Costal Commands exploits during the war I find are somewhat forgotten hence the nickname the ‘Cinderella Service’, obviously their most famous claim to fame is the campaign waged against the U-Boats alongside the Royal Navy which ultimately resulted in victory in the Atlantic this is something most people are familiar with.
Thought id share some some interesting stories from the Archives I have acsess too at RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre.
RCAF No. 407 Squadron nicked named “Demon Squadron” for their daring attacks against German shipping operating in the North Sea, mainly Gerrman convoys ferrying Iron ore and other resources from Norwegians ports to Dutch Ports specifically Rotterdam flying at mast height at night they enganged in these near suicidal strikes. They were quite successful otherwise they wouldnt have earned the name the “Demon Squadron” however they arent without their strokes of bad lucks it seems.
On the night of May 15th/16th 1942 a flight of 12 No. 407 Lockheed Hudsons took off from from Bircham Newtons Satellite Airfield at Docking to attack a convoy off the Frisian Islands they were supported also by the 5 Aircraft from No. 320 (Dutch) Squadron. It didnt go well, the squadron attacked flying at a ships mast height however the ships in the convoy had plenty of Anti Aircraft guns and with the aircraft silhouetted against the moonlight sky 5 Aircraft were shot down with the loss of 21 Squadron Crew killed and 1 taken prisoner. 2 more aircraft were severely damaged and managed to crash land back at Docking.
No. 320 Squadron only suffered 1 loss when one of their Lockheed Hudsons was shot down by a German Night fighter and 4 men KIA.
Despite the disastrous attack the Squadron managed to destroy the Norwegian Coal steamer MV Selje and a Patrol Boat V 2002.
You dont often hear about these sorts of operations by coastal command so thought id share it! And i’ll share some more for anyone interested 
Photo of one of the Damaged Hudsons that crash landed back after the raid
