Can anyone tell me about operations named "sweepstake" apparently performed by non-operational H.C.U's (heavy conversion units). My father flew on one such mission while he was at HCU Lindholme on March 17th 1945. He flew Lancaster NG379 for 8 Hrs 20 mins. It was recorded in his logbook as"x/c (sweepstake) + bombing (8). He described it in his diary as his first "semi-op". I think they may have been diversionary missions over France. He commented that on the next Sweepstake 4 bombers were lost so obviously it was in hostile territory.
Hi Tony, On the night of 17/18th March 45, a mixed force of Lancasters and Halifax's from training units were sent on a sweep over Northern France to draw up enemy fighters, i suspect that this is what your father is referring to. Alan.
Thanks Alan. I searched Lost Bombers and found an entry for Halifax PN366 that was lost after such a raid on 24th Feb 1945. An engine caught fire and the crew feathered the wrong one causing the plane to crash.
-- Edited by Fleming on Sunday 9th of January 2011 01:33:32 PM
