August 10/11, 1944



    37 Lancasters 408, 419, and 428 squadrons were joined by 101 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 431, 432, and 434 squadrons on an attack at an oil depot at La Pallice. The crews were over the target at between 9,000 and 11,000 feet, releasing 1,053,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, and judging by the lower photo, the attack was successful.

    P/O G. McKean and F/O B. Roberts from 415 Squadron returned early as they didn’t see any T.I’s.
    P/O J. Little returned without bombing as the load hung up.
    F/O C. Gue returned early as the port outer caught fire. This was put out and they landed safely at Exeter on 3 engines.
    P/O O. Lindquist and crew, flying Halifax III MZ-632 coded 6U-W, was attacked by an FW-190, there was no claim or damage.

    F/O J. Bell from 419 Squadron returned early as the compasses and stbd outer was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/Sgt L. McDonald returned without bombing as they did not see any TIs.
    F/O A. Rokeby and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-745 coded VR-V, was attacked by a JU-88, there was no claim or damage.

    P/O E. Johnston from 420 squadron returned early as one engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    P/O L. Terroux from 425 squadron was hit by flak, there were holes in the port fin and rudder.

    F/Lt G. Gonyou from 428 Squadron had one engine u/s outbound. They bombed and returned safely to base on 3 engines.
    P/O C. Corbet and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-777 coded NA-V, was attacked by a unidentified single engine aircraft, there was no claim or damage.

    F/O L. Browning from 434 squadron returned early as they were late taking off and could not catch the gaggle.
     
     


     

    This is a picture graciously supplied by Walter Poynter, showing the aftermath of the attack on the oil storage site at La Pallice.