Research

The Pathfinders (PFF) were target-marking squadrons in RAF Bomber Command. Their role was to locate and mark targets with flares, at which the main bomber force could aim, increasing the accuracy of their bombing.

PFF was the only officially delineated elite force in the RAF. They were awarded the eagle badge. The badge was worn on the left-hand-side breast pocket of the RAF uniform, under any decorations. The award became permanent only on completion of a full tour of operations.
 (Credit: Imperial War Museum)

RAF Bomber Command formed the Pathfinders in August 1942 to address a critical need in its bombing strategy: accuracy. By that point in World War II, Bomber Command had struggled to effectively target and destroy enemy positions with precision. Although large-scale bombing operations were central to Allied strategy, night-time raids had proven particularly challenging.

Poor weather, limited navigation technology, and difficulties identifying targets in the dark led to high rates of bomb dispersal, often missing key industrial and military targets. This led to unacceptable collateral damage, and a failure to deliver the strategic blows against German infrastructure that Harris had promised.

The Pathfinders, an elite group of aircrew chosen from among the most skilled and experienced pilots and navigators in the RAF, were established to enhance Bomber Command’s precision and impact. They were tasked with flying ahead of the main bomber force to locate, mark, and illuminate targets. Their role was pivotal, using innovative tactics and specialized equipment to improve the bombing accuracy of following waves as the war progressed.

The initial Pathfinder Force was five squadrons, later becoming a group, No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, in January 1943 which ultimately grew to a strength of nineteen squadrons. The group included an RCAF squadron – No 405 Sq. – while many individual airmen from the air forces of other Commonwealth countries flew as pathfinders (PFF), including several New Zealanders.

PFF were under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Donald Bennett, an Australian. An exceptional pilot, he had joined the RAF in 1931 and quickly rising through the ranks. As the commander of the Pathfinders, Bennett was known for his technical knowledge, meticulous planning, and relentless commitment to operational efficiency, qualities that earned him a reputation as a strict but highly respected leader. His contributions significantly increased the effectiveness of the Allied bombing campaign, making a decisive impact on the war’s outcome.

Image: Bennett

Air Officer Commanding of the Pathfinders, Donald Bennett

Pathfinders flew a variety of aircraft. The de Havilland Mosquito, known for its speed, manoeuvrability, and reliability was ideal for operations requiring accuracy and speed. However Pathfinders also operated heavier aircraft, in particular the Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax.

Pathfinder Tasks

PFF crews found themselves given ever increasingly sophisticated and complex jobs that were constantly modified and developed tactically during the bombing campaign from 1943 until the end of the war. Some of the more usual tasks were as:

Finders were 8 Group aircraft tasked with dropping sticks of illuminating flares, firstly at critical points along the bombing route to aid navigation and keep the bomber stream compact and then across the approximate target area. If conditions were cloudy then these were dropped “blind” using H2S navigational radar.

Illuminators were PFF aircraft flying in front of the main force who would drop markers or target indicators (TIs) onto the designated ‘aiming point’ already illuminated by the “Finders”. Again, if conditions were cloudy H2S navigational radar was used. These TIs were designed to burn with various and varying colours to prevent the German defences lighting decoy fires. Various TIs were dubbed “Pink Pansies”, “Red Spots”, and “Smoke Puffs”. “Illuminators” could include Mosquitoes equipped with “Oboe” if the target was within the range of this bombing aid.

Markers would then drop incendiaries onto the TIs just prior to the Main Force arrival. Further “Markers” called “Backers-Up” or “Supporters” would be distributed at points within the main bomber stream to remark or reinforce the original TIs as required.

Master Bomber

Later the role of Master Bomber was introduced. This was an idea that had been used by Guy Gibson in the Dam Busters raid. The appointed Pathfinder (usually an experienced senior officer) circled the target, broadcasting radio instructions to both Pathfinders and Main Force aircraft, correcting aiming points and generally co-ordinating the attack.

Pathfinder Marking Tactics

Although there were many variations on a theme, the pathfinder’s used three principal methods of marking a target, known by the codenames Parramatta, Wanganui and Newhaven.

Newhaven attacks were essentially visual raids, the target was at first illuminated using flares designed specifically for the job. Markers then dropped target indicators (TIs) that were backed up in a contrasting colour as the raid progressed (the first markers could often be obliterated by the bombing). Main force bombed on the master bombers instructions.

Parramatta raids occurred when the target was ‘blindly’ marked by crews using H2S to identify where they were. Following crews then backed up the first TIs with their own, again using a contrasting colour, having calculated the mean point of impact (MPI). Main force then bombed the centre of the secondary markers.

Wanganui attacks were made when neither the target, nor the ground, could be seen. Marker crews dropped sky markers that burst just above the clouds. Main crews were instructed to release their bombs as soon as they had a marker in their sights, and on a designated course given at briefing. In theory their bombs would fall through the cloud and onto the target.

If the Oboe system was used to determine the release point then the word “Musical” was used as a prefix, e.g. “Musical Parramatta”.

Visual marking using the MK XIV bombsight was invariably the most accurate method deployed, and the results nearly always intently instantly apparent; not surprisingly, skymarking was usually the least accurate or satisfying.

The names of these tactics were derived from the hometowns of Bennett, his WAAF clerk, and one of his air staff officers, Squadron Leader ‘Artie’ Ashworth.

Reference:

Sean Feast (2012), The Pathfinder Companion.