Lancaster ND412 Mk.III - Bombing Laon France - 1944-04-22 to 1944-04-23
Squadron: 405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-04-22
Completion Date: 1944-04-23
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Laon France
Target Specific:
Base: Gransden Lodge
Take Off Time: 22.18
Squadron Code: LQ X
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time: 02.09
Crash City:
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason: fighter
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable

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)

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft ND 412 suffered damage to the rear fuselage and tail assembly caused by JU 88 enemy fighter aircraft cannon fire while over the target Laon, France

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