User:Gunbirddriver/Master Bomber (RAF)

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Master bomber
Described by Currie pp=37-38

The role of the Master Bomber was to ensure the 'heavies' dropped their bombs in the right place. He would be over the target area for the whole a raid. The Master Bomber would check on the fall of the TI's. He would then tell the following bomber crews where to bomb in relation to the TI's. 5 Group used 627 Sqd., Mosquitoes as primary markers. They marked visually, as against the other Groups who used electronic marking such as OBOE (105 & 109 Sqds.). The Master Bomber would also keep an eye out for crews who started to bomb to early. If the target needed more TI's then, again it would be down to the Master Bomber to call up the markers to drop fresh flares.

The rank of the Master Bomber could be quite low, but he would have a lot of experience, probably a 2nd tour aircrew.

Example of a 5 Group controller
This is a different animal. The 5 Group method split the duties, and had a Marker Leader in charge of marking the target and calling in back-up markers, and a Main Force controller responsible for calling in the bombing force. See Mailly-le-Camp.

JEUDWINE, John Raymond, G/C, OBE, DFC (33116, Royal Air Force) - No.54 Base - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 22 September 1944. Commissioned 17 December 1934.

Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has successfully completed numerous sorties against dangerous and difficult targets. He has continued to display the highest standard of skill and bravery and has executed his assignments with the greatest determination in the face of anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. He is a brilliant leader.

Public Record Office Air 2/9159 has recommendation drafted 4 August 1944 by the Air Officer Commanding, No.54 Base. He then held the appointment of Base Air Staff Officer as well as being a Master Bomber. He had flown 67 sorties (230 hours 30 minutes) of which 14 sorties (69 hours 20 minutes) had been since his previous award.

Wing Commander Jeudine has now completed a total of 67 operational sorties, of which 33 were carried out by daylight in the Far and Middle East. He has done 14 sorties since he was recommended for his last award.

Since the beginning of May 1944, he has been employed as a Group Controller (Master Bomber), in which capacity he has carried out twelve sorties including the attack against Brunswick on 22/23 May 1944. This role necessitated his remaining in the immediate vicinity of the target at low altitudes for very long periods, thus exposing himself unduly to the enemy ground air defences. It is worthy of note that his last two sorties were undertaken whilst he was employed as Air Staff Officer at this Headquarters - a Staff appointment which normally does not place any obligation on the holder to participate in operational flying; moreover on both these occasions he flew in a type of aircraft new to this Group and to himself, i.e. the Lightning, single-seater, which calls for the most accurate D.R. navigation.

It is difficult to single out any particular mission or special commendation. On all of them he has displayed a keen relish for operations, an unusual determination to complete his allotted task successfully, and exceptional gallantry. On many occasions he had to contend with heavy anti-aircraft fire and potential attacks from enemy fighters, but these did not deter him from remaining in the target area until his job was done. Two typical examples were the attacks against the ammunition depot at Salbris (7/8 May 1944) and the river bridges at Caen (12/13 June 1944).

The first attack was carried out under conditions of full moon and in the face of strong enemy fighter opposition. Nevertheless, Wing Commander Jeudine remained in the target area for over 30 minutes, and whilst on his own bombing run was twice attacked by a Dornier 217. Displaying his customary fortitude he completed his bombing run and then proceeded to adopt such efective combat manoeuvres as to render the enemy's fire nugatory.

On the second occasion he was flying in a Mosquito, and on reaching the target area his port engine was hit by anti-aircraft fire and put out of action. Notwithstanding the act that he was then at a height of only 1,000 feet and in the midst of a very "hot" anti-aircraft area, he postponed his return to Base until he had handed over control to his Deputy and had satisfied himself that the attack was progressing smoothly.

For his outstanding operational record, and his exceptional conduct, particularly during the past three months, this gallant officer is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order.

On 5 August 1944, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Ralph Cochrane, Air Officer Commanding, No.5 Group, added his remarks:

Wing Commander Jeudine first commanded No.619 Squadron in this Group and during his period of command raised the squadron to a very high standard of operational efficiency. He was then selected to fill one of the new appointments of Group Master Bomber, in which he succeeded brilliantly. I strongly recommend an immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order for his outstanding operational record set out in the foregoing citation.

This was duly approved on 11 August 1944 by Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command.