
1943 Reconnaissance Photograph
of V2 Rockets at Test-Stand VII
(Photo: F/Sgt E.P.H. Peek, 504 Squadron)
of V2 Rockets at Test-Stand VII
(Photo: F/Sgt E.P.H. Peek, 504 Squadron)
The V1 and V2 rocket attacks on England during 1944/1945 were debilitating to say the least, and were to do damage both mentally and physically, and so effective were they that the attacks on London became known as the “Second Blitz“. One of the many airmen involved in hunting down and destroying the relevant rocket launching sites (known as “Operation Crossbow", November 1943-May 1945) was a South African from Witbank, Transvaal, namely Wing-Commander Lewis Alan Lynn, Royal Air Force. Lynn had initially attended the South African Training Ship (SATS) "General Botha" from 1932 - 1933 before joining the RAF, and by 1944 was operating with No 320 (Netherlands) Squadron, RAF, flying B25 Mitchell twin-engined bombers. A contemporary article published at the time was to write of him:
“A well-known South African bomber pilot skilled in the art of precision bombing was out this morning helping to smash the launching platforms [in Northern France] from which the Germans are sending their flying bombs across Southern England. He is Wing Commander L.A. Lynn, of Witbank, operating with a Mitchell bomber group of the Second Tactical Air Force [2nd TAF]. Described as one of the most experienced pilots in the group, Lynn led to-day’s assault by the R.A.F. and Dutch Mitchell bomber crews on the flying bomb installations; it was his 85th operational trip.”
“On his return he said: ‘Visibility was good, and our bombs fell in the target area all right.’ He and his group sought out skilfully camouflaged installations in the Pas de Calais area and the Mitchells hit their targets squarely despite accurate and persistent flak, some of which tailed the bombers out to the coast on their homeward trip. Flak was thick in the target areas, indicating the importance the enemy attaches to safeguarding the rocket sites. Another “secret weapon” was used against our planes without effect. This consisted of a square box-like missile fired into the air to burst and scatter long strips of silvery and apparently metallic substance, possibly designed to foul the propellors [sic], but it was completely ineffective.”
Wing-Commander Lynn was to serve with marked distinction during the war, and was awarded the DSO (1944) and Bar (1944), and the DFC (1942), as well as the Dutch “Bronze Lion” award (November 1944), having flown with No‘s 107 and 320 (Netherlands) Squadrons‘, RAF. His London Gazette citations read as follows:
Air Ministry,11th February, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve
the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Distinguished Service Order.
Acting Wing Commander Lewis Alan LYNN, D.F.C. (40124), Reserve of Air Force Officers, No. 320 Squadron.
This officer has completed a very large number of sorties and has displayed skill, courage and determination of the highest order. He is a most inspiring and forceful leader, whose personal example has been reflected in the fine fighting qualities of his squadron which has obtained many successes in recent operations over Northern France. Wing Commander Lynn has displayed outstanding keenness and devotion to duty and his achievements have been worthy of great praise
Air Ministry, 14th July, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Bar to Distinguished Service Order.
Acting Wing Commander Lewis Alan LYNN, D.S.O., DF.C. (40124), R.A.F.O.
Wing Commander Lynn has completed a large number of day and night sorties during which he has successfully attacked a wide range of strongly defended targets. He has- maintained a high standard of operational flying and his genius for leadership has been outstanding. His achievements have won great praise.