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)
431 Iroquois Squadron (The hatiten ronterrios) RAF Croft. Halifax V aircraft LK 918 SE-F, while returning to base from a bombing operation against targets in Berlin, Germany, short of fuel, the bomber diverted to RAF Dishforth. While attempting to land, the Halifax skidded off the runway and was severely damaged. Fortunately the entire crew survived without injury
Pilot Officer J K Gustafson (RCAF), Pilot Officer J B A Lamoureux DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant J C King DFC (RAAF), Pilot Officer A Barnes DFC (RAFVR), Pilot Officer J T H Beech DFC (RAFVR), Flying Officer I H Black DFC (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant O M Gilmour DFC (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer F D Pym DFC (RAFVR) all survived without injury
There were three more 431 Squadron Halifax V aircraft and crews lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials LL 150 SE-N, LK 963 SE-H and LL 181 SE-Q for additional information
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
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