6 Bomber Group May 12/13, 1943
19 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 51 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Duisberg. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 70,000 lbs of high explosives and 153,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was clear and severe damage was caused to the port area and industrial sector, including the Thyssen steel works. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
From ORB:
Fourteen aircraft were ordered from the Squadron for operations against Duisburg, Thirteen aircraft attacked the target from heights varying from 16,500 to 21,000 feet bombing the TI [Target Indicator] markers. Several large explosions were seen. The defences were rather spasmodic. Photographs were taken which revealed fires and slight ground detail together with gun flashes. One aircraft failed to return [W4269].
Hit by Flak and crashed 0206 into the Zuiderzeepark at Amsterdam where all were originally buried.
Additional Crew not Canadian, all RAF, all Killed in Action:
- Pilot - Flight Sergeant Peter Henry Alderton
- Flight Engineer - Sergeant Sydney Lupton
- Navigator - Sergeant Robert Edward Sloan
- Air Gunner - Sergeant John Thomas
- Air Gunner - Sergeant Charles Douglas Whitehall
May 12-13 1943 ORB Summary