6 Bomber Group March 13, 1945
101 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 429, and 432 Squadrons were ordered to attack Wuppertal. The crews were over the target at between16,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 194,000 lbs of high explosives and 473,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports the target was cloud covered with serious damage being caused. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
From 401 Squadron month end Operations Record Book:
"The squadron did two shows today. They were both combined missions with 411 Squadron, the first being an escort job to Invaders [a type of medium bomber] bombing Enchede/Hesepe/Osnabruk area. Both shows proved uneventfui as far as contact with enemy aircraft was concerned, but Flying Officer ARW McKay (Can J/35281) ran into difficulty and failed to return. Just north of Borken [Germany], Bud reported over the radio transmitter that his engine had packed up, and that he was baling out. He went into cloud just at that time and he was not seen again. Bud was a quiet chap whose presence will certainly be missed. Good luck fella - wherever you are."
NOTE 1: The daily ORB says that Flying Officer McKay was in Spitfire MH728. This is highly unlikely, because MH728 continued to fly with 401 Squadron after this date. Also, McKay's logbook shows MH728, but this was filled in by Squadron Leader WT Klersy after McKay was missing, and he likely used the incorrect ORB. Conclusion: McKay flew MK888, YO-B.
Operation Record Book Summary 401 Squadron March 1945
