6 Bomber Group August 16/17, 1944
144 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, and 434 squadron were ordered to attack the port city of Kiel. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 310,000 lbs of high explosives and 545,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports the dock area and ship-building firms were damaged.
While some of the group was attacking Kiel, 419 and 428 sent 27 Lancasters on an attack at Stettin. The crews were over the target at between 17,000and 18,000 feet, releasing 50,000 lbs of high explosives and 150,000 lbs of incendiaries on the port and dock area. According to reports, it was an accurate attack.
While most of the group was off to Kiel and Stettin, 18 Halifaxes from 429 and 433 squadrons were ordered on a mining operation to Kiel Bay.The crews were over the garden at 14,000 feet, sowing 54@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
434 Bluenose Squadron (In excelsis vincimus) RAF Croft. Halifax BIII aircraft LK 786 WL-S, on a mission to bomb the port area and shipping facilities at Kiel, Germany, was hit by Flak as it approached the target area
The crew managed to complete their bomb run over the target but two fuel tanks were damaged by flak and leaking during the return flight. They ran out of fuel and were forced to ditch into the North Sea
An air-sea search was initiated by 434 Squadron and the downed crew were spotted in their dinghy off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. After a wet 13 hour drift at sea, the entire crew was picked up safely by an Air/Sea Rescue Launch and returned to England
Flying Officer John Wagman DFC (RCAF), Sergeant W Odegaard (RCAF), Sergeant H McMillan (RCAF), Sergeant Henry Karl Kaufman DFM (RCAF), Flight Sergeant D Burke (RCAF), Flight Sergeant J Archibald (RCAF) and Sergeant Victor Cameron (RAFVR) were all rescued at sea, safe
Pilot Flying Officer Wagman was awarded a DFC and Wireless Operator Sergeant Kaufman a DFM for their efforts and bravery during this event
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
434 Squadron - Airfield Activity - Ditching in North Sea Crew 115
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
