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Short Notes on No. 978 Balloon Barrage Squadron

29^th November 1941 three officers, including Squadron Leader 90697 J. L. Freeston arrived at No.2 Balloon Centre at R.A.F Hook, Surrey with a view to form No. 978 Squadron and for posting the entire squadron overseas.  Thirteen officers in total were posted to the squadron.

 On 8^th December 1941 “C” Flight took part in the Kingston War Weapons Week.

On 13^th December 1941, twenty-five other ranks and one officer proceeded by road for No.1 Balloon Centre, Kidbrooke. On the 14^th December 1941 final medical and dental inspections took place and tropical kit was issued which told the men that they were likely to be going to a hot climate. Refresher courses were run on various subjects including Mk VI balloon handling

A small rear party remained at Hook but moved to Kidbrooke on 16^th December 1941.

In the days before Xmas Trade and Test Boards put the men through their paces.

On 2^nd January 1942 the squadron was inspected, and a Ceremonial Parade took place. On the 7^th January 1942 five officers proceeded by train to Liverpool on special duty with a guard on secret documents that they carried (these gave the intended destination of the squadron and date of departure and estimated date of arrival at a foreign port). That afternoon they embarked on H.M.T Toranto. Their job was to ready the ship for accommodation. On 8^th January 1942 the rest of No.978 Squadron, comprising of nine officers and 272 other ranks left Kidbrooke and marched to Hook station for a secret destination. During the journey the train window blinds were pulled down and nobody was allowed off the train. Later that day they embarked on HMT Taranto at Liverpool. On the 14^th January 14 officers and 272 ranks disembarked from HMT Taranto at Durban, South Africa and immediately embarked on HMT Strathmore at Durban, South Africa. On 7^th March 1942 the squadron disembarked from HMT Strathmore at Bombay, India. They then marched by road to Colaba Reinforcement Camp.

On 10^th March 1942, fourteen officers and 264 other ranks left Colaba and entrained for Deolali Transit Camp. There was a small rear party of one corporal and four men left at Colaba to guard the squadron equipment. The famous Indian “Delhi Belly” had made three men sick with dysentery and they were hospitalised.

On 13^th March 1942 an advance party of one officer and eleven other ranks proceeded to Calcutta and reported to 274 Wing.

On 24^th March 1942 Squadron Leader J.C. Freeston was  admitted to Deolali Combined Hospital and released 6 days later. Once again “Delhi Belly” had struck.

On 3rd April 1942 an advance party of six officers and 60other ranks entrained at Deolali to Calcutta by train. They reported to 274 Wing on 5^th April.

Meanwhile back at Deolai Squadron Leader  J.F. Freeston was re-admitted to Deolali Combined Hospital.

On 21^st April 1942  four officers and 192 other ranks , making up the main body of No.978 Squadron entrained from Deolali Transit Camp to Calcutta.

No.978 Squadron of No.274 Wing consisted of 51 balloons to protect shipping in the Docks and Hooghly River. It was problematic that many of the balloons were sited close to flying stations at Alipore, Maidan and Red Road and were thus a potential danger to allied aircraft.

It was intended that balloons would be flown at all times; one consideration was that by doing so in the Docks area the morale of the locals working there would be improved and that the fact that the area was permanently protected would eventually filter through to the Japanese High Command and make them reconsider attacking the area.

On1st May 1942 “A” Flight was moved from temporary quarters to the North Wing of the East Indian Railway Company’s premises at Fairlie Place. On the following day the remainder of the Flight were moved from their temporary accommodation to their accommodation in the Squadron area. On 19^th May 1942 a P.B.X. telephone exchange was set up connecting Squadron H.Q with Flight H.Q.

On 27th May 1942 a free Cinema show was given by Lighthouse Cimema and held in No.1 T. G. Shed “C” Flight at 19.30 hours. It was “Tropic Holiday” featuring Dorothy Lamour.

On 28^th May all Officers had a lecture by Squadron Leader Ogilvie Stuart on Balloon Armaments. On 29^th May a new Commanding Officer, R. W. Beresford assumed command of the Squadron.

That day 107926 Pilot Officer George James Edward Leaver had been admitted to the British Military Hospital, Calcutta. News was received that he had died at 00.50 hours at the hospital from appendicitis.  He was buried at 17.30 hours with full Service honours at the Military Cemetery, Brawnipore Road, Calcutta. The Garrison Chaplain,  Reverend C. J. Alchin, officiated at the funeral. he was only 30 years of age. His parents were Edward Robert and Nellie Leaver and he was married to Vera Emily Leaver, of Colchester, Essex.

Flight Lieutenant H. W. Tucker was declared unfit for all duties and needed to have a Medical Board.

On 30^th May 1942 a Committee of Adjustment was formed to dispose of the effects of the late Pilot Officer Leaver. (When an officer was killed a Standing Committee of Adjustment collects his effects to send to his next of kin. The instructions for these committees state specifically that any clothing or items which it considered might cause distress to the relatives shall be extracted and destroyed.)

On 2^nd June 1942 the first balloon, a Mark VI, No.8974 was inflated at Site 15. Two days later a second Mark VI balloon was inflated on Site 16 and flown at 2,000 feet. It had taken 6 months and two days from formation for the squadron to fly the first operational balloon. On 6^th June 1942 the Balloon  Operators and Balloon Officers were lectured on the Theory and Practice of Mark VI balloons by Wing Commander W. Summers, M.C., D.C.M., Commanding Officer of No.274 Wing.

A Calibration balloon was flown from Calcutta Racecourse for the 1^st Anti-aircraft Brigade and a Training Balloon was flown from No.10 Shed on 10^th June 1942.

On the 11^th and 12^th of June 1942 the Medical Officer carried out a “Free From Infection” (F.F.I.) Inspection on the entire Squadron. A balloon was taken upriver on a launch by “A” Flight and flown from Howrah Bridge. Two days later it was torn in a huge storm which damaged other balloons. Squadron Leader R.W. Beresford succumbed to Dehli Beli and was hospitalised at Presidency General Hospital. Flight Lieutenant S. Holder took over.

The weather was so bad on 15^th June 1942 it that it was agreed that all balloons should be close-hauled.

On 20^th June 1942 a party consisting of Flight Lieutenant S. Holden, the Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant K.L. Thorne, Flight Lieutenant J.W. Chapman and other ranks, 841892 Corporal F. Wyld, and 926488 Leading Aircraftman E. Springthorne, went to R.A.F. Station Dum-Dum to meet H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester on his departure by air from Calcutta at 07.15 hours.

Pilot Officer P.W. Holder was admitted to The British Military Hospital, Lahore.

On 22^nd June 1942 Squadron Leader R.W Beresford was discharged from Hospital and resumed command on 4^th July 1942. On this date all forty balloon sites were deployed. On 7^th July 1942 a Service Institute was formed under the control of Flight Lieutenant J.C. Fitzgeorge-Parker as President. 842070 Corporal J.D. Chapman, 977408 Leading Aircraftman W. Wood, 919840 Leading Aircraftman E.R. Hewer, 1252185 Leading Aircraftman F.J.Pollard, and 1130926 Aircraftman 1^st Class H. Julian.

On the 23^rd July 1942 Pilot Officer A.D. du Heaume and thirty other ranks were entertained at the Saturday Club and had swimming, tea and tickets for the Calcutta cinemas

On 25^th July 1942 an Experimental Balloon shuttle service was begun by Merchant Ship “Manaar” sailing from Kidderpore Docks with a balloon flown by three Balloon Operators.

26^th July 1942 the Squadron was made up of three Flights.

Sites were given a code name to denote their position.

“WATER”  meant a balloon site that was waterborne,

“TOC” meant a balloon site that was under the control of the Officer Commanding Alipore, which covered all balloons operating within 1 ½ miles radius from the aerodromes at Alipore, Maidan and Red Road.

“EMMA” meant a balloon site outside the area controlled by Alipore but under the control of Flying Operations Room (F.O.R).

“A” Flight

“B” Flight

“C” Flight

In Summary:

On 30^th July 1942 twenty-three new airmen arrived from the UK and joined No.978 Squadron.

On the 7^th August 1942 Flight Lieutenant J.C. Fitzgeorge-Parker and thirty other ranks were entertained at the Saturday Club and had swimming, tea and tickets for the cinemas

On the 19^th August 1942 Flying Officer K.T. Stone was admitted to the British Military Hospital. Ambala.

On the 21st August 1942 Pilot Officer P.W. Holder and forty other ranks were entertained by the Saturday Club and had swimming, attendance at the 300 Club  for tea and tickets for the cinemas

On 26^th August 1942 the Steamship “Pundit” left Kidderpore Docks with a consignment of Shuttle Service balloons.

On 28^th August 1942 ten airmen from No.978 Squadron were entertained to tea and cinema  by the 300 Club.

On 6^th September 1942, steamships, Shickshinny and City of Corinth sailed from Calcutta with a Shuttle Service of balloons.

On 9^th September 1942 twenty men were entertained with swimming and refreshments at the Calcutta Swimming Club. The steamship Marwarri sailed from Calcutta with Shuttle Service balloons.

On 12^th October 1942 there were discussions on how they might make use of the Indian workers and how they might proceed with the “Indianisation” of No.978 Squadron. On 13^th October 1942 they were aware that even with a war on, India was still a country where strikes and civil disturbances were still happening. There were various suggestions about defending the balloon site sin the event of such issues. On 19^th October 1942 the first Indian Officer, R.C. Dube reported for duty to No.978 Squadron from the Indian Army. Throughout October a number of Indian Officers arrived for duty with the Squadron.

On 3^rd December 1942 the Hydrogen Plant based in the Imperial Chemical Industries at Rishrah. When a bottle was being filled with hydrogen, the brass valve blew out and injured 1402467 Leading Aircraftman C. Green. He was hospitalised at the British Military Hospital, Calcutta.

On 20^th December 1942 the air raid sirens sounded and the Flying Operations Room ordered all balloons to be close-hauled. A Japanese air attack took place and at 22.20 hours, five bombs were dropped in Kidderpore Dock No.2. The bombs fell on an East to West pattern. Several “coolies” were injured along with a few civilians. The all clear was sounded at 00.12 hours on 21^st December 1942. The barrage was readied for action.

On the 22^nd December 1942 at 03.23 hours the air raid sirens sounded. One Japanese aircraft came in from south to north. Five bombs were dropped across Kiddepore Dock No.1. (“B” Flight area).

A barge was sunk in the dock. One India, 20083 Leading Aircraftman Abdul Majid was seriously wounded on site 4. He was hospitalised and placed on the dangerously Injured list.  

On Christmas Eve there was panic when at 01.35 hours an Indian was found on site 15 attempting to release a barrage balloon. He was detained and later handed over to the Indian authorities. Latr at 07.00 hours 15 balloons were flown at 2,000 feet. At 10.20 hours a Hurricane B.N. 325 struck the cable of the tandem balloons on site 27. Luckily the plane although damaged by the bomb exploding, managed to land safely at Alipore Aerodrome. The balloon cable became electrified when it was draped over some High Tension cables. Sadly, an Indian named Jahbur Ali of Fatehpore touched the cable and was electrocuted. One of the tandem balloons was unsalvageable. On Christmas Day 1942 a large party given by the Bengal Nagpur Railway was held at the Garden Reach Compound. Elsewhere the men were treated to a Christmas Dinner by the Squadron Commander and other officers. The Squadron Commander and the Adjutant visited all Flight Headquarters and balloon sites to check on the welfare of the men.

On 9^th January 1943 Lieutenant Commander Webb, Royal Naval Reserve called on behalf of Captain Sanderson, Royal Marines to discuss the possibility of placing barrage balloons at intervals down the river. On the 16^th January Lieutenant-Colonel Atkinson of the 1^st Indian Anti-Aircraft Brigade called at Squadron H.Q. to discuss co-operation between the Balloon Barrage and the Light Anti-Aircraft Brigade.

On the 19^th January the day began with 15 balloons at 2,000 feet and 3 at 300 feet. In the evening a total of 46 balloons were flown at 2,000 feet for the night. At 21.05 the air raid warning sounded,  and 41 balloons were kept at 2,000 feet and 5 at 4,000 feet. An enemy plane was seen dropping flares and later two enemy planes crashed near Budge Budge and no bombs were dropped.

On the 23^rd January an air raid took place at Chittagong at 1207 hours at Chittagong. 14 enemy bombers approached the Dock area from the East and turned South-west at 15,000 feet. At 1212 hours a number of high explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped causing considerable damage and fires. An ammunition barge caught fire. Anti-aircraft guns went into action. Two balloons broke away but were recovered. The Flight inflation shed was wrecked and 13 balloons inside were destroyed. Other R.A.F. buildings were hit and some R.A.F. equipment was lost and damaged.

A number of airmen were casualties: A Balloon Operator, 619686 Leading Aircraftman Richard Carruthers, age 26, received a head wound and was hospitalized as seriously injured. He died at No. 68, Chittagong General Hospital on the 24^th January 1943.  He was the son of Ben and Annie Carruthers, of Upperbey, Carlisle, Cumberland and the husband of Doris Carruthers (Nee Bass), they had been married in late 1941. Richard Carruthers had lived at 66 Murray Road, Ealing and had joined No. 906 Balloon Barrage Squadron at Hampstead before the war. He had been part of No.978 Squadron Rover Flight and was buried the same day at Chittagong War Cemetery. Wing Commander W. Summers M.C., D.C.M., M.M., attended along with Flight Lieutenant S. Kilburn and men of No. 978 Squadron Rover Flight.

Other casualties were 1251025 Leading Aircraftman C. Tapp, who had a bullet wound in the chest, 1278061 Aircraftman J. Grosvenor who had a shrapnel wound in his back. Both Aircraftmen Tapp and Grosvenor made good recoveries. On 17^th February a special detachment left No.978 Squadron H.Q. for service at Air H.Q., New Delhi. It was led by Pilot Officer G.R. Kadapa with three Balloon Operators, three enrolled followers and fourteen Indian other ranks. They were to take part in a demonstration at the Defence Service Exhibition, New Delhi.

On 15^th February the Services Mobile Cinema Unit showed a Indian language “talkie” film which was much appreciated by the Indian other ranks and showed over two evenings. On 28^th March members of No.978 Squadron attended a special Air Force Anniversary Church service at St. Nicholas Church in Nimakmahal Road.

On 1^st April 1943 the Squadron held a parade on the Bengal National Railway Sports Field to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The salute was taken by Squadron Leader R.W. Beresford. The colours (Indian Air Force Flag) were hoisted. A special Indian Air Force postcard was distributed along with copies of the Indian Air Force History “Ten Years Old”.

On 19^th May 1943 the Flying Policy was reviewed, and it was decided to close-haul the balloons at night and keep them in readiness with any air raid warnings.

In June 1943 there was much work done to increase the number of telephone connections to improve efficiency. The weather worsened with torrential rain in the latter half of June many balloon sites were flooded out. Throughout July, August and September storms, and cyclones limited balloon activity.

On 5^th December 1943 an air raid warning was given at 11.20 hours. The heaviest bombing raid yet was about to happen. The balloons were raised, and the first bombload fell at 11.47 hours and the second bombload was at 12.25 hours. It was estimated that around twenty-two bombers came from the East at around 15,000 feet and flew off to the West. The second attack was made up of eight bombers from the East at around 15,000 feet and flew off to the West.

The first attack had four anti-personnel bombs and on 500lb bomb fell within No.978 Squadron area.

As a result of the raid 920857 Aircraftman 2^nd Class George Repton was killed. He was 40 years of age, he was the son of Arthur and Alice Repton and the husband of Josephine Lilian Repton (Nee Willivise), of Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey. He had married his wife in December 1931. Before the war he had lived at 1 Garage View London Road, Hawley, Hants and had been working as Carpenter.

His funeral took place on 6^th December at the British Medical Hospital Cemetery at 09.00 hours.

1529654 Aircraftman 2^nd Class Leslie Straughan was dangerously injured. At 12.55 hours two ambulances and two medical officers were sent out. The “All Clear” was sounded at 13.05 hours. Six balloons were destroyed, and numerous others damaged. Despite this the unit was back to full operational duty by 17.00 hours. There was shrapnel damage to eight Hydrogen trailers containing thirty filled “C” type cylinders. Many cylinders were holed, and trailer tyres were set on fire. Several buildings were damaged as well as the H.Q. and Officer’s Mess.

Two Wickham Balloon Winches, two Hydrogen Trailers, sixty “C” type cylinders, one Hydrogen plant, three storage tanks, two Nurse balloons, twelve balloons, one air blower, six ground sheets, three bicycles.

On 7^th December 1529654 Aircraftman 2^nd Class Leslie Straughan, age 30, passed away at 02.00 hours from his injuries sustained on 5th December. He was the son of John Thomas Straughan and Mary Nicholson Straughan, of Ashington, Northumberland and the husband of Rosina Mons Straughan (Nee Morton), of Ashington whom he married in 1936. Before the war he was living at 50 1/2 Maple Street, Ashington, Northumberland with his wife Rosina. He had been working as a Colliery Caster above ground as well as being in the Auxiliary Fire Service. He was buried in the British Medical Hospital Cemetery at 18.00 hours.

1943

On 12^th January the news was received that 2087 Pilot Officer Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, age 28, of No.978 Squadron had been found with a gunshot wound to the head at 22.15hours. He passed away in the early hours of the 13^th January. He as the son of Abdul Sattar Khan, of Saharanpur, India. He was buried on 14^th January at Mohammad Cemetery, Kiddapore. His death was not ruled as a suicide or a murder.

On 39^th April the need for more Indianisation of the unit meant that it had been deemed essential to give all Indian other ranks/Balloon Operators two hours educational instruction each week during April. Five classes were held every day in General Knowledge, Basic English and Mathematics. In the month the Squadron played eight football matches of which the won six and lost two. Tennis matches for Balloon Operators were also played. Games of “Housie Houie” (Bingo) were also played on two occasions. The unit also held a series of Variety Entertainment for all  the Allied troops which was held at the Continental Services Club and the Y.M.C.A..

May was a routine and the Indian other ranks/Balloon Operators were given four hours per day of education. Weather worsened and meant that many men had to abandon classes to deal with their balloons.

Much interest was had in Carpentry and Leatherwork in Craft classes. Sports played were football, volleyball. “Housie Housie” (Bingo) was very popular in the Bengal National Railway Canteen. The Squadron again gave Variety Entertainment at several venues during the month.

June was again another routine month with no enemy activity. Interestingly there was no mention of the invasion of Europe by the Allied forces on D-Day. Education continued with a Junior and Senior class in Basic English in “C” Flight, a new leading Aircraftman Class was started and a night class for the “backward” pupils in “C” Flight. “B” Flight has a Basic English class, but this was limited due to the men being needed on the balloon sites. The Enrolled Followers were very enthusiastic about their Basic English with a class of 22. Handicrafts such as Carpentry, Painting, Drawing and Leatherwork were popular.  All Flights were given vegetable seeds for planting.

Information Rooms were established with a range of periodicals to hand. The Squadron Balloon operators gave three Concert Parties, one at the American Red Cross, one at Camac Street Convalescent Home and another at Services Centre, Dharantollah Street. Sport was buoyant with six football matches played, the Squadron winning five and losing one. “B” and “C” Flights played volley-ball.

In July the Squadron Continued with routine work throughoutthe month with no enemy activity and balloons always readied for deployment. Education was ongoing for the Indian personnel.  Before each class ten minutes was devoted to giving the class up to date War news.

The Squadron reported for the first time on the detailed medical status of the Squadron.

A Sick Quarters with ten beds was opened with special foods available. In sport eight football matches were played by the Squadron with only one lost. A Free From Infection inspection was carried out on all Indian Other Ranks and Enrolled Followers. The Squadron gave one night of entertainment in the Y.M.C.A.

August was a routine month with balloons held in readiness and no enemy incursions. Education was showing clear benefits with classes for those who have passed the Leading Aircraftmen Test and those intending to sit the Sergeants Educational Test. At Rishra a Correspondence Course for Indian Other Ranks was popular.

Medical details were shown to be much improved.

Entertainment was less with three Raffians Concert Parties and one Canteen Capers at Station H.Q. Five football matches were played where the Squadron won two. lost two and drew one.

Throughout September and October 1944 very little balloon flying took place this resulted in considerable boredom for many of the personnel. In September The Squadron had Four Ruffians concerts and played four football matches. The Fauji Dilush Sabha (Society to make the Hearts of Soldiers Glad) which was the Indian version of the British ENSA troop entertainment, gave a two-hour concert to 100 men. The so-called Beresford Club was providing good entertainment raising the morale of the Squadron.

In October a further information room was opened at the Station headquarters along with the fifth Volley Ball court. At the end of October the Squadron medical status was very good

In November 1944 the Squadron remained at readiness with very few balloons allowed to fly. The Indian Air Force enthusiastically began English education classes. Four Indians took the Sergeant’s test and thirty-three the L.A.C.’s test. Music lessons were also started.

Throughout December 1944 there was virtually no balloon flying. On Christmas Day the Squadron had Xmas Dinner at Firpos Restaurant. The Commanding Officer and all officers were present. Mr Firpos gave 450 Rupees to the R.A.F Benevolent Find in the name of the airmen. The Calcutta Y.W.C.A. held a concert on 15^th December 1944 for 50 men of the Indian Air Force. A free lunch was provided in the Indian canteen by Sir Biren Mukerji. Kalewa had a Bailey Bridge and it was decided to maintain balloon protection for that.

January 1945 was also a month with minimal flying due to weather conditions.

On 21^st January 1945, 30513 Indian Aircraftman 2^nd Class J. S. D’Cruz, age 25, died of Yellow Atrophy of the liver. The Squadron began the slow process of winding down much of its activities with more and more work being handed over to the Indian Air Force.

©  Peter Garwood 2022

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