19 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 25 Wellingtons from 426, 427, 428, 429, and 431 Squadrons on a mining operation to the Frisian Islands, Heligoland and the Kattegat. The crews were over the garden at between 400 and 800 feet, sowing 132@1500 lb mines.
Sgt G. Johnson from 408 Squadron did not mine as they could not find the pinpoint.
F/O W. Elliott from 419 Squadron returned early as they were hit by
flak, there were holes in the wings and the hydraulics were u/s. The landed
safely at East Moor.
F/Sgt J. Carley RCAF W/O2 J. O’Connor RCAF W/O2 J. Acker RCAF F/Sgt L. Murphy RCAF F/Sgt R. Gourde RCAF
F/Sgt S. Pennington from 426 Squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
F/O B. Richmond from 427 Squadron returned early was they were unable
to find the pinpoint.
Sgt R. Parkinson RAF and crew from 428 Squadron. flying Wellington X HE-543 coded NA-D, failed to return from this operation.
P/O G. Meakins RAF Sgt K. Garnett RAF P/O C. Balcer RCAF W/O2 K. Radcliffe RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X HE-728 coded NA-B, failed to return from this operation.
F/Sgt J. Agate RCAF Sgt I. Rushton RAF F/Sgt H. Smith-Jones RCAF
P/O J. Lancaster from 429 Squadron overshot the airfield and crash-landed. The crew was not injured.
Sgt J. Esdale from 431 Squadron returned early as the port engine was
u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
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