Squadron: 405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1943-05-13
Completion Date: 1943-05-14
Mission: Bombing
Operation: Battle of the Ruhr
Target City: Bochum Germany
Target Specific:
Base: Gransden Lodge
Take Off Time: 23.52
Squadron Code: LQ D
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: Den Kaat, Holland
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: fighter
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group May 13/14, 1943

26 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 47 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Bochum. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 113,000 lbs of high explosives and 138,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the bombing was accurate with serious damage being caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)


With No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "LQ*D" when shot down on night of 13/14 May 1943, on mission to Bochum. Came down at 02:16 local at Den Kaat, Holland, 2 miles north of Balkbrug . Claimed by night fighter from 8.NJG1.

Flying Officer Hugh Donald BEATTIE (J/10119) Pilot; Flight Sergeant Ralph Eric HART (R/95244) Air Gunner; Sergeant Sydney Buchanan HAWLEY (1269142) Wireless Op. All Killed

Prisoners of War for Halifax II JB966 - Sergeant Kenneth William CLARKE (1376493); Sergeant Reginald FERGUSON (R/141618) ; Sgt John Donald GIBSON (R/75127); Plt Off John Arthur HAWTIN (J/11941)

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