6 Bomber Group April 22/23, 1944
23 Lancasters from 408 and 426 squadrons were joined by 114 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 429, 431, 432, and 433 squadrons on an attack at Dusseldorf. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 22,000 feet, releasing 284,000 lbs of high explosives and 469,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused.
While most of the group went to Dusseldorf, 40 Halifaxes from 419, 428, and 434 squadrons were ordered to attack the rail yards at Laon. The crews were over the target at between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, releasing 378,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
433 Porcupine Squadron (Qui S'y Frotte S'y Pique) RAF Skipton-on-Swale. Halifax BIII aircraft HX 291 BM-W was hit by flak over the target and later shot down by a night fighter pilot, probably Hptm E Zechlin of Stab I/NJG 2, during an operation against targets in Dusseldorf, Germany
The Halifax crashed near Meeuwen, Belgium
Pilot Officer HC Seedhouse (RCAF), Pilot Officer HG Boissevain (RCAF) and Sergeant JC Cumming DFM (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer LW Canter DFM (RCAF) and Flying Officer AW Norris (RCAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
and Flight Sergeant AMP Camenzuli (RAFVR)(Malta) survived and evaded for a few months but was eventually arrested and became a Prisoner of War
Flying Officer PA Schnobb MiD (RCAF) survived and was an Evader until liberated in September,1944
There were three 433 Squadron Halifax aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials LV 990 BM-J and LV 840 BM-E for additional information
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