Squadron:424 (B) Sqn (RCAF)

Start Date:1944-02-19

Completion Date:1944-02-20

Mission:Bombing

Operation:unspecified

Target City:Leipzig Germany

Target Specific:

Base:Skipton-on-Swale

Take Off Time:

Squadron Code:QBW

Radio Code:

Return Base:

Return Time:

Crash City:

Crash Specifics:

Crash Latitude:0.000000000

Crash Longitude:0.000000000

Crash Reason:groundcollision

Flak Battery:

Enemy Claim:

6 Bomber Group February 19/20, 1944

31 Lancaster from 408 and 426 Squadrons were joined by 98 Halifaxes from 419, 420, 424, 425, 427, 428, 429, 431, 433, and 434 Squadrons on an attack at Leipzig. The crews were over the target at between 19,000 and 25,000 feet, releasing 112,000 lbs of high explosives and 422,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and the attack was scattered. The crews were met by strong winds and fierce fighter attacks. 18 crews, or 128 men failed to return from operations. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

Events

Halifax BIII aircraft LW 433 QB-W, taxiing before take-off for an operation to Leipzig, Germany was involved a runway collision, struck in the rear by another taxiing Halifax HX 316 QB-D

Rear Gunner Pilot Officer GA Bottrell (RCAF) was killed by the propeller of the other aircraft, the only casualty from either aircraft

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