officer Ballantyne's aircraft was seen to hit the ground and explode and very little hope in mind for him. He has been posted as missing believed killed. Flight Lieutenant Goldberg reported that he was going to attempt a crash landing. He has been posted as missing but all are hoping he will be walking back to see us one of these days. Flying Officer L Foster was posted to No 53 OTU ??? today."
Daily Operations Record Book
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