April 9/10, 1944

    9 Lancasters from 408 and 426 squadrons were joined by 100 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, 429, 432, and 433 squadrons on an attack on the rail yards at Villeneuve St.Georges. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 17,000 feet, releasing 1,051,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports the rail yards were damaged with bombing creeping into the residential area.

    F/O J. Lambert and crew from 424 squadron, flying Halifax III LW-437 coded QB-S, were involved in a mid air collision at 8,000 feet over Leeming. The left rudder, rear turret, and tail wheel were damaged. Upon regaining control, the load was released and the crew landed safely at base.

    F/O J. L’Abbe from 425 squadron landed at Hampstead Norris on return.

    F/Sgt S. Simmons from 426 squadron returned early with a mechanical failure.
    F/Sgt J. Williamson landed at Lasham on return due to a fuel shortage.

    F/Sgt R. Stevens RCAF and crew from 427 squadron, flying Halifax III LV-960 coded ZL-G, were involved in a mid air collision with F/O J. Lambert from 424 squadron. 

      Sgt L. Trowsdale RAF
      F/Sgt G. Murray RCAF
      Sgt H. Nunziato RCAF
      F/Sgt W. Steele RCAF
      Sgt A. Dennis RAF
      Sgt V. Bogle RCAF
    The ailerons were damaged and the crew bailed out safely and the Halifax crashed near Goole.

    W/O2 J. Mitchell from 429 squadron was attacked by an FW-190, there was no claim or damage.
    F/Lt R. Hunt returned early. The under carriage was damaged on takeoff. They crash-landed at Woodbridge without injury.

    P/O J. Major and F/Sgt G. Hall from 433 squadron returned early as their stbd outers were u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
     
     

    While part of the group attacked Villeneuve St. Georges, 53 Halifaxes from 419, 428, 431, and 434 squadrons were ordered to attack the rail yards at Lille. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 14,000 feet, releasing 545,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, the rail yards were severely damaged but bombing also went into the village with many civilian casualties.

    F/Sgt G. Hartford from 419 squadron returned early as the port inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    P/O E. Haliwell from 431 squadron returned early, as some flying instruments were u/s.

    P/O R. McCullough from 434 squadron returned early was the stbd outer was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/O W. Wright was attacked by an enemy aircraft. This was claimed destroyed.
     
     


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