6 Bomber Group June 16/17, 1944
63 Halifaxes from 426, 431, 432, and 434 squadrons were joined by 37 Lancasters from 408, 419, and 428 squadrons on an attack of the oil plant at Sterkrade-Holten. The crews were over the target between17,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 878,000 lbs of high explosives through thick cloud. This attack was not very successful due to the cloud cover and the fact that the German fighter controller had his fighters orbit a beacon not far from the flight path. Many crews failed to return for that reason.
While part of the group went to Sterkrade, 101 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 429, and 433 squadrons were ordered to attack a V-1 site in the Pas de Calais area called Sautrecourt. The crews were over the target between 14,000 and 17,000 feet, releasing 760,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, the target was well hit. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
321 aircraft- 162 Halifaxes, 147 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes - of 1, 4, 6 and 8 Groups to attack the synthetic-oil plant despite a poor weather forecast.
The target was found to be covered by thick cloud and the Pathfinder markers quickly disappeared. The Main Force crews could do little but bomb on to the diminishing glow of the markers in the cloud. R.A.F. photographic reconnaissance and German reports agree that most of the bombing was scattered, although some bombs did fall in the plant area, but with little effect upon production. 21 Germans and 6 foreigners were killed and 18 houses in the vicinity were destroyed
.Unfortunately, the route of the bomber stream passed near a German night-fighter beacon at Bocholt, only 30 miles from Sterkrade. The German controller had chosen this beacon as the holding point for his night fighters. Approximately 21 bombers were shot down by fighters and a further Io by Flak. 22 of the lost aircraft were Halifaxes, these losses being 13 ·6 per cent of the 162 Halifaxes on the raid. 77 Squadron, from Full Sutton near York, lost 7 of its 23 Halifaxes taking part in the raid.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Halifax BIII aircraft LK 837 SE-H, was outward-bound on an operation to bomb the synthetic oil plants at Sterkrade/Holton, Germany when it was shot down by German night fighter Ace Hauptmann Heinz Struning
Only one crew member managed to bale before the Halifax crashed at Meijel, Limburg, Netherlands
Pilot Officer EO Johnson (RCAF), Pilot Officer EC Green (RCAF), Pilot Officer VP O'Bright (RCAF), Pilot Officer WR Chapman (RAFVR), Flying Officer RW Jones (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer D Shenton (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer RCB Garrity (RCAF) survived and avoided capture as an Evader with the help of the Dutch Resistance. He was liberated by Allied forces and returned to England 1944-09-07
There were three other 431 Squadron Halifax III aircraft lost on this operation on this date. Please see Carter, RE for information on Halifax NA 514 SE-B, Fairless, AG for information on Halifax MZ 520 SE-O and Johnstone, MM for information on Halifax MZ 537 SE-L
431 Squadron Halifax III LK837 SE-L F/O. Johnson RAF Croft...