6 Bomber Group December 18, 1944
188 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 432, 433 and 434 Squadrons were joined by 42 Lancasters from 419, 428, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Duisberg. The crews were over the target at between 17,000and 21,000 feet, releasing 1,636,000 lbs of high explosives and 258,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, severe damage was caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
523 aircraft 418 Halifaxes, 81 Lancasters, 24 Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 8 Halifaxes lost.
Duisburg was badly hit again. 346 houses were destroyed and 524 seriously damaged; industrial premises were probably hit also but few details are available, 92 -people, including 18 foreigners, were killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Halifax VII aircraft NP 699 QO-O "Oscar the Outlaw II" crashed by the French/Belgium border near Rocroi, France. The aircraft was involved a mid-air collision with 10 Sqn Halifax III LV 818 ZA-F during an early morning trip to Duisburg, Germany, causing the loss of both aircraft and only one survivor between the two aircrews (R Koval). Flying Officer RL Cann (RCAF), Pilot Officer SE Zadorozny (RCAF), Pilot Officer AG Blayney (RCAF), Flying Officer GD Wilson (RCAF), and Pilot Officer MJ Boylan (RAFVR) were killed and buried at various cemeteries scattered across Belgium and France. Pilot Officer JW Green (RCAF) missing, believed killed and listed on the Runnymede Memorial as missing. One Canadian, pilot Flight Lieutenant M Krakovsky (RCAF), survived, safe, and was returned to the Squadron
There were two 432 Sqn. aircraft lost on this date. Please see Farelll, E.J.for information regarding the other aircraft Halifax NP 701 and crew.
