Joey Jacobson's War

by Peter J. Usher

  Joe did not attempt to conceal his religion or his reaction to Jewish jibes, however offhand. His response to popular anti-Semitism continued to be to assiduously distance his own behaviour from the stereotype, and to demonstrate that he as a Jew embodied the very opposite characteristics. Fond as he was of the Kostoris family (his main contact with English Jews), and as much as he appreciated the good life at Midfield, he was also embarrassed by Dan’s ready access to goods in short supply, and to servants when people were being mobilized into factory and farm labour, as well as by how little the war seemed to have diminished his daily comforts. And perhaps he had seen the prominent item in the Daily Express about the supposed Jewish ancestry of Marshal Timoshenko, commander in chief of the Soviet Army, and wondered why his was not a more common example.5

  Under the duress of operations, and gradually drawing in on himself, Joe seems to have given less and less attention to what Jews in general were doing or not doing. But he remained keenly disappointed by some of his closest friends.

  Twenty-Three

  Action and Inaction

  Joe began a seven-day crew leave in London at the end of September. Roger and Dave had left on their own crew leaves the week prior, and as Joe wrote his family, “the only other two pals I could have gone with had to bail out over Germany.”

  Back in London – feels great to be alive and whole and in good spirits – met Roger in the Regent Palace bar … also Ken Jackson & other acquaintances who revive old memories of our lost pals – I feel lonely at being alone but happy to do something I like doing – exploring – wandering – doing as I please – (JJD 29 September 1941)

  Sitting in the Haymarket Theatre alone – No Time for Comedy – excellent – … – walked thru Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens – having the time of my life going where I please & meeting people like Sandwell etc. – However, I don’t like travelling alone but can make the best of it at times. (JJD 30 September 1941)

  Strolled around Covent Garden market all morning – met Bill Fulton & lunched with him – saw Up & Doing at the Saville – met Littlefield at the Beaver Club & since it was the first old pal either of us had met since arriving in London we spent the night in favorite pubs thoroughly enjoying the reunion.1 (JJD 1 October 1941)

  Sunny day feels great to be alive – I bounded thru St. James Park & all around Whitehall feeling like a kid – I love London – it is vast limitless – human and exciting – beats any city I have ever been in.

  (JJD 2 October 1941)

  Dropped into the air ministry and saw Savard – he is the big shot who is on a special mission here … he then called up B. K. Sandwell and L. S. B. Shapiro for me.2 Both were out but I went over to the Savoy later – snared B. K. had a pleasant chat with him. (JJL 2 October 1941)

  Another marvelous day – I met Ev Littlefield & we explored London together – including the pubs – visited Blackfriars – the Brown Bear etc. also Fleet St. – St. Pauls – & down to the east end – Ev & I both think alike – both think London the finest city in the world – we absolutely got pie eyed & I had to go to Mrs. Jacobs for supper – luckily I was able to walk & talk – nice people too.3 (JJD 3 October 1941)

  A personally important week for me as the time spent alone allowed me to straighten out many of my ideas & ideals & I sized myself, my friends & the world we live in & the war we die in … I felt definitely buoyed up & have renewed confidence in my ability to look after myself & my future destiny. (JJD 4 October 1941)

  From London he went on to Midfield for the weekend.

  An unwise moment to write a diary as I am stretched out on my bed in Midfield reflecting upon my delightful evening with Janine … it’s getting bad I fall a little more for Janine each time – she’s really first class.

  (JJD 4 October 1941)

  Janine is the best rounded girl I have met – she has everything that I like a woman to have – we are both level headed & neither imagines itself to be in love so we have a marvelous time together & thoroughly enjoy each other’s company … (JJD 6 October 1941)

  The more he enjoyed Janine’s company, however, the bigger the problem he had at Midfield, as he revealed to his parents.

  Dan … is rather jealous of the attention I show Janine – that is whisking her out in the evenings whilst only devoting the day to him. … Dan can’t stand any discussion or intelligent talking. He is the most boring and self-centred, petty man you could meet. Yet he has great determination – a one track mind and has the power and ability to make a success of any practical project he undertakes. So I ration my time. I kid around with him in the morning and at the table. Then I put him thoroughly in his place – firmly but pleasantly and get the women started on subjects I am interested in. They all have the education, upbringing, intelligence and charm to intrigue you and me or any sensible human being … I have to mother Dan away from fits, moods, quarrels and bad temper, then overcome the women’s fear of annoying Dan with subjects he is not interested in and get them talking, laughing, reminiscing and enjoy an opportunity to talk about people, ideas – adventures and thoughts as they please; then finally I have to find ways and means of smuggling Janine from Dan (a hard job) and from Suzanne and Henriette (comparatively simple) and take her out and show her a snappy time. … (JJL 7 October 1941)

  On returning from leave, he wrote Janine:

  I zipped into the squadron to-day and zoomed down to the operations room and found everybody alive and in fine fettle. They have not made a trip since I left a week ago4 – Everybody was quite amazed to see me looking so well and dapper and cocky. Roger and Dave took me up to the mess and trimmed the pants off me in a game of snooker and so cooled me off. …

  There is great excitement here – our squadron – at least half a dozen ace crews have been selected to do a low level job (200–300 feet) on an important target. The boys have been practicing all week but we are going to get on – they could not get along without “suicide Joe” and his trusty mates – so if you think of it – better cross your fingers again but don’t breathe a word about it to anybody. (JJL 7 October 1941)

  In the outcome this did not happen, or at least not right away. After being weather-bound since the beginning of October, the squadron participated in a raid on Essen on the 10th, Joe’s crew not among them. But a few Hampdens from other 5 Group squadrons were sent out for searchlight suppression along the Kammhuber Line in support. It was a new tactic, and Joe would soon enough take his turn at it.

  Joe was now one of the veterans of 106 Squadron. Only eight air observers had served longer than he, and a dozen new ones had arrived in October. But they had little to do as England was fogged in for a week and all bombing operations ceased. Joe and Roger spent their free time boxing and working out in the gym with Dave Davies, who often came back to eat with them at Mrs. Lettice’s house before going out on a spree.

  We have a miniature Pony Club without the ties – bond, interests or understanding – excellent for the occasion – … – but I am anxious to do some work – some real bombing. (JJD 9 October 1941)

  Joe had been on only one sortie in the previous four weeks, and he was getting restless. The latest Navigation Bulletin, which he would have read on his return, doubtless added to his sense of frustration. Resorting to the analogy of boxers wasting strength by wild hitting, the Bulletin reminded its readers:

  The effective striking power of this Command largely depends on the efficiency of its navigators. … every bomb that falls on an open field is wasted strength; every bomb that is dropped on the wrong target merely scores a point. Only those bombs which hit the actual target are knockout blows.

  YOU, the navigators, are responsible for seeing that the bomb is dropped on the right target at the right time. Yours is a great responsibility whether your work lies in the aircraft, in the lecture room, or even in the offices.5

  Shortly afterwards, Joe

  went to Huls in a do or die attempt to blast the rubber plant – because of bad weather & sloppy navigation land
ed up somewhere in the Ruhr – only one or two found it – I hate doing a sloppy job & failing in a task. I did both last night which made it a poor day for me – especially since [McIver &] I was entrusted with incendiaries to light up the place – a responsible job. (JJD 12 October 1941)

  A big flop … the weather contrary to expectations was 10/10 cloud at 6,000' – we could not find a break in the clouds and stooged around for 40 min. looking for the joint – landed up around Duisburg, judging by the heavy flaak so we dropped our stuff there – a great disappointment & personal failure from my standpoint – one or two were lucky enough to find a cloud break & stooged in low. (JJOD 12 October 1941)

  The Squadron’s record acknowledged that the raid was not an “outstanding success,” but claimed that better results were achieved than in September. Five of the twelve crews dispatched definitely claimed to have scored hits, while the seven unable to locate the primary target bombed various alternatives in the Ruhr. Joe’s crew reported they had started a large fire with their incendiaries. Roger Rousseau had been unable to pinpoint the target and bombed a nearby aerodrome, but McIver’s crew descended below cloud and claimed to have bombed the factory from a low level.6 Once again, however, daylight reconnaissance photos taken a few days later showed no change to the rubber factory itself, although they revealed a dummy factory located over five miles to the southwest, also undamaged.

  Going to Kiel to-nite to lay a vegetable – action makes me feel fit … wire from Mub today – it will be a memorable day when we meet.

  (JJD 13 October 1941)

  Tired after 2 nites on – sore after turning back last nite – our wireless packed up – I argued for 50 miles but failed to make the boys disobey orders – once I start on a job I like to see it thru – risks or no risks … (JJD 14 October 1941)

  Had the misfortune to have our wireless pack up around 100 miles out. Group orders are to return. I did not want to and argued, ranted and delivered a superb speech for the best part of 10 minutes trying to convince my crew to continue without success. I nearly swung them around but not quite … anyhow we had a lively argument and I am more convinced than ever that my job is as captain of the aircraft. This was really my 15th trip as we turned back from Essen a long time ago due to intercom failure.7 (JJOD 13 October 1941)

  So began another week of inaction, mainly due to bad weather, during which he boxed and binged with his pals.

  I heartily dislike this inaction & would like to fly more often regardless of the type of jobs or weather – I like to feel I am doing something during these crucial days – but life is indeed pleasant & happy – obviously I like action & usefulness better at the moment. (JJD 15 October 1941)

  Gigantic battles & decisions are taking place in the world whilst we cool our heels & do nothing in particular of importance – blasted lack of drive & imagination in all places practically floors me – we all want to play our part, stop & beat the Huns – but we do nothing – or next to nothing. (JJD 17 October 1941)

  Went to Bremen which is about the best defended place I have been to – really confusing & smartly done – we managed to get thru – but it was twice as hard getting out – many fellows – especially as they come within reach of finishing their time lose a good deal of zip since 20 out of original class of 40 navig at Regina are now missing I would say that our strategic bombing policy is costly in men, morale & material.8 (JJD 20 October 1941)

  Convincing proof that a good proportion of strategic bombing trips are not worth the cost in crew, planes, fuel, etc.

  The weather [was] … hazy which made it difficult to pick up landmarks. We picked up the river Weser and went as far into Bremen as possible.

  Defence – the defences were cagey – searchlights were everywhere in numbers & usually capable of tossing up light flaak – there were magnificent displays of light flaak at Wenermunde, Cuxhaven – and many other nearby hot spots. Thru careful & cagey flying & with unusual good luck we escaped getting picked up by the searchlights for any length of time & when they did get us the flak was not as accurately close as usual – but it was a grind getting in and nip and tuck getting out again – My navigation was right on which got us home as usual – safe, sound and relieved. (JJOD 20 October 1941)

  Joe’s crew reported that owing to haze and searchlights, they did not locate the target (the railway junction), but they dropped their bombs on the flak concentration over Bremen. Seventeen squadron aircraft had gone out; most claimed to have reached and bombed the target area, but only two claimed the actual target. Bomber Command noted that very few aircraft had identified and attacked the specific aiming point, although about half the attacking force of over 150 aircraft attacked various industrial targets in the city, and others attacked anti-aircraft and searchlight installations. Five aircraft were lost, including two from 106 Squadron. However, the Bremen records characterized this raid as “small.”

  Staged a reunion in Lincoln with G. P. [McLean] & Art after a phone call from Art – Dave Roger & I met them & had a typical, warm-hearted drinking bull session – our ranks are thinning rapidly & such gatherings enable you to feel the power of friends even our pals who have been killed – we include them in our thoughts and conversations without being maudlin & do them the honour & speak of them as if they were present. (JJD 21 October 1941)

  Going to Kiel to-nite in bad weather to bomb diesel factory & other points of interest – loafed the day thru – don’t feel much like writing or reading – feel in the mood to do some neat bombing jobs – the more work I get the better I like it because I have only one reason for being here – one thought in mind – to do my part. (JJD 23 October 1941)

  Drifted way up north of Sylt – browsed around Denmark and the Baltic and map read down to Kiel. It was not as hot as usual, plenty of heavy flak there though, which was well predicted. A couple of kites were picked up while we browsed around the outside of the cone. Nothing exciting happened, we did not really get shot up or picked up by searchlights – mostly a question of navigation and sleeping during the 800 odd miles of sea. (JJOD 23 October 1941)

  The attack occurred in two waves. The first, consisting of Wellingtons and Whitleys, arrived to find their target (the Germania and Deutsche works) completely cloud covered, and could not observe the results of their attack. 106 Squadron aircraft, arriving later when the clouds had drifted away, had greater success. Joe’s crew reported that they had attacked from eleven thousand feet and saw their bombs burst within one mile of the primary target. The squadron report stated that all but two of the eighteen aircraft detailed to Kiel successfully located and bombed the target area, and the raid was later verified to have inflicted damage on the U-boat yards and naval base.

  Got back after finding the joint and slept, ate & saw a movie – not too satisfied with the spirit of my crew and from now on the private understanding is that I shall take charge – the boys are losing their nerve and are not too keen on seeing the job thru – I shall put an end to that we have to blast the target – or else. (JJD 24 October 1941)

  No ops went to Boston with Roger – get a real delight spending the odd evening in a real [English] pub chatting & drinking with the various characters. The corner pub, especially in rural districts is almost the home of the Englishman – at any rate an institution where he can meet his cronies & talk & act in perfect peace & freedom.

  I have a sacred trust to carry out the mission of ours and other struggling & oppressed people if we fail – we are lost – altho I don’t always agree with our policy I must carry out tasks assigned to me – regardless of the consequences to me – that shall be done. (JJD 25 October 1941)

  The Bremen and Kiel operations had gone well: the weather co-operated, there were no close calls, and Joe believed he had bombed his targets. He was briefed for his third operation that week on the 26th, this time against the Blohm und Voss shipyards in Germany’s heavily defended second city, Hamburg.

  Had a swell trip. Went in north of Kiel – straight down across the
centre of town and pranged it. There were a couple of nice fires, hundreds of searchlights. We were lucky – we sneaked in between a couple of cones that caught somebody else, dropped our bombs and nipped out without having a shot fired at us – or a searchlight pick us up, and Hamburg is a hot spot.

  The weather was terrific going out and the cracking of ice forming on the wings sounded worse than aak aak – the weather was really foul until the other side was reached.

  Coming back over the 360 mile stretch of sea was restful – I put up my back rest, parked my feet on the bomb sight, spread my rations out on my table – munched my eats, drank my hot Bovril and then philosophically smoked my pipe as we raced a few hundred feet off the sea to get below the dirty weather. It was a grand, satisfactory trip.

  We had Popeye9 with us – he has done 65 trips. (JJOD 26 October 1941)

  The squadron record states that eighteen aircraft were dispatched to Hamburg. Thirteen located and bombed the target and area, causing explosions and starting several fires. Three aircraft returned early due to technical failures, and two aircraft were lost.10 Joe’s crew reported bombing from eleven thousand feet, but the results were not observed owing to searchlights. The city recorded more damage and casualties than in average raids, although work disruption was short-lived.

  Joe recorded in his daily diary that he had “passed the halfway mark now – thundering down the home stretch,” and he was satisfied with his performance in his last three operations.