TOP SECRET
Points to be
brought out in briefing
(i) Warn
pathfinders and 14 para aircraft detailed to drop on DZ K at CT - 5 that
Halifaxes will be bombing powder factory a few miles away at time of their
drop.
(ii) Warn
Halifaxes to ensure bombs do not fall too near DZ K.
(iii) Warn
Pathfinders and other aircraft dropping on DZ K not to wander too far south
after dropping, as night fighters may be operating in this area.
(iv) Warn
all aircraft and in particular those dropping on DZ V that battery is likely to
be covered with smoke etc due to the Oboe bombing between CT - 4.50 and CT – 4.40.
This smoke may drift.
(v) Inform
crews of pre-arranged signal for recall. This is extremely unlikely to be given
during TONGA but may be needed during MALLARD. It must be emphasised that this
signal is unlikely to be sent. When sent it will be repeated “x” times at
intervals of “y” seconds so that there can be no mistake.
(vi) Warn
all crews that they must be prepared to find their LZ and DZ without the aid of
Eureka and lights, as the I.P. party etc may be too busily engaged with the
enemy to put them out.
(vii) Warn
46 Group that they must keep close up. Their exercises have not been too good
in this respect. If they straggle it means that the timing of the remainder is
thrown out.
(viii) Warn
all crews that if gliders are not released or paratroops not dropped on first
run in, they are to fly straight on and later make a left hand sweep going
round to drop or release again after the remainder of the stream has passed.
(ix) Warn
all tugs that if gliders become detached en route they are to bring the ropes
back as evidence that it was the rope that broke or that the glider released.
(x) Emphasise
vital importance of allowing the pathfinders a full 30 minutes.
(xi) Emphasise
vital importance of keeping to the timings because night fighters etc are
involved.
(xii) As
regards MALLARD and ROB-ROY remind crews that balloons may be flying on beaches
and surface craft, although instructions have been given for the balloons to be
close hauled to 100 ft in the area 6 miles west of the River ORNE estuary
whilst the operation is in progress.
(xiii) Ensure
that all tug and glider pilots have marked photographs.
(xiv) Emphasise
to pathfinders that the holophane lights and in particular the red indicator
must be in a position from which they can be seen by aircraft approaching at a
low altitude from the sea.
(xv) Emphasise
to pathfinders that they must get the Eureka going at all costs even if it is
500 yds or so from the right place. If necessary they can set it going and transport
it nearer the right place whilst it is working. Remind them that aircraft will
be triggering the Eureka from 6 to 10 miles out.
(xvi) Inform
all crews that, notwithstanding any tables already issued, the official time of
civil twilight for airborne and night bombing operations is 05.20B. When
briefing Squadron Commanders etc, the CT hours should be converted to clock
hours on the basis of 05.20B.
(xvii) Emphasise
to 46 Group Station Commanders that the only authorised briefing instructions
are those issued by 38 Group. On no account are they to accept amendments to
the briefing from 46 Group Headquarters without reference to 38 Group.
(xviii) Warn
all Squadron Commanders that they, and their crews, when briefed, are not permitted
on any account to mention or discuss the operation for which they have been
briefed outside the briefing or “Gen” room. Entrance to these rooms is to be
prohibited to anyone who has not been briefed (Station Commanders must be
warned of this).
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