Dortmund
596 aircraft,- the largest 'non-1000' raid of the war so far and the first major attack on Dortmund. 31 losses (5.2%) with a further 7 crashing due to bad weather at their bases, taking the total loss rate to 6.4%. PFF marking was accurate but backup marking was not. Also, decoy fires attracted many of the bombs. Severe damage was nevertheless caused to much of the central and northern areas of the city, including the Hoesch and Dortmunder Union steelworks. At least 693 people were killed, including 200 PoWs.
6 Bomber Group May 4/5, 1943
32 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 47 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on an attack at Dortmund. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 126,000 lbs of high explosives and 183,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing was accurate and severe damage was caused including 2 steel factories and the dock area. Richard Koval (6bombergroup.ca)
Hit by Flak at 19,000 feet over the target and sent down out of control. Information sourced from Mike Lee, Nephew of Pilot Officer Richard John Lee who was killed in this crash.
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