April 25, 1945

    92 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 425, 426, and 432 squadrons were joined by 100 Lancasters from 419, 424, 427, 428, 429, 431, 433, and 434 squadrons on an attack of the coastal guns at Wangerooge.

    The weather was clear and the crews were over the target at between 10,000 to 12,000 feet, releasing 2,100,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports the target area was well cratered. This operation proved to be the last over enemy territory after two and a half years of effort. The 6 Group crews would not be asked to carry bomb loads over enemy held territory. As well as this being the last operation, the group suffered its final casualties, but not at the hands of the enemy. Sadly the 4 crews that failed to return were all due to mid-air collisions.

    F/Lt. A. Ely, RCAF, and crew from 408 squadron, flying Halifax MK VII NP-796, coded EQ-M, failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. J. Hughes, RAF
      P/O J. Brambleby, RCAF
      F/O J. Stanely, RCAF
      F/O A. Boyd, RCAF
      P/O A. Rutter, RCAF
      P/O V. Hovey, RCAF
    There were no survivors in a mid-air collision.

    F/O D. Mullin from 424 squadron had one engine go u/s outbound. They bombed and returned safely on 3 engines.
    W/Cdr. W. Norris was hit by flak. There were holes in the fuselage. The Flt/engineer, P/O J. Duggan RCAF, was injured, but not seriously.
    F/Lt. J. Matheson was hit by flak. F/Lt. Matheson was struck in the left eye. The Lancaster went out of control, however it was regained and the crew returned safely to base were the injured pilot was taken to the hospital.

    P/O J. Tuplin, RCAF, and crew from 426 squadron, flying Halifax VII NP-820, coded OW-W, failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. R. Roberts, RAF
      F/O J. Ross, RCAF
      W/O R. Evans, RAF
      P/O R. Curzon, RCAF
      P/O E. Hicks, RCAF
      P/O S. Teskey, RCAF
    There were no survivors in a mid-air collision.

    F/O D. Walsh of 428 squadron saw 2 Lancasters from 431 collide. The crew saw 5 or 6 parachutes open.

    F/Lt. J .Elliott from 431 squadron returned without bombing as the load hung up over the target. 
    F/Lt. B. Emmet, RCAF, and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-831 SE-E, failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. J. Simms, RAF
      F/Lt. R. Stingle, RCAF
      F/O W. Hanna, RCAF
      W/O2 C. Mark, RCAF
      Sgt. D. Faulkner, RAF
      F/Sgt. R. Mellon, RCAF
    There were no survivors in a mid- air collision.

    F/O D. Baker, RCAF, and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-822, coded SE-W, failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. F. Smith RAF
      F/O J. Cruickshank, RCAF
      F/O L. Amos, RCAF
      W/O2 P. Henrichon, RCAF
      F/Sgt. J. Roy, RCAF
      F/Sgt. L. Hiatt, RCAF
    There were no survivors in a mid-air collision.

    F/O S. Raymond from 432 squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
    F/Sgt. D. Jamer was hit by flak, holes in the fuselage. 

    Photo: 432 Squadron over Wangerooge, 10,800 ft. Graciously supplied by Ian-57 Rescue


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