Halifax HR912 B/GR.Mk.II - Bombing Vaires-sur-Marne France - 1944-03-29 to 1944-03-30
Squadron: 419 (B) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-03-29
Completion Date: 1944-03-30
Mission: Bombing
Operation: Battle of Berlin
Target City: Vaires-sur-Marne France
Target Specific:
Base: Middleton St. George
Take Off Time: 18.19
Squadron Code: VR F
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: English Channel
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: flak
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group March 29/30, 1944

49 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, 431, and 434 squadrons were ordered on an attack of the rail yards at Vaires. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 13,000 feet, releasing 470,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, this attack took place in a bright moonlight and severe damage was caused. 2 ammunition trains blew up with great force. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

76 Halifaxes and 8 Mosquitoes of 4, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the railway yards at Vaires, near Paris, in bright moonlight. The bombing was very accurate and 2 ammunition trains which were present blew up; it is reported that 1,270 German troops were killed. 1 Halifax lost.

source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). The crew of Halifax aircraft HR 912 were engaged in a night trip to the rail yards at Vaires, France when their aircraft was hit by flak over Le Havre, France. The pilot made a crash landing in the English Channel.

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