Lancaster PB527 Mk.I/III - Bombing Kiel Germany - 1944-09-15 to 1944-09-16
Squadron: 405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF)
Start Date: 1944-09-15
Completion Date: 1944-09-16
Mission: Bombing
Operation: unspecified
Target City: Kiel Germany
Target Specific:
Base: Gransden Lodge
Take Off Time: 22.35
Squadron Code: LQ K
Radio Code:
Return Base:
Return Time:
Crash City:
Crash Specifics:
Crash Latitude: 0.00000000
Crash Longitude: 0.00000000
Crash Reason:
Flak Battery:
Enemy Claim:
War Diary Unavailable

6 Bomber Group September 15/16, 1944

172 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, 433 and 434 Squadrons were joined by 28 Lancasters from 419 and 428 Squadrons on an attack at Kiel. The crews were over the target at between 16,500and 21,500 feet, releasing 442,000 lbs of high explosives and 913,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was clear and severe damages were caused.

While some crews went to Kiel, 20 Halifaxes from 424, 427, and 429 squadrons were ordered on a mining operation to Kiel Bay and Oslo. The crews were over the garden at between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, sowing 76@1500 lb mines. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster III aircraft PB 527 lost during night operations over Kiel, Germany.

Flight Lieutenant Robert BROOK (174668); Pilot Officer Gordon James EDWARDS (177700); Flight Sergeant Alan William GOWDEY (1813553) Wireless Op; Flight Sergeant William Desmond LEAVESLEY (1575439); Flight Lieutenant Ronald Walter LONG (J/18760) Pilot; Warrant Officer Class II John RAIKE (R/127923); Sergeant Ronald Ivor YORK (1819034) All Killed

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