Third Force (2nd AD) - Divisional Assembly (Mundesley to Hemsby) & Coast Departure

I. Divisional Assembly Corridor: Mundesley to Hemsby

• Status of 96th Combat Wing (Lead Elements): By approximately 11:47 AM (ZH + 81 minutes for 96 "A" component), the lead elements of the assembled 96th CBW were scheduled at Buncher 24 (BU-24 - Hemsby), the coast departure point.

• Coastal Assembly Track: The ~15-20 statute mile coastal stretch between Mundesley (Splasher 5) and Hemsby (BU-24) served as the primary assembly corridor for the various CBWs of the 2nd Air Division to merge into the single Third Force stream.

• Consolidation Timings:

  • While lead 96th CBW elements reached Hemsby by ~11:47 AM, the entire multi-wing Third Force required additional time to sequence and pass this departure point.

  • Previously logged SMDB data indicated a general "Wing Assembly Complete" (implying multiple wings ready near the coast) around 11:54 AM.

  • The actual logged "Coast Departure" for the entire 2nd Air Division from Hemsby (BU-24) was 12:20 PM.

  • The period from ~11:47 AM/11:54 AM to 12:20 PM was utilized for the alignment and sequential departure of all Third Force CBWs.

II. Coast Departure and Transit to Initial North Sea Waypoint (INSW)

• Departure from Hemsby (Buncher 24):

  • At approximately 12:20 PM, the consolidated Third Force (2nd Air Division) commenced its departure from English airspace over Hemsby.

• Track to Initial North Sea Waypoint (INSW):

  • Designated INSW: Coordinates 52°40' N, 002°30' E.

  • Location: Approximately 38-40 statute miles ESE of Hemsby, in the North Sea.

  • Purpose: Primary navigational fix and rallying point over water post-departure to confirm heading, formation cohesion, and serve as the start for the next leg towards the Continent.

• Estimated Flight Time and Arrival at INSW:

  • Distance (Hemsby to INSW): ~38-40 statute miles.

  • Assumed Average Ground Speed: 160-180 mph (B-24 formation).

  • Calculated Travel Time: ~13-15 minutes.

  • Estimated Arrival at INSW (Lead Elements): Departing Hemsby at 12:20 PM, lead elements of the Third Force would reach the INSW (52°40' N, 002°30' E) between approximately 12:33 PM and 12:35 PM.