6 Bomber Group April 20/21, 1943
21 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Stettin. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 30,000 lbs of high explosives and 53,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, this attack was very successful with severe damage being caused.
While the Halifaxes went to Stettin, 6 Wellingtons from 429 Squadron were ordered on a mining operation to Brest. The crews were over the garden at between 600 and 800 feet, sowing 10@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
339 aircraft- 194 Lancasters, 134 Halifaxes, 11 Stirlings. 21 aircraft- 13 Lancastcrs, 7 Halifaxes, I Stirling - lost, 6·2 per cent of the force.
This raid, on a target more than 600 miles from England, proved to be the most successful attack beyond the range of Oboe during the Battle of the Ruhr. Visibility was good and the Pathfinder marking was carried out perfectly. 24 fires were still burning when a photographic reconnaissance aircraft flew over Stettin a day and u half later. Approximately 100 acres in the centre of the town were claimed as devastated; much of this area comprised industrial buildings. German reports show that 1 1 industrial premises and 380 houses were completely destroyed. A large chemical factory was among the places where production was completely halted. 586 people were killed in Stettin.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
This A/C operated by No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B" and "VR*E". Bombed Frankfurt on 10/11 April 1943, as "B". Bombed Pilsen on 16 / 17 April 1943. Coded "E" when lost. Failed to return from attack on Stettin on 20 / 21 April 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 7 crew were POWs and 1 killed.
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
