6 Bomber Group June 7/8, 1944
23 Lancasters from 408 and 419squadrons were joined by 97 Halifaxes from 420, 425, 426, 429, 431, 432, 433, and 434squadrons in attacking the road/rail junction at Acheres and the rail yards at Versailles. The crews were over the targets at between 3,000 and7,000feet releasing 930,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, these targets were accurately bombed.
While the above crews were attacking Acheres and Versailles, 8 Halifaxes from 424 squadron were ordered on a mining operationto Lorient. The crews were over the garden at 15,000 feet, sowing 32@1500lb mines. All crews returned safely to base. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
427 Lion Squadron (Ferte Manus Certe) RAF Leeming. Halifax BIII aircraft LV 987 ZL-K, while on a raid to bomb the railyards at Acheres, France in support of the coming D-Day Landings. The Halifax was attacked and shot down by night fighter pilot Hptm Kurt Fladrich of 9 /NJG 9 at 01:26 hours. The entire crew abandoned the aircraft before it crashed near Gaillon-sur-Montcient, Yvelines, France
Flying Officer Edward Carter-Edwards (RCAF) and Sergeant Charles Walter Ford (RCAF) both survived and were captured to become Prisoners of War
Flying Officer Charles Walter Farr (RCAF), Flying Officer Gordon McTavish Waddell, Sergeant Martin Donnan (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 David F Foster (RCAF) and Sergeant George William Philliskirk (RAFVR) all survived and avoided capture as Evaders. Aided by the French Resistance these four crewmates ended up together near Paris, France, sheltering there until liberated by advancing American Forces 1944-08-29
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
07/08061944 427 (Lion) Squadron RCAF Halifax III LV987 Warrant Officer Class 2 David F...
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