John Dinsdale

Command of No. 42 Squadron

Later in 1941, Dinsdale was promoted to squadron leader and given command of No. 42 Squadron, which was still operating Beauforts. He led it during the Channel Dash, the breakout through the English Channel of the capital ships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau on 12 February 1942. Coastal Command squadrons, including Dinsdale's, mounted several torpedo attacks on the vessels as they traversed the channel. His aircraft was damaged during his attempt to launch its torpedo at the Gneisenau.^[8] The squadron was also involved in the efforts to intercept the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as it traversed the Norwegian coastline on 17 May 1942; during its sortie Dinsdale launched a torpedo at the ship but it missed and he was immediately set upon by five covering German fighters. He was able to evade them and return safely to base.^[9][10] The following month, in recognition of his services with No. 42 Squadron, he was Mentioned in Despatches.^[1][11] He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with the citation, published on 23 June, reading:

On 17th May, 1942, this officer led a formation of Beaufort aircraft in an attack on the "Prince Eugen." Despite heavy fire from the cruiser and accompanying destroyers, a most determined attack was carried out. Squadron Leader Dinsdale has completed many operational sorties, including an attack on the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the English Channel. His leadership and skill are of a high order.

Anti-shipping campaign

In late August 1943, Dinsdale, now holding the rank of wing commander, returned to No. 489 Squadron as its commander.^[13] Over the following months, he oversaw the squadron's conversion from its outdated Hampdens to the modern Bristol Beaufighter torpedo fighter. This work was carried at Leuchars, where the squadron was based at the time.^[14][15] In January 1944 Dinsdale, his short service commission in the RAF at an end, transferred to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as a squadron leader, although he retained his acting wing commander rank.^[1][16] His command became operational the same month and on its first sortie, carried out on 13 January, successfully attacked a 4,000 ton merchantman and smaller ships near Lister. One ship was sunk and others damaged.^[17][10][18] Then, along with the Australian No. 455 Squadron, also at Leuchars and equipped with Beaufighters, Dinsdale's squadron formed the Anzac Strike Wing.^[19][15]

The Anzac Strike Wing became operational in March 1944, carrying out anti-shipping sorties along the Norwegian coast. With the invasion of Normandy imminent, the wing relocated to Langham, on the coast of Norfolk. From there, under the control of No. 16 Group, it targeted not only merchant shipping plying Dutch waters, but also sought out E-boats which could potentially disrupt the invasion fleet on D-Day.^[20][21] Independently of its wing operations, Dinsdale led the squadron in patrols of the Dutch coastline.^[22] In July, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).^[23] The DSO citation noted "...the morale and efficiency of his Squadron have reached a high standard under Acting Wing Commander Dinsdale's leadership".^[1] He relinquished command of No. 489 Squadron the following month, on 12 August.^[24]

Dinsdale subsequently became commander of Coastal Command's No. 155 Wing. In March 1946, he was appointed commander of No. 254 Squadron, but this was disbanded later that year, in October. The following month Dinsdale returned to New Zealand, with his wife and child, aboard the Moreton Bay and his active service in the RNZAF ended the following February. However he remained in the reserve of officers.^[1][25][26]