Squadron: 427 (B) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-03-24
Completion Date: 1944-03-25
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Berlin Germany
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Leeming
Take Off Time: 18:40
Squadron Code: ZL-V
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: Germany
Crash Specifics: near Munchen-Gladbach
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason:
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group March 24/25, 1944

23 Lancasters from 408 and 426 Squadrons were joined by 90 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 429, 432, and 433 Squadrons on an attack at Berlin. The crews were over the target at between 19,000 and 24,000 feet, releasing 48,000 lbs of high explosives and 409,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, there was severely high winds and the attack was scattered. This was another terrible night as 72 crews failed to return due to being blown off course and over heavy flak defenses. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)


427 Lion Squadron (Ferte Manus Certas) RAF Leeming. Halifax BIII aircraft LK 752 ZL-V did not return from night operations against Berlin, Germany

The cause of loss was not established, but the Halifax crashed near Munchen-Gladbach, Germany

Pilot Officer JP Papineau (RCAF), Pilot Officer JV Roberts (RCAF), Pilot Officer LC Glasser (RCAF) and Pilot Officer CM Fugere (RCAF) were all killed in action

Flying Officer RA Parry (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 WF Magdalinski (RCAF) and Sergeant VC Guilder (RAFVR) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

There were three 427 Squadron Halifax aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials LW 574 ZL-J and LW 577 ZL-K for additional information

Footprints on the Sands of Time, RAF Bomber Command Prisoners of War in Germany 1939-45 by Oliver Clutton-Brock pages 307,351,377

unvetted Source 427 Squadron Association

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image database]...

unvetted Source WO2VPR1 - 1944-03-25 Halifax

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