25/26
JP226 left 19.50 on Operation PWE and flew over the Rumanian towns of Craiova, Sinaia, Ploesti, Targoviste and Pitesto.  Notes by the Commanding Officer elsewhere int eh file show that this mission was intended to inflame anti-German resistance behind the German front-line by scattering leaflets.  These would explain to the population that the Russian army was pressing forward and that Rumania's liberation would be speeded up if assisted by Rumanians.  Rumania was one of the last remaining sources of petroleum for the Germans so of special importance.  (This probably means that such leaflets were also dropped on the night of 23/23 May whilst Hilman's crew were flying across Rumania.

27/28  JP226 left at 21.12 on Operation 4220, dropping 12c and 12p at 49.50N.  22.16E. - Also 1000lbs N. at Jaszbereny. 

The March 1944 missions flown were then checked.  Parts of the record here were very faint and difficult to decipher, but eventually it became clear that Sergeant Finlayson was not listed at all, nor any of his fellow cremen except Flying Officer Hillman.  The latter made only one flight -- as an extra man, so was surely being familiarised with the routines on board S.O.E. aircraft (or brought up to date after a long absence). It seems almost certain therefore taht Hillman was newly arrived in March and his full operational responsibilities only began in April as the invasion of W.Europe by the Allied armies, planned for June, grew nearer and 148 Squadron's missions were expanded.  The need for only high quality crews by S.O.E probably means that Hillman had flown many missions with ordinary bomber squadrons and that Sergeant Finlayson and his usual comrades during the April-June 1944 missions had arrived with him from the same source, very likely as a tried and tested team. 

It is suggested that the Ministry of Defence/RAF could discover from Sergeant Finlayson's personnel file, and reveal to kin, the number of his previous squadron.  This would open up the chance to see what missions he had flown for such an earlier one.  It appears fromt he text of the copy letter provided that it was compiled by an office other than the R.A.F. Personnel Management Centre, R.A,.F,  Innsworth, Gloucs, GL3 1EZ who allegedly hold the personnel files for men of Dixon Finlayson's rank. Innsworth may thus be able to assist further. 
 

16/17
This flight was in JP 247. Left 21.15 on Op. Chance 1. Could not be completed due to heavy cloud and rain.  300lbs N. at Spezia.  Landed 7.05.  This was their last completed flight.

June 24
The secret report on the fatal mission shows that the Halifax II aircraft JP237 took off at 20.11 hrs (i.e.  8.11pm) on "Operation Sound 1".  Instead of a landing time, a note states "Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it is presumed lost."

"13 aircraft were scheduled for ops but 3 had to be cancelled owing to technical trouble.  Of the remaining 10, 6 were successful and one (F.O. Hillman) is missing.  His target was a new one in N. Italy and nothing was heard from him after take off: F.O. Hillman was Acting Flight Commander of "B" Flight and making a very good job of it.  His operational record was of a very high standard and the loss of such an excellent crew is a sad blow to the Squadron."