December 28, 1944


    105 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 432, and 433 squadrons were joined by 45 Lancasters from 419, 428, 431 and 434 squadrons on an attack of the rail yards at Opladen. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 1,469,000 lbs of high explosives.

    F/O R. Wallis from 408 squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
    F/O B. Wallace had the stbd inner go u/s over the target. They returned safely to base on 3 engines.

    F/Lt T. Mears and crew from 415 Squadron, flying Halifax III MZ-949 coded 6U-G, were attacked by an ME-109 and an unidentified twin engine aircraft, there was no claim or damage.

    F/O G. Retallack from 419 squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    P/O B. Martin landed at Woodbridge on return.
    F/O F. How, RCAF, and crew failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. J. Atkinson, RAF
      F/O R. Nickle, RCAF
      P/O J. MacGregor, RCAF
      P/O C. Hubley, RCAF
      P/O C. Tait, RCAF
      F/O N. Springstein, RCAF
    All were killed.

    F/O G. Hawthorn from 424 squadron did not bomb as the load hung up over the target.

    P/O W. Corbett from 425 squadron was hit by flak. One piece came through the windscreen and hit Sgt J. Forsyth RAF, the Flt/Engineer, in the arm, he was not injured. They landed safely at Woodbridge on return.

    F/O G. Fidler from 426 Squadron was hit by flak, holes in the fuselage.
    P/O M. Fraser and crew, flying Halifax VII NP-794 coded OW-S, were attacked twice by an FW-190, there was no claim or damage.
    F/O H. Watts and crew, flying Halifax VII NP-793 coded OW-H, were attacked  by an ME-110 and an unidentified aircraft, there was no claim or damage.

    F/O J. Bell RCAF and crew from 427 Squadron, flying Halifax III MZ-291 coded ZL-O, had a tire blow on takeoff. The Halifax veered off the runway and hit an abandoned house. 

      F/Sgt T. Holden RAF
      F/O A. Cairns RCAF
      F/O V. Gerald RCAF
      F/Sgt N. Salmon RCAF 
      F/O H. McInnes RCAF
      F/O D. Hair RCAF
    The crew vacated  without injury and the Halifax caught fire and exploded.

    F/Lt. K. Ellson from 428 squadron was hit by flak, holes in the bomb doors.
    F/O E. Page, RCAF and crew failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt. G. Owen, RAF
      F/O S. Hewson, RCAF
      F/O A. Dixon, RCAF
      F/O R. Ebber, RCAF
      F/O K. McDivitt, RCAF
      F/O A. Le Blanc, RCAF
    All were killed.

    F/Lt E. Jarvis from 429 Squadron was hit by flak, holes in the fuselage.
    F/O A. Cook landed at Manston due to a fuel shortage.
    F/O K. Powell and crew, flying Halifax III MZ-918 coded AL-F, were attacked by an unidentified single engine enemy aircraft, there was no claim or damage.
    F/Lt D. Walkey and crew, flying Halifax III NR-196 coded AL-A, were attacked  by an unidentified single and twin engine aircraft enemy aircraft. There was no claim or damage.

    P/O C. Heaven and crew from 431 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-803 coded SE-N, were attacked by a nME-109. It was claimed damaged.

    P/O R. Proud from 432 squadron landed at North Creake on return.

    F/Lt. J. Vallance from 433 squadron landed at Woodbridge due to a fuel shortage. F/Lt. R. Andres landed at Rivenhall due to a fuel shortage.