6 Bomber Group August 16/17, 1944
144 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, and 434 squadron were ordered to attack the port city of Kiel. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 310,000 lbs of high explosives and 545,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports the dock area and ship-building firms were damaged.
While some of the group was attacking Kiel, 419 and 428 sent 27 Lancasters on an attack at Stettin. The crews were over the target at between 17,000and 18,000 feet, releasing 50,000 lbs of high explosives and 150,000 lbs of incendiaries on the port and dock area. According to reports, it was an accurate attack.
While most of the group was off to Kiel and Stettin, 18 Halifaxes from 429 and 433 squadrons were ordered on a mining operation to Kiel Bay.The crews were over the garden at 14,000 feet, sowing 54@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, Crashed in the sea off the W coast of Denmark. following bombing mission to Kiel
Pilot Officer Forast Deloise BILLINGSLEY (J/89270) Wireless Op; Flight Lieutenant John Samuel BRUCE (86600); Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Boyd CALHOUN (J/23966) Bomb Aimer; Pilot Officer Joseph William CARTER (J/88790); Flying Officer Charles Harold FISHER (J/19844) Pilot; Sergeant Eric Noel JOLLY (1871640) Flight Engi; Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Donovan KEMP (J/12962) Air Bomber; Flying Officer Kenneth Albert NORDHEIMER (J/26606) Air Gunner. All killed.
Bomber Command Museum Monthly ORB
