6 Bomber Group January 28/29, 1944
33 Lancasters from 408, 426 and 432 squadrons were joined by 90 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, 429, 431, 433, and 434 squadrons on an attack at Berlin. The crews were over the target at between 18,000 and 23,500 feet, releasing 280,000 lbs of high explosives and 359,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing caused serious damage as there was broken cloud and the target could be seen. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
434 Bluenose Squadron (In Excelsis Vincimus) RAF Croft. Halifax BV aircraft LK 649 WL-X failed to return from a raid against targets in Berlin, Germany, shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt. Heinz Ferger of 3/NJG3. The Halifax crashed near Canow, Germany. The entire crew was lost
Flight Sergeant R H Stanley (RCAF), Flying Officer R C Crompton (RCAF), Flight Sergeant D I Rose (RCAF), Sergeant J J B L Leduc (RCAF), Sergeant J C W Olliffe (RAFVR), Sergeant D L Silverman (RAFVR), and Sergeant S J Groucott (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Four other 434 Squadron Halifax V aircraft were lost on this operation. Please see Halifax aircraft serials EB 256 WL-S, LK 740 WL-V, LK 916 WL-P and LL 134 WL-U for additional information on these aircraft and crews
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
434 Squadron Halifax V LK649 WL-X Fl/Sergeant Stanley, RAF Croft, Canow,...
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