Lancaster DS731 Mk.II - Bombing Schweinfurt Germany - 1944-02-24 to 1944-02-25
Squadron: 408 (B) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-02-24
Completion Date: 1944-02-25
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Schweinfurt Germany
Target Specific:
Base: RAF Linton-on-Ouse
Take Off Time: 22:09
Squadron Code: EQ-O
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City: Germany
Crash Specifics: near Erkshausen, Germany
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: fighter
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim: unspecified
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group February 24/25, 1944

35 Lancaster from 408 and 426 squadrons were joined by 52 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 432 and 433 squadrons on an attack at Schweinfurt. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 26,000 feet, releasing 136,000 lbs of high explosives and 251,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the attack was scattered.

While some of the group went to Schweinfurt, 21 Halifaxes from 419 and428 squadron were ordered on a mining operation to Kiel Bay. The crews were over the garden at 15,000 feet, sowing 30@1500 lb mines.

There was also a Tactical Diversion the support these operations. 24 Halifaxes from 429, 431 and 434 squadrons made a sweep over the North Sea at between 15,000 and 18,000 feet. All crews returned safely to base. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton on Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 731 EQ-O was shot down by a night fighter near Erkshausen, Germany during operations against targets in Schweinfurt, Germany

Air Gunner Pilot Officer ME Hodgins (RCAF) was the only crew member lost, killed in action

Flying Officer G McKiel (RCAF), FS AC Keiller (RCAF), Pilot Officer A Walker (RCAF), Sergeant RE Loomer (RCAF) and Sergeant GN Parsons (RAFVR) all survived were taken as Prisoners of War

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

General Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB

General Bomber Command Museum Daily ORB

General RAF Commands