August 27, 1944

    176 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, 433, and 434 squadrons were joined by 32 lancasters from 419 and 428 squadrons, on an attack of a V-1 site at Mimoyecques. The crews were over the target at between 16,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 1,626,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports the target was well hit.

    W/O2 L. McDonald RCAF and crew from 419 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-724 coded VR-K, had both stbd engines go u/s just after takeoff. They struggled along at zero feet and crashed landed in a farmers field without injury to the crew. The farmer came out and tore a strip of them for destroying his garden and ruining the crops!

      Sgt J. Greenwood RAF
      F/Sgt D. Reid RCAF
      F/Sgt R. White RCAF
      F/Sgt F. Johnson RCAF
      F/Sgt W. Wilson RCAF
      F/Sgt R. Shettler RCAF
    F/O L. Bowerman was hit by flak, not serious.
    W/O1 I. Johnson was hit by flak, holes in fuselage and wings. Fuel tanks holed and hydraulics were also u/s.

    S/Ldr. F. Kruger from 420 squadron had the load hang up over the target.

    F/O J. Hollinger from 424 squadron was hit by flak. They jettisoned the load and made a safe landing at Sheppard’s Grove.

    F/O V. Lacaille from 425 squadron was hit by flak, holes in windscreen.

    F/Sgt. G. Hay from 429 squadron had the stbd inner u/s after takeoff. They bombed from 10,000 feet and landed at Woodbridge on return as the hydraulics were also u/s.


     
     
     

     Photo: The card crew over the V-1 site at Mimoyecques. Supplied by R. Card