Squadron: 405 (B) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1943-04-08
Completion Date: 1943-04-09
Mission: Bombing
Operation: Battle of the Ruhr
Target City: Duisburg Germany
Target Specific:
Base: Gransden Lodge
Take Off Time: 21.32
Squadron Code: LQ X
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City:
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason:
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable
Took off in Halifax Mark II (Sqn code: LQ-X) at 21:32. Target was reached at 23:00 and the load released from 15,000 feet. Starboard engine cut out just before reaching target and started again after crossing enemy coast on way home. A/C was caught in heavy flak at target and gyro toppled when evasive action was taken. A/c went into a spin and the other three engines cut. The captain then warned crew to be ready to bale out. The second pilot Pilot Officer Bisson; Flight Engineer, Sergeant Whitterton; Mid Upper Gunner, Flight Sergeant Wagner and Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Cox baled out without waiting for orders. Captain righted a/c at 1,000 feet and three engines started up again so returned to base with the remaining four crew.
6 Bomber Group April 8/9, 1943
15 Halifaxes from 405, 408, and 419 Squadrons were joined by 64 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Duisberg. The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 85,000 lbs of high explosives and 137,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and bombing was scattered. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
Took off in Halifax Mark II (Sqn code: LQ-X) at 21:32. Target was reached at 23:00 and the load released from 15,000 feet. Starboard engine cut out just before reaching target and started again after crossing enemy coast on way home. A/C was caught in heavy flak at target and gyro toppled when evasive action was taken. A/c went into a spin and the other three engines cut. The captain then warned crew to be ready to bale out. The second pilot Pilot Officer Bisson; Flight Engineer, Sergeant Whitterton; Mid Upper Gunner, Flight Sergeant Wagner and Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Cox baled out without waiting for orders. Captain righted a/c at 1,000 feet and three engines started up again so returned to base with the remaining four crew.
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
