279 Squadron

23 June 1942

Walrus: Crew P/O Trevallion and Sgt Templeton

Duty: Search 04511 for crew of ‘Wellington’

Up: 10.30

Down: 12.20

Details:

Dinghy containing five men reported as definitely seen. Aircraft took off and vectored 050 degree to a position 60 miles from coast. Aircraft was joined by escort of two Spitfires over coast.

The radio was good, at first, but after 30 miles from coast all messages had to pass through escort. Further vector of 060 degree, 070 degree and 080 degree was given, the final one with an instruction that dinghy was 8 miles ahead.

A ‘Wellington’ then appeared circled the ‘Walrus’ and put his wheels down: ‘Walrus’ followed it. After 3 minutes another ‘Wellington’ and a ‘Hudson’ were seen and the dinghy was spotted 2 miles distant.

One of the circling aircraft dropped smoke float and the ‘Walrus’ alighted on the sea 50 yards from dinghy. The usual Rescue Procedure was carried out, and being fit the 5 men were able to climb aboard the ‘Walrus’ without any difficulty, assisted by Sgt Templeton.

The sea conditions were rough – between 3-4ft [high waves]. It was decided to puncture the dingy to relieve aircraft of weight. P/O Trevallion then proceeded to take off again, but owing to the overload in the aircraft it was not until his third attempt that this was achieved.

The rescued men were given rum and one of them fell asleep on the return journey. Aircraft was escorted back as far as the coast and proceeded to base.