6 Bomber Group March 15, 1945
70 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 429, and 432 squadrons were ordered to attack oil facilities at Castrop-Rauxel. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 531,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, some damage was caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
267 aircraft - 134 Lancasters, l 22 Halifaxes, 11 Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 6 Lancasters and 4 Halifaxes lost.
This area attack took place in clear visibility and caused severe damage; the local , report estimated that the bomber force was 800 aircraft strong! The main attack fell in the centre and eastern districts. There were 1,439 fires, of which 124 were classified 11s large. 493 Germans and 12 foreigners were killed. 30,000-35,000 people were bombed out
.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Hagen, Germany. Lancaster KB 870 was in friendly territory when it was attacked by a fighter aircraft and exploded in mid-air. Flying Officer E.B. Carleton, Pilot Officer(s) H.L. Garriock and A.Sutherland were killed. The following members of the crew were all blown out of the aircraft and descended by parachute; F/O. B.V.Saunders safe in the United Kingdom, F/L. M.W. McLaughlin, F/O. D.R.Charbonneau, and Flight Sergeant W.W. Lightfoot all safe and in Hospital in France
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