6 Bomber Group June 12/13, 1943
38 Halifaxes from 408, 419, and 427 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Bochum. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 64,000 lbs of high explosives and 123,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered but severe damage was done.
While the Halifaxes went to Bochum, 12 Wellingtons from 429, 431, and432 Squadrons were ordered on a mining operation to the Frisian Islands and Saint-Nazaire. The crews were over the garden at between 700 and 5,000feet, sowing 16@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
503 aircraft - 323 Lancasters, 167 Halifaxes, II Mosquitoes. 14 Lancasters and 10 Halifaxes lost, 4·8 per cent of the force.
This raid took place over a completely cloud-covered target but accurate Oboe . sky-marking enabled the all Lancaster/Halifax Main Force to cause severe damage to the centre of Bochum. After daylight photographs had been taken, 130 acres or destruction were claimed. The only report from Germany says that 449 buildings were destroyed and 916 severely damaged and that 312 people were killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*K". Failed to return from attack on Bochum on 12 / 13 June 1943. Shot down at 02:20 local time by Bf110 G9+AR of 7/NJG1, flown by Oblt. W. Rapp. All 7 crew were POW.
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
