April 3/4, 1943

     22 Halifaxes from 405, 408, and 419 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Essen. The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 38,000 lbs of high explosives and 74,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the weather was clear and the target was severely damaged.

    F/Lt L. Campbell from 405 Squadron was hit by flak, the brakes were u/s.
    W/O2 W. McAlpine, RCAF and crew, flying Halifax II  DT-808 coded LQ-V, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt H. McQueen, RCAF
      W/O2 J. White, RCAF
      F/Lt F. Luxford, RCAF
      W/O2 J. Halikowski, RCAF
      F/Sgt E. Bradley, RCAF–POW
      F/Lt W. Murphy, RCAF–POW
    5 crew were killed and 2 POWs after being shot down by a Nightfighter.

    P/O J. Lago, RCAF–POW and crew, flying Halifax II   DT-723 coded LQ-F, failed to return from this operation.

      F/Sgt K. Perry, RCAF–POW
      Sgt W. Phipps, RCAF–POW
      F/O J. Colwell, RCAF–POW
      W/O2 W. Beatty, RCAF
      F/O W. Hoddinott, RCAF–POW
      F/Sgt H. Waugh, RCAF–POW
      Sgt A. Grandbois, RCAF–POW
    1 crew killed and 7 POWs after being shot down by a Nightfighter.

    Sgt D. Childers from 408 Squadron returned early as the pilot was sick.
    F/Sgt F. Wood RCAF and crew flying Halifax II DT-673 coded EQ-G belly landed at base on return as the under carriage would not lower. 

      Sgt R. Duncanson RAF
      F/Sgt I. Palmer RAF
      Sgt J. McNess RAF
      P/O C. O'Connell RAAF
      Sgt J. Cameron RCAF
      P/O W. McIlroy RAF
    The crew was uninjured.

    F/Lt R. Gamble RCAF and crew, flying Halifax II   HR-713 coded EQ-F, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt. R. Barker RAF
      W/O2 D. Jarrett RCAF
      P/O C. Black RAAF
      F/Sgt  K. McColl RAAF
      Sgt A. Hawkins RAF
      F/O E. Ray RCAF
    All were killed.

    P/O E. Sirett RCAF and crew, flying Halifax II JB-866 coded EQ-T, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt K. Brice RAF
      W/O2 M. Church RCAF
      P/O G. Fletcher RCAF
      F/O J. McBride RCAF
      Sgt G. Boyer RCAF
      Sgt F. Burke RCAF
    All were killed.

    P/O W. Boyce from 419 Squadron returned early as the stbd inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    P/O C. Vaillancourt was hit by flak, not serious.
    Sgt P. Johnson and crew flying Halifax II DT-669 coded VR-L were attacked by an ME-110. The fuselage was severely damaged and Sgt R. Ross, the bomb aimer, Sgt L. Wallis and Sgt J. Thompson, the two gunners seriously injured. Sgt John releasing the load and cork screwed away from the fighter. They landed safely at Coltishall without any further problems.
    F/O P. Boyd RAF and crew, flying Halifax II  DT-617 coded VR-G, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt S. Hall RCAF
      F/O G. Lawry RCAF
      Sgt J. Langley RAF
      Sgt L. Ransome RAF
      P/O H. MacDonald RAF
      F/Sgt B. Agar RCAF
    All were killed.