6 Bomber Group April 14/15, 1943
30 Halifaxes from 405, 408, and 419 Squadrons were joined by 91 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Stuttgart. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 42,000 lbs of high explosives and 236,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was clear and much damage was caused to the industrial area, including a large rail repair shop. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft BB 311 EQ-L, was attacked by Me-110, knocking out one engine, then attacked again 30 minutes later returning from an operation against targets in Stuttgart, Germany. The Halifax was shot down by night fighter pilot Leutnant Helmut Bergmann of the Stab 3/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 from Juvincourt airfield. The crew abandoned aircraft, before it crashed near Montescourt-Lizerolles, France
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Sergeant JJ Courtney (RAFVR) was killed in action
The remainder of the crew, Warrant Officer 1st Class RE Dressler (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant RH Jay (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class IR MacDonald (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant GM Parkinson (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class W Reed (RCAF) and Flight Lieutenant LE Usher (RCAF)(USA) all survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
There were two 408 Squadron Halifax II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial JB 909 EQ-G for additional information on this crew
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