Daily Operations

February 24/25, 1943

26 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 66 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, and 428 Squadrons on an attack at Wilhelmshaven. The crews were over the target at between 11,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 172,000 lbs of high explosives and 165,000 lbs incendiaries. According to reports, little damage was caused. This was the last attack until October 1944 on this city.

F/Sgt A. Bell and crew from 419 Squadron flying Halifax II BB_283 coded VR-O were attacked by an ME-109. There were 2 cannon holes in the fuselage.

F/Sgt L. Forbes, P/O G. Bain, Sgt A. Grout, and Sgt L. Wilson from 424 Squadron landed at Leeming on return.
P/O L. Brown had one engine u/s on return. They landed safely at Woodhall on one engine.
Sgt B. Dugas had one engine go u/s on return. They crash landed at Coltishall on return with no injuries to the crew.
F/Sgt J. Banks RAF crashed on the perimeter track on return. The Wellington X HE-369 coded QB-P, burst into flames killing 3 crew members.

Sgt J. Michaud from 425 Squadron returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
Sgt D. Turenne returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
All other crews landed at Thornaby or Topcliffe.

F/O J. Millward from 426 Squadron returned early as they were late taking off.
Sgt L. Thompson and crew flying Wellington III BK-440 coded OW-V were hit by flak and attacked 5 times by a JU-88, there was a large hole in the fuselage. There was no claim.
Sgt G. Baker landed at Scorton on return.

Sgt L. Straight from 428 Squadron returned early, they were late taking off. They landed at Dalton on return.
Sgt K. Knapp was hit by flak, the port wing was damaged.
F/O D. Morgan and crew flying Wellington III Z-1719 coded NA-P were attacked by a JU-88, there was no claim or damage.
Sgt R. Buckham, Sgt K. Fry, W/O A. Harrison, Sgt W. Weeks, Sgt V. Sylvester, and Sgt W. Pepper landed at Croft on return.