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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 52

The Superb Second War 'Immediate' 1943 Jena Raid D.S.O., 'Immediate' First Daylight Attack on Berlin D.F.C. and Gestapo H.Q. Raids Second and Third Award Bars, A.F.C. Group of Eleven to Air Commodore E.B. 'Daisy' Sismore, Royal Air Force. Recognised As the R.A.F.'s Finest Wartime Low-Level Navigator, He Planned and Took Part in Some of the Most Daring Raids of the Second War; Leaving Goering Speechless in Berlin, 31.1.1943, Planning the Amiens Jail Raid, 19.8.1944, and Leading the Formations in the Last of the "Mosquito Daylight Spectaculars" - on the Gestapo Headquarters in Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odense
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, reverse of suspension bar officially dated '1943', with integral top riband bar
b) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated '1943', with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1944', and Third Award Bar, reverse officially dated '1945'
c) Air Force Cross, E.II.R., reverse officially dated '1956'
d) 1939-1945 Star
e) Air Crew Europe Star, with France and Germany Bar
f) Africa Star
g) Defence and War Medals
h) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Arabian Peninsula (Wg. Cdr. E.B. Sismore. R.A.F.)
i) Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R. (Act. Flt. Lt. E.B. Sismore R.A.F.V.R.)
j) Denmark, Kingdom, Order of the Dannebrog, Knight's breast Badge, C.X.R. (1912-47), 60mm including crown suspension x 30mm, silver-gilt and enamel, minor white enamel damaged to last, otherwise generally good very fine, mounted court-style as originally worn, with the following related items:
- Royal Aero Club, Britannia Trophy, engraved, 'E.B. Sismore 1947'
- Danish silver matchbox, presented to recipients of the Order of the Dannebrog, crowned C.X.R. cipher on lid, with the recipient's initials 'E.B.S.' engraved below
- Lighter, engraved 'Birte W', presented to the recipient by a member of staff at the Jeanne d'Arc School, Copenhagen, when the recipient re-visited Copenhagen, May 1945
- silver-plated salver, engraved 'Presented to Air Cdre. E.B. Sismore, D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C. on retirement from the Royal Air Force by Gp. Capts J.J. Burke and R.J. Street 23rd June 1976'
- Four Pewter Tankards, engraved '85 Sqn. Ldr. Sismore 1952-1953'; 'Presented To S/Ldr. E.B. Sismore By The Pilots And Navigators Of 29 Squadron May 1953 To January 1956'; 'Presented To Wg. Cdr. E.B. Sismore. By the members of No.137 Squadron Apr. 1959.' and lastly 'Presented By Bruggen R.F.C. To Group Captain E.B. Sismore D.S.O., D.F.C, A.F.C.'
- No.1 Uniform, complete with R.A.F Wings, medal ribands, and trousers; Dress Uniform with trousers; riband bars and cloth insignia
- Two R.A.F. Observer's And Air Gunner's Flying Log Books (13.6.1940-31.10.1944 and 5.11.1944-14.6.1951); R.A.F. Pilot's Log Book (6.6.1947-12.11.1963), privately leather bound
- Bestowal Document for the D.S.O., named to Acting Flight Lieutenant Edward Barnes Sismore, D.F.C., and dated 18.6.1943
- Bestowal Document for the Danish Order of the Dannebrog, named to Squadron Leader Edward B. Sismore, and dated 21.12.1946, together with Danish Legation enclosure
- The recipient's R.A.F. Navigation Warrant, First Class, dated 21.5.1946
- Postagram to the recipient from Air Chief Marshal A.T. Harris congratulating him on the award of his D.S.O., dated 4.6.1943; and two other congratulatory telegrams
- A number of books, often inscribed to recipient, including: Missions dans la RAF, by Colonel Phillipe Livry-Level; Front Line In Denmark, pamphlet by T.M. Terkelsen; L'Operation "Jericho", by Remy; Mosquito Thunder No.105 Squadron RAF At War 1942-5, by Stuart R. Scott; Mission Completed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry; The Savage Canary, The Story of Resistance in Denmark, by D. Lampe
- Nine Navigational Reference books from wartime service
- Two DVDs, The Shell House Raid, includes interviews with the recipient as the master navigator for the raid; Battlefield Mysteries, Bandits of the Air
- Order of Service for recipient's Memorial; copies of Obituaries from The Daily Telegraph and The Times; and other ephemera (lot)

D.S.O. London Gazette 18.6.1943 Acting Flight Lieutenant Edward Barnes Sismore, D.F.C. (130208), R.A.F.V.R., 139 Sqn.
The Recommendation states: 'On 27th May, 1943, this Officer was Navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation of 14 detailed to attack targets at Jena, Germany, in daylight. The total distance was 1,100 miles, over 500 of which were to be covered at very low level in daylight, through strong defences, both from the ground and the air, in occupied and enemy territory. Weather conditions were not as expected, being very clear over the first part of the route, but deteriorating badly towards the target. Visibility was reduced to less than a mile for the last 150, and was not more than half a mile for the last 40.
In spite of these difficulties, Flying Officer Sismore navigated with extreme accuracy, and finally brought the formation up to the target along the pre-arranged run. The attack was made at low level in the face of very heavy anti-aircraft defences and balloons. Over the target itself, a light anti-aircraft shell burst in the cockpit, wounding the Pilot. Flying Officer Sismore coolly rendered First Aid, and helped the Pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. He then continued his accurate navigation, and the aircraft returned safely to base.

This Officer was Navigator of the leading aircraft of a formation which attacked Berlin in daylight, arriving precisely at the scheduled time. Since then, he has completed 11 successful sorties, all of which have called for the highest degree of navigational skill at low level. All crews of the formation which carried out the attack on Jena are unanimous in saying that it was a magnificent navigational feat in face of difficulties.
I strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order.'

D.F.C. London Gazette 16.2.1943 Pilot Officer Edward Barnes Sismore (130208), R.A.F.V.R., 105 Sqn.
The Recommendation states: 'On January 30th 1943, this Officer was the Navigator of a crew detailed for a special operation in daylight against Berlin. The success of the operation largely depended on the attack being made at a precise time, and for this reason, it had to be carried out regardless of weather conditions and the pre-flight plan had to be adhered to in every detail. The outward journey involved a trip of over 500 miles most of which was over German territory and into the heart of the defences, both Fighter and Anti-Aircraft, of the country. Further, the length of the trip was such that only economical cruising speed could be maintained, since the conservation of petrol was an important aspect. The advantage of the high speed of the aircraft was therefore largely lost, except over the target itself.
In order to get in under the enemy warning system, two thirds of the flight was carried out at very low level. This later necessitated a long climb, during which period, the aircraft was particularly vulnerable to Fighter interception and attack. In addition, the crew were well aware of the acknowledged strong Anti-Aircraft defences against a daylight attack.
All these hazardous aspects made it necessary for the mission to be carried out with the utmost skill and determination. As is well known, it was carried out precisely as planned and the attack delivered within seconds of the specified time.
P/O Sismore has now completed 37 sorties and has shown himself a skilful Navigator, and a very keen operational observer.'

D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 15.12.1944 Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes Sismore, D.S.O., D.F.C. (130208), R.A.F.V.R.
The Recommendation states: 'This officer has an exceedingly fine record as a navigator, and was awarded the D.S.O. for daylight attacks on Berlin. He has navigated W/Cmdr. Reynolds in attacks on Noball targets since the beginning of the year, achieving great accuracy where safety depended upon a matter of yards on or off track. In two of these strikes he navigated for the A.O.C. 2 Group. Since D Day he has flown many sorties at night against the German Armies in France, Belgium and Holland.
S/Ldr. Sismore has been Wing Navigation Officer since 19th August, 1944, and his previous high standard has been maintained and bettered. On 14th July 1944 he took part in the attack on the Gestapo barracks at Bonneil Matours, while in a subsequent attack on barracks at Poitiers on 1st August 1944 he led the Wing, showing complete accuracy in a very long low-level. Throughout this time his attention to detail and devotion to duty have been exceptional, making him an outstanding Navigation Officer and a great factor in the overall fighting efficiency of the Wing.
On 31st October 1944 he led 32 aircraft at Aarhus, on a very long low-level attack on the Gestapo headquarters. The complete success of this attack is due in no small measure to S/Ldr. Sismore's meticulous skill, and for his success on this occasion, coupled with his outstanding keeness and hard work, I recommend him for the immediate award of a bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.'

Remarks by Air Officer Commanding, H.Q. No. 2 Group, Air Marshal B.E. Embry: 'I strongly endorse this recommendation for the award of a Bar to the D.F.C. Squadron Leader Sismore was leading navigator in the raid on the Gestapo Headquarters at Aarhus on 31st October, 1944, and in spite of bad weather, he skillfully led the formation to the target along the route planned. Accurate navigation on this occasion was vitally necessary, in order to avoid enemy defences, and a big responsibility rested on the shoulders of this officer. In addition, this officer has performed much useful and skilful work in this Group as a navigator, and he well deserves immediate recognition.'

D.F.C. Third Award Bar London Gazette 22.6.1945 Acting Squadron Leader Edward Barnes Sismore (130208), R.A.F.V.R.
The Recommendation (given by Group Captain R.N. 'Pinpoint' Bateson) states: 'Squadron Leader Sismore has been Wing Navigation Officer since 19th August, 1944, and during this period his high standard of work both in the air and on the ground has been an inspiration to the rest of the crews.
On 21.3.1945 this Officer was leading navigator of a formation of 18 Mosquitos with fighter escort detailed to destroy the Gestapo H.Q. at Copenhagen, in Denmark. The attack was carried out in daylight under adverse weather conditions and necessitated a 300 mile crossing of sea and a track over heavily defended areas. It was essential that a good landfall was made and that the formation remained on track. The target was successfully attacked and the building set on fire, killing a large number of the Gestapo and destroying their documents.
On 17.4.1945 this Officer was again leading navigator of a formation of 6 Mosquitos with fighter escort detailed to destroy the Gestapo H.Q. at Odense. This operation was carried out in daylight and again called for the highest skill in low level navigation. The building was successfully attacked and completely destroyed. The success of these two low level daylight operations was largely due to the extremely high standard of navigation displayed by this Officer who has at all times shown the greatest skill and determination.
I strongly recommend him for a second bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross'

Remarks by Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice-Marshal B.E. Embry: 'I strongly endorse this recommendation for the immediate award of a Second Bar to the D.F.C. S/Ldr. Sismore's operational career is a record of courage, efficiency, and achievement.
S/Ldr. Sismore has been the leading Navigator on the three low level attacks on Gestapo Headquarters in Denmark. These three attacks Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Odense have done great damage to the Gestapo Organisation in Denmark, for practically all their records have been destroyed and, at least, 400 Gestapo, including the Chief and his Deputy for Jutland, have been killed. The full significance of these three operations cannot fully be judged, but it is known that the Gestapo Organisation has been dis-organised to such an extent that the Danish Underground Movement which was in danger of complete elimination, is now working most effectively in the cause of the Allies.
All three operations called for navigational skill of the highest order for the formations had to be routed through heavy Enemy flak areas and the slightest error in navigation would have entailed a heavy loss of aircraft. S/Ldr. Sismore shouldered his responsibility willingly, and with great courage and the major share for the success of these operations is due to this Officer's skill, efficiency, and courage and he well deserves immediate recognition.'

A.F.C. London Gazette 31.5.1956 Squadron Leader Edward Barnes Sismore, D.S.O., D.F.C. (130208), R.A.F.

Denmark, Order of the Dannebrog, Knight London Gazette 18.3.1949 Squadron Leader Edward Barnes Sismore, D.S.O., D.F.C. (130208), R.A.F.V.R.
'In recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war.'

Air Commodore Edward Barnes 'Daisy' Sismore, D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C. (1921-2012), born Kettering, Northamptonshire; educated at Kettering Grammar School; joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve aged 18, and was posted for training as an Air Observer Navigator to No.1 A.O.N.S., Prestwick, June 1940; he carried out further training at No.9 B.& G.S., Penrhos and 17 O.T.U., Upwood; posted for operational flying to 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron (Blenheims), Wattisham, March 1941; in his first week as a Navigator in Blenheims he experienced two crash landings during training flights; he flew in 30 operational sorties with the squadron, mainly night operations on German shipping in Axis-occupied ports, including: Emden; Bremerhaven; Ile de Sein, 28.4.1941, 'Sea Sweep 50 ton Boat Sunk' (Log Book refers); Rotterdam Canal (2); Kiel Canal; Dunkerque; Bruay, 21.5.1941, 'Formation - Fighter Escort. Oil Refinery. N.W. Bruay. Target Bombed - Attacked by 109s' (Ibid); Nordeney; St. Omer; Deures Aerodrome, 21.6.1941, 'Fighter Escort - Target Bombed & Hit. Attacked By Me 190f. Stbd Wing Tip Hit. Blister Gun Fired. 4 x 250lb G.P. 4 X 40lb. Dropped' (Ibid); and Hazebrouck Marshalling Yards; he served with the squadron's detachment in Malta, July - August 1941; returning to the UK in the latter month for a posting as a Navigational Instructor to 13 O.T.U. Bicester; posted in the same capacity to 24 O.T.U., Honeybourne, May 1942; whilst serving here he volunteered to take part in the third Thousand Bomber Raid on Bremen, 25.6.1942; he also took part in the sortie to Dusseldorf, 31.7.1942; having converted to Mosquitos he returned to operational flying with 105 Squadron, Marham, December 1942; the squadron was the first to be supplied with Mosquitos and had already made daring attacks in daylight against targets as far afield as the Gestapo Headquarters in Oslo, 25.9.1942.

Reggie Reynolds - 105 Squadron

The newly arrived Sismore was paired with Squadron Leader Reggie Reynolds, his route in getting to his new squadron was somewhat fortuitous, 'During that time I [Sismore] heard about the new wooden bomber, the Mosquito. I decided that if all the tales were true, then that was the aeroplane for my next tour. For my rest tour, I served at the Blenheim OTU at Bicester and the Whitley OTU at Honeybourne, where I flew two of the thousand bomber raids. There I met Reggie Reynolds who had already completed a tour on Hampdens and, remarkably, a tour on Manchesters. He had been promised a choice for his third tour. He chose a tour on the Mosquito, at the time equipping only No. 105 Squadron, with No. 139 still converting. I managed to persuade him that I should go with him to make up his crew, so off we went to Marham, where our introduction was not as smooth as I had hoped, During our interview, the Group Captain [Digger Kyle] said, 'Reynolds, I chose my crews and I did not choose you, so you will get just one chance to make the grade here.' Perhaps luckily he did not remember me. At our last meeting at Bicester he had taken me to task for not completing a bombing instructor's course, which would have taken me away from Bomber Command. I have never forgotten him saying 'Don't you know there is a war on?' We almost ran in to trouble on our 'one chance'. Our first target as a 'trainer' was the railway marshalling yards at Ghent. We ran in for a shallow dive attack and I was in the nose to release the bombs. I pressed the release, looked down - nothing! I said 'down to the deck and turn left 180 degrees' to give me time to check the circuits. I found a loose plug and so we made a second run. This time the guns were firing at us, but we bombed successfully. At the debriefing we were reminded forcibly that the rule was one run only - no repeats, all in the interests of safety. We escaped further censure, probably because we had at least shown some determination.' (Mosquito Thunder, No. 105 Squadron RAF at War 1942-5, S.R. Scott refers)

The pairs' second outing was even more hair-raising, 'two days later on the 20th , S/L Reynolds was up again in DZ378:K, this time to attack railway targets in north-west Germany, accompanied by five crews of 105 Squadron with five of 139….Sismore recalls: 'Our next operation was to attack railway targets in the Oldenburg/Bremen area. Near Delmenhorst [where, at 10.28 hours, their four 500lb GP bombs left a gasometer on fire] we were hit by 40mm flak, holing the port radiator and leaving us on one engine. We came home by way of Wilhelmshaven Bay, where a cruiser tried to "splash" us into the sea with its main armament. Our no.2 W/O Ray Noseda, bravely stayed with us until we were clear of the coast. We had lost the hydraulics so we had to land wheels up. The drama continued when the escape hatch failed to release and we had to resort to the fireman's axe.' (Ibid)

This was the start of 20 months continuous action on bombing operations for Sismore. January 1943 saw Reynolds and Sismore engaged in attacks on railway targets. The end of the month saw the pair engaged in the R.A.F.'s first daylight bombing attack on Berlin, this operation 'was probably one of the most celebrated in the squadron's Mosquito history as an example of dash and initiative… It was a propaganda coup that made the headlines.' (Ibid)

Goering Left Speechless

On the 31st of January both Goering and Goebbels were due to address the nation at massed rallies in Berlin. These were being held to commemorate the 10th anniversary celebrations of Hitler's regime. It 'was planned that 105 Squadron would address the Goering rally in the morning at 11.00 hours, and later that afternoon, at 16.00 hours, 139 (Jamaica) Squadron would deal with the Dr. Goebbels rally. The 105 Squadron crews were to be led by S/L Reggie Reynolds and his excellent observer P/O Ted Sismore in DZ414:K'. (Ibid)

It was to be a 1,100 mile round trip that required precision timing and navigation. Sismore offers the following, 'the raid on Berlin took place, as many did, on a day when we had been given a stand-down. We were about to go out for the evening when we were told to go to bed early, and to expect an early call. The early morning of 31 January 1943 was dark, cold, and very windy. It seemed quite unsuitable for any form of operations, but on the way to the ops room, in the flight van, Reggie stopped conversation by saying, 'This is different, we climb after we cross the Elbe'. We walked into the crew room to see tapes stretching from Marham to Berlin. Everyone had the same question, 'Shall we have enough fuel?' We were told that the target was the radio station, and the aim to prevent Goering from making his planned speech; a propaganda raid, but one which seemed to us to be fully justified….the all-important factor was the timing; we had to bomb at exactly 11 o'clock to stop Goering's speech and demonstrate that his boasts about the security of the Fatherland were empty words.'

The Mosquitos flew low level over Germany before climbing to 25,000ft for the attack. At exactly 11.00 hours, the bombs were let go in a long stick. Sismore noted, 'The guns began to fire only after the bombs burst, so we had arrived undetected….all seemed peaceful and quiet, no sign of fighters and then well below and behind us the black puffs of the shells from the heavy guns. We had turned and flown over the edge of the cloud before the bomb bursts could be seen, and now we had cleared the edge of the city before the guns had opened up…. After our return, we were able to listen to a recording of the broadcast, the announcement, an explosion, loud voices and then just martial music.' (Ibid)

Goering never delivered his speech and Sismore returned home to be awarded the D.F.C. for his gallantry. 139 Squadron met with similar success later in the day, and the Third Reich propaganda machine was temporarily silenced.

The following month Reynolds and Sismore continued to take part in low-level and shallow-dive attacks on predominantly railway targets over occupied Europe. A well-honed team, they were quickly building their reputation for leading precision attacks - one such success being the raid on the John Cockerill steel and armament works at Liege. Reynolds and Sismore led the combined 105/139 Squadrons operation on 12.3.1943. Their attention to detail was both appreciated and noted by their contemporaries as Flying Officer R.B. Smith (who took part in the operation) records:

"Briefing lasted two and half hours, and we were told about every possible detail concerning the target. When we were airborne we completed two circuits of the aerodrome, to let the whole formation pack up tight, and then we set a course at nought feet across the hangars…Flying low over the dead calm sea, we settled into formation. It was slightly hazy over the water, and it would have been too easy to fly straight into the sea, as it was most difficult to judge our height right down on the wave-tops. The enemy coast came up rather quickly. We increased speed and packed in almost to line abreast….Then there were a few puffs of black smoke near the leader… No one was hit, however. We were too fast for them.

We crossed the coast in a flash very low down. I nearly hit a large hotel on the front in my excitement. The landfall was dead accurate thanks to Sis, our leading observer. Once inside the coast we flew at tree-top height, making use of hills and slight rises for cover. It was terrifically exhilarating - just like a steeplechase… As we got nearer to our target we again tightened up our formation…. When we were within a minute or so of our target I could see no sign of Liege and the light was steadily failing. I thought maybe we had missed it, when suddenly we passed over the brow of a fairly steep hill and there below us lay the town, with our target easily discernable close to the River Meuse…. The bombing run was perfect. Squadron Leader Reynolds took us across in such a way that each of us could line up on our own particular section of the works. The target came up at such a speed that it was all over in a matter of seconds…. Immediately after bombing, the formation split up and we set course for home…. The raid was a great success, thanks to Squadron Leader Reynolds and Sis, who led our formation.'

Sismore carried out attacks on Namur and Thionville in April, before moving with his pilot to 139 Squadron. Reynolds was appointed to the command of 105's sister squadron in May, and Sismore was intent on keeping the partnership together. The first operation together as part of their new squadron was a night raid over Berlin, 13.5.1943.

The Jena Raid

On the 27th May 1943, Reynolds and Sismore led a force of six Mosquitos on the R.A.F.'s deepest ever daylight low-level penetration of Germany from Britain. The operation was somewhat laconically recorded in Sismore's log book, 'L.L. Jena. (Glass Works) Good vis. in fighter belt. det. in mountains - very bad at target. with low cl. on hills. - Balloon barrage & very heavy (light) flak. - port airscrew & fuselage hit. W/Cdr. wounded in hand & leg. (Awarded D.S.O.) (W/Cdr. bar to D.S.O.).'

Reynolds was in overall command of 8 Mosquitos from 105 Squadron, who were to go on to attack the Zeis optical instruments works, and 6 from his own squadron who were to attack the glass works at Jena. The expert navigation required for the daring raid was to be provided by Sismore. The leading navigator recalls the following, 'unlike Thionville, the weather did not accord with the forecast, and the defences were more extensive than we had been led to believe. In the usual way, we planned to attack just before sunset, so as to use the cover of darkness for the return. Outbound, we expected cloud cover over Holland and in the German frontier region, clearing over the hills and to the east of the Ruhr and in the target area. In the event, it proved to be the opposite, clear skies and good visibility on the route in. We were lucky there were no fighter interceptions.'

Before they reached the target, however, they encountered heavy flak. This accounted for two of 139 Squadron's Mosquitos and forced another to return home badly shot up. Reynolds pressed on as the weather conditions continued to deteriorate. Sismore recalled, 'we let down on to the railway line leading to the target. The visibility was almost down to fog levels but the railway led us in successfully. The first shock was the sight of 40mm guns on towers on the side of the railway, firing with barrels horizontal. The second was the sight of close-hauled balloons, at about 200ft round the target area. We bombed successfully, and were immediately hit in the port radiator, propeller and front fuselage. I was calling for turns to miss the balloon cables, not knowing that Reggie's intercom had been severed, but miraculously, we missed them all and climbed into the cloud for the return... Reg was slightly wounded in the hand and leg, but one piece of shrapnel had ripped open his collar and just missed his neck. When I moved into the nose to make the bomb circuits safe, I found a piece of port propeller about five inches long had come through the side. In the dusk, we flew over two more defended areas before reaching the relative safety of the North Sea coast. Reggie did a great job of getting us home, although I do not think he was feeling too well. The doctor soon sorted him out and gave him a sedative so the next morning he was reasonably fit again.... After debriefing, I had a call from intelligence at Bomber Command asking if I was sure that I had attacked the right target, as there were no balloons at Jena and no guns on towers. I remember saying, "Well, who was there, me or you?" He did call a week later, to say photographs showed the balloons and guns, but clearly, he hadn't believed me.'

Despite the losses suffered by both squadrons, both targets were successfully hit and a number of decorations awarded as a consequence. There was also considerable interest shown in the raid by the BBC, who turned up the day after to record the story. This was the last joint low-level raid to be attempted by 105 and 139 Squadrons. Their role changed from that of daylight specialists to being encompassed by Path Finder Force.

Sismore carried out two further operations with139 Squadron. Having successfully carried out operations on both Munich and Lubeck he was posted to the Mosquito Conversion Unit at Sculthorpe, September 1943. Two months later Sismore was posted to 2 Group H.Q., Bylaugh Hall, and from there flew a number of times with Air Vice-Marshal Basil Embry as his pilot. Including an operational sortie to the construction works at Ste. Agathe D'Aliermont, 22.12.1943. Sismore flew in one more operation, in a Mitchell, over the construction works at Bailly-la-Campagne, before returning to full time operational flying.

21 Squadron, Pastures New - A Brush With Embry and Planning the Amiens Jail Raid

In the interim period Reggie Reynolds had been appointed Wing Commander Flying, 140 Wing, Hunsdon. In February 1944, Sismore transferred as navigation leader to 21 Squadron (Mosquitos) flying from Hunsdon, to be reunited with his old pilot. In the same month, Sismore, 'by now recognised as the RAF's finest low-level navigator... was instructed to plan an attack to release French Resistance leaders imprisoned in Amiens Jail in northern France. He was to lead the raid with Air Vice-Marshal Basil Embry (the commander of No. 2 Group), but Embry's chiefs forbade him to fly because he was too valuable an asset. When Sismore indicated that he could fly with someone else. Embry retorted: 'No, you won't - if I don't go, you don't go." The operation went ahead without them.' (The Daily Telegraph Obituary refers)

Operation Jericho was carried out on the 18th February 1944. The operation proved to be planned virtually to perfection, with a huge breach being blown in the walls of the Gestapo prison and approximately 250 prisoners escaping.

Sismore served briefly as commanding officer of 1508 A.T. Flight, at Swanton Morley, before returning to 140 Wing at Gravesend in May 1944. Resuming flying with Reynolds they flew a number of sorties together at night against German held positions in France, Belgium and Holland. On 14th July he took part in the attack on the S.S. barracks at Bonneil Matours. On the 1st of August he led the Wing, piloted by Group Captain Wykeham Barnes in a similar successful attack on the barracks at Poitiers. Sismore was appointed Wing Navigation Officer, 19.8.1944.

Denmark - The Gestapo H.Q. Raids, The Last of the "Mosquito Daylight Spectaculars"

The 31st October 1944 marked the start of a series of three high precision low-level attacks on Gestapo Headquarters in Denmark. Sismore was the leading Navigator on all three raids. The operations called for navigational skill of the highest order for the formations had to be routed through heavy Enemy flak areas and the slightest error in navigation would have entailed a heavy loss of aircraft. The first was on the Gestapo H.Q. in the buildings of the Aarhus University. Reynolds and Sismore led a force of 24 Mosquitos in the surprise attack. Carried out in bad weather conditions the combined force was taken from No's 21, 464 and 487 Squadrons. Escorted by eight Mustangs the sortie was carried out at such a low-level that one of the Mosquitos actually hit the top of the building. The operation was a complete success and the head of the S.S. for Jutland and his deputy were killed by the allied bombs. The Gestapo records held at the H.Q. were also destroyed thus relieving some of the pressure on the besieged Danish resistance movement. Both Reynolds and Sismore were awarded a Bar to their D.F.C.s for this raid.

By the end of the year Sismore had advanced to the rank of Squadron Leader. The command of 140 Wing was taken over by Group Captain R.N. 'Pinpoint' Bateson at the start of 1945. The latter had proved himself as a low-level specialist when he had taken part on the celebrated daylight raid against the Gestapo H.Q. in the Hague, 11.4.1944. It seemed a natural fit that the pair be put together to fly.

Despite the success of the first raid over Denmark, the resistance sent out an urgent S.O.S. on the 15th March, 'Military leaders arrested and plans in German hands. Situation never before so desperate. Remaining leaders known by Hun. We are regrouping but need help. Bombing of S.D. Copenhagen will give us breathing space. If any importance is attached at all to Danish resistance you must help us irrespective of cost. We will never forget R.A.F.'

The feasibility of attacking the Gestapo's Copenhagen H.Q. housed in Shell Oil Company's former head office - the Shellhuset - had been under consideration at No.2 Group Headquarters for some months, and now that there was clearly a desperate need for the operation it was given the green light. Bateson and Sismore would lead 20 Mosquitos to the target, where 18 would make the attack and two, of the Film Production unit, would record it. An escort of 28 Mustangs was provided by Nos 64 and 126 Squadrons. On the afternoon of 20.3.1945 the specially selected Mosquito crews were flown to Fersfield in Essex for a detailed briefing: 'Briefings were provided by three of the four key individuals who had planned the attack - Group Captain Bob Bateson, D.S.O., D.F.C., Squadron Leader Sismore, Lead Navigator, and Major Truelson, whose local knowledge of and co-ordination of Danish help for shot down or force landed aircrews, should it be necessary, was so important. The fourth person, Air Vice-Marshal Embry, A.O.C., No. 2 Group, was also present at the briefing with his Navigator, Flight Lieutenant Peter Clapham. They would be flying in the operation and sat amongst the other selected crews listening to the details of what was now known by the codename of 'Carthage'. The briefing stressed that as on previous occasions, the lives of prisoners were endangered by the attack but their probable deaths were a necessary sacrifice to achieve the required goal. For hours the crews studied the maps, photographs and plaster cast models before obtaining what sleep they could. Take-off was scheduled for the next morning at 08.40 hours so that the attack would take place at the height of the Gestapo's morning work'. The proven vulnerability of Gestapo personnel whilst at work had caused them to take certain additional steps to protect themselves. At Copenhagen they had unimaginatively camouflaged the Shellhuset with green and brown paint, a measure well known at No.2 Group Headquarters and one which in the event of Bateson's attack proved a useful recognition aid as the Shellhuset was the only office block in the city so decorated. Further to this and in keeping with their customary practices they let it be known that they had converted the sixth floor into a 22 cell prison for their most valuable Danish prisoners.

The 21st March was a fine day and the take-off timetable was strictly adhered to. Within a quarter of an hour the whole force was airborne with Bateson and Sismore leading the first wave of six 21 Squadron Mosquitos, and with Air Vice-Marshal Embry and his Navigator flying in the No. 3 position. The second and third waves consisted respectively of six Mosquitos each from 464 Squadron and 487 Squadron. Embry recalled rarely flying 'behind a better leader than Bob Bateson, who had with him that very able navigator, Sismore, to help him steer a perfect course to the target', and remembered a rough and boisterous flight across the North Sea at 50 feet. Over the countryside beyond he saw the Danish flag proudly flying over many homes: 'We had now worked up to maximum cruising speed and were flying just above the ground in perfect formation, preparing for our final run up to the target. At times we had to pull up to avoid high-tension cables, trees and other obstructions, but our mean height was below tree-top level. It was an invigorating and satisfying sensation, especially as we were on our way to strike another blow at the evil Gestapo.' (Mission Completed, Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, refers)

With Sismore navigating a perfect course to the target, check point after check point flashed past until over the streets in Copenhagen the Shellhuset raced into view. Sismore had the bomb doors open, and Bateson pressed the release. The incendiary from Bateson's Mosquito thundered into the building between the first and second floors, followed by that of the second Mosquito and then by Embry's. Between 100 and 200 Gestapo workers perished, and yet only ten of the prisoners held on the sixth floor lost their lives. As Bateson set course for home and the dust began to settle, the Resistance moved in to comb the rubble and spirit away five safes and two filing cabinets containing among other much useful information, a complete list of Gestapo informers.

What they were not to find out until they returned home, however, was that tragically one of the Mosquitos had been shot down and killed a number of children when it crashed into a nearby school.

The Danish resistance requested for one more attack on a Gestapo target. Less than a month after the Shellhuset Raid, Bateson and Sismore led the last of the "Mosquito daylight spectaculars". Sismore navigated six aircraft on one last low-level daylight operation on the 17.4.1945. The target was the Gestapo's sole remaining H.Q. in Denmark. It was situated on the Island of Odense and was completely destroyed though not bombed until the fourth run. There were no losses to the civilian population, nor the attacking aircraft or the Mustang escort, and 121 Gestapo were killed. The raid, like the Shellhuset operation, was filmed by F.P.U. Mosquitos.

For his part in the raids on Copenhagen and Odense Sismore was awarded a second Bar to his D.F.C. Over the course of the three raids on Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odense nearly all the Gestapo records held there were destroyed and at least 400 Gestapo killed. The Danish resistance, which had been close to elimination, was saved and returned to operation.

The raid on Odense was Sismore's last operational sortie of the war. As soon as the conflict was over he, together with Embry and other members of the Shellhuset Raid, went to Denmark to meet Danish resistance survivors and visit the site of the damaged school in Copenhagen. He was subsequently appointed a Knight of the Danish Order of the Dannebrog.

Having been granted a permanent commission in 1945, Sismore stayed in the R.A.F. after the war, and was 'selected as the navigator for an attempt to break the record for a flight from London to Cape Town. His pilot was Squadron Leader "Mickey" Martin, of Dambuster fame.They took off on April 30th 1947 and, after refuelling stops on Libya and Kenya completed the 6,011 mile journey in 21 hours, 31 minutes and 30 seconds to establish a new point-to-point record. They were awarded the Royal Aero Club's Britannia Trophy.

In 1951 Sismore trained as a pilot, and became a success in night fighters. In 1953 he was given command of 29 Squadron, the R.A.F.'s first jet night fighter squadron and equipped with the Meteor. No. 29 was busily occupied developing night fighter tactics with jet aircraft, and Sismore was awarded an A.F.C.

After commanding an advanced flying school, in late 1959 Sismore left for the H.Q. of the British Forces Middle East, where he was a member of the joint planning staff. During his two years in the post he was much involved in the R.A.F.'s counter-insurgency operations against dissident sheikhdoms.

In 1962 he was promoted to group captain and given command of the R.A.F.'s large base at Bruggen on the Dutch-German border. Responsible for two Canberra squadrons operating in the low-level bombing and reconnaissance roles, he was able to fly regularly and revisit some of his wartime targets. Both his squadrons achieved major successes in the annual NATO efficiency competitions.

After two years in Germany, Sismore converted to the Victor bomber before taking up the appointment of senior air staff at the Central Reconnaissance Establishment, with responsibility for the R.A.F.'s strategic photographic and electronic reconnaissance and radio intelligence gathering.

On promotion to air commodore in January 1971 he became the 13th Commandant of the Royal Observer Corps. His final appointment was a Director of the Air Defence Team, which involved planning a significant upgrade and re-equipment programme for the UK's air defence organisation - including new early warning radars and control and reporting systems.

On retirement from the R.A.F. in June 1976, Sismore joined Marconi as a service adviser. During the Falklands conflict he was able in a matter of a few weeks to negotiate the availability of a mobile air defence radar, something which would normally have taken several years to procure.' (The Daily Telegraph Obituary refers)

In later life he was a staunch supporter of many R.A.F. charities.




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