Squadron: 405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-06-11
Completion Date: 1944-06-12
Mission: Bombing
Operation: Battle of Normandy
Target City: Tours France
Target Specific:
Base: Gransden Lodge
Take Off Time: 22.10
Squadron Code: LQ V
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City:
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: flak
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
405 City of Vancouver Sqn (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 344 lost on raid against Tours, France to bomb enemy communications in support of tactical operations in the Normandy invasion. The air crew of Lancaster ND344 bailed out and evaded. Flying Officer JM Clement (RCAF) found refuge with the Bodineau family, resistance members of the Burgundy Network. Flight Sergeant F Devine (RAF) was taken Prisoner of War. The rest of the aircrew, Pilot Officer DE Melcombe (RCAF), Flying Officer JW West (RCAF), Sergeant H Braithwaite (RCAF), Sergeant AG Deakin (RAF) and Sergeant FC Bailey (RAF) successfully evaded (www.conscript-heroes.com IS-9 & MI-9 files, 5th Year). The German police conducted a raid on July 24, arresting resistance members, including the Bodineau family and Flying Officer Clement and they were taken to a prison at Tours. On August 9, 1944, a group of 26 prisoners, including Flying Officer Clement and Roger Bodineau were shot and buried in bomb craters at the Parcay-Meslay aviation camp in St Symphorien, France. Detail from: https://maitron.fr/spip.php?article215525
6 Bomber Group June 11/12, 1944
5 Halifaxes from 428 squadron were ordered on a mining operation to Lorient and Saint-Nazaire. The crews were over the garden at 8,000 feet, releasing 20@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
405 City of Vancouver Sqn (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 344 lost on raid against Tours, France to bomb enemy communications in support of tactical operations in the Normandy invasion. The air crew of Lancaster ND344 bailed out and evaded. Flying Officer JM Clement (RCAF) found refuge with the Bodineau family, resistance members of the Burgundy Network. Flight Sergeant F Devine (RAF) was taken Prisoner of War. The rest of the aircrew, Pilot Officer DE Melcombe (RCAF), Flying Officer JW West (RCAF), Sergeant H Braithwaite (RCAF), Sergeant AG Deakin (RAF) and Sergeant FC Bailey (RAF) successfully evaded (www.conscript-heroes.com IS-9 & MI-9 files, 5th Year). The German police conducted a raid on July 24, arresting resistance members, including the Bodineau family and Flying Officer Clement and they were taken to a prison at Tours. On August 9, 1944, a group of 26 prisoners, including Flying Officer Clement and Roger Bodineau were shot and buried in bomb craters at the Parcay-Meslay aviation camp in St Symphorien, France. Detail from: https://maitron.fr/spip.php?article215525
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