Halifax JB796 B/GR.Mk.II - Bombing Cologne Germany - 1943-07-03 to 1943-07-04
Squadron: 408 (B) Sqn (EQ) (RCAF)
Start Date: 1943-07-03
Completion Date: 1943-07-04
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Cologne Germany
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Leeming
Take Off Time: 23:09
Squadron Code: EQ-C
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: France
Crash Specifics: Bonneleau hamlet, Fontaine-Bonneleau, Oise, Hauts-de-France
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: fighter
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim: Unteroffizier Dickhaus of the 9/NJG 4
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group July 3/4 1943

42 Halifaxes from 408, 419, 427, and 428 Squadrons were joined by 34 Wellingtons 429, 431, and 432 Squadrons on an attack at Cologne. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 205,000 lbs of incendiaries and 104,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, bombing was accurate and serious damage was caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax II aircraft JB 796 EQ-C was shot down by night fighter pilot Unteroffizier Dickhaus of the 9/NJG 4, (flying from Juvincourt airfield), over France during night operations against targets in Cologne, Germany

The Halifax crashed at Bonneleau hamlet, Fontaine-Bonneleau, Oise, Hauts-de-France, France

FS RM Hicks MiD (RCAF), Flying Officer AB Foster (RCAF), Pilot Officer AE Kelly (RCAF), Sergeant AR Warnick, Sergeant T Riley (RAF), and Pilot Officer JCM Taylor (RAF) were all killed in action

Sergeant PE Cote (RCAF) survived and was taken as Prisoner of War

There were two 408 Squadron Halifax aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial JB 913 EQ-F for additional information

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