6 Bomber Group September 12, 1944
122 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 431,432, and 434 squadrons attacked the synthetic oil plant at Wanne Eickel. The attack was carried out from 16,000 to 19,000 feet with the crew releasing 960,000 lbs of ordinance. No observations were made due to a smoke screen over the target. A great number of aircraft were damaged by flak. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
378 Lancasters and 9 Mosquitos of 1,3 and 8 Groups were involved in this last major raid on Frankfurt.
The local report says that the raid occurred when many of the firemen and rescue workers were away working in Darmstadt. The bombing caused severe damage in the western districts of the city which contained many industrial premises. A troop train was was hit at the West Station. 469 people were killed.
Lancaster Mk.I (LM137) was shot down by a night fighter. The aircraft broke up in the air with most of the airframe crashing near the village of Munchhausen, Alsace, France. Some of the debris fell near Plittersdorf, Germany. All the crew bailed out and landed safely, except for F/Sgt Beattie and P/O Cox, who were killed in the initial attack.. Flying Officer Bolderston, F/Sgt.Dunnett, Sgt.Foster were murdered by the civilian population near Plittersdorf, Germany. F/O Thorpe, Sgt. Peart, and F/Sgt. Cross were taken Prisoners of War.
