6 Group Unavailable
Mitchell aircraft FW 210 was hit by flak during a bombing operation against enemy troop concentrations south of Caen, France. The crew was forced to bail out over the English Channel west of Brest, France. F/Os G. Green and L.W. Pattyson were also killed. One Canadian member of the crew states he was the first out of the aircraft and saw three other parachutes. Air-sea rescue stated there were other boats in the vicinity that might have picked up the others who bailed out.
12 Mitchell.II aircraft of 226 Squadron in company with 48 MITCHELLS from 139 WING were detailed to attack Wood U1160, containing a large concentration of troops, heavy and mobile guns. All aircraft did not bomb. The first box was unable to bomb, owing to the navigator of the lead aircraft being wounded on the bombing run and aircraft No.2 became out of control, with its port engine on fire. The second box was unable to bomb, owing to the G.H. operator of the leading aircraft being off track. 1 aircraft is missing, the crew baling out 30 to 40 miles N of CAEN and were seen to take to their K type dinghies, 1 Navigator was wounded in another aircraft. 1 aircraft landed in the beachead at B5. 4 aircraft received minor damage from flak. Very intense and accurate flak over the target area.
source: RAF Squadron 226 Operating Record Book
