6 Bomber Group March 29/30, 1943
22 Halifaxes from 405, 408, and 419 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Berlin. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 14,000 lbs of high explosives and 21,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was poor, with severe icing. Bombing was scattered over the target.
While the Halifaxes went to Berlin, 70 Wellingtons from 420,424, 425,426, 427, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons were ordered on an attack atBochum.The crews were over the target at between 14,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 107,000 lbs of high explosives and 85,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and bombing was scattered. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
428 Ghost Squadron (Usque Ad Finem) RAF Dalton. Wellington BIII aircraft BK 564 NR-A was shot down during a raid on targets in Bochum, Germany and crashed near Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Pilot Officer JLRVF Cartier (RCAF) Flight Sergeant PB Gustavsen (RCAF) and Flying Officer JF Spencer (RAFVR) were killed in action. Two crew members were able to bail. One, Sergeant HF Rhodes (RAFVR) was injured and he survived to reach the ground but died from his injuries 1943-04-12 in hospital. Sergeant D King (RCAF) survived and was taken as Prisoner Of War
There were two 428 Squadron Wellington aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial HE 175 NA-V for additional information
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...