6 Bomber Group April 22/23, 1944
23 Lancasters from 408 and 426 squadrons were joined by 114 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 429, 431, 432, and 433 squadrons on an attack at Dusseldorf. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 22,000 feet, releasing 284,000 lbs of high explosives and 469,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused.
While most of the group went to Dusseldorf, 40 Halifaxes from 419, 428, and 434 squadrons were ordered to attack the rail yards at Laon. The crews were over the target at between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, releasing 378,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
181 aircraft- 69 Halifaxes, 52 Lancasters, 48 Stirlings, 12 Mosquitoes - of 3, 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 9 aircraft - 4 Lancasters, 3 Stirlings, 2 Halifaxes - lost, 5·0 per cent of the force.
The attack on the railway yards was carried out in 2 waves and severe damage was caused. The aircraft of one of the Master Bombers, Wing Commander A. G. S, Cousens of 635 Squadron, was shot down; Wing Commander Cousens was killed,
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Halifax aircraft HX 189 was hit by machine gun and cannon fire from a German JU-88 fighter aircraft during a night attack against the rail yards at Laon, France. The Halifax caught fire and all the crew bailed out. One Canadian,Warrant Officer P.J. Murphy, the RAF flight engineer, John Thomson, the USAAF pilot, Chuck Thomas were taken Prisoners of War. Three Canadians, Flying Officer J.A. Neal, FS R.P. Lindsay, and Sergeant W.A. Greene were Evaders.
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