6 Bomber Group July 18, 1944
42 Lancasters from 408, 419, and 428 were joined by 155 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, 433, and434 squadrons on a number of attacks in the Caen and Mondeville areas.These attacks were made at dawn in direct support of the army. All the crews were over the targets from between 7,000 to 9,000 feet, unloading1,750,000 lbs of ordinance. The German troops on the ground were hit hard and this was one of the best bombing raids that supported the army. A total of 6,800 tons of ordinance was dropped.
Later on in the day 28 Halifaxes from431 and434 squadron attacked the rail yards at Vaires. This attack was made from between 12,000 and 13,500 feet. A total of 223,000 lbs of ordinance was dropped. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
The crew of Halifax aircraft LW 572 were on a daylight trip to Vaires, France when their aircraft crashed four miles south-east of Beaumot-sur-Oise, near Nerville, France.
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
