February 26/27, 1943

    26 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 64 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, and 428 Squadrons on an attack at Cologne. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 186,000 lbs of high explosives and 167,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the south-west sector was damaged in this raid.

    Sgt E. Troy from 408 Squadron returned early as the compasses were u/s.
    F/Sgt J. Harty bombed Eindhoven as the bomb doors would not open over Cologne.
    S/Ldr E. Gilmore was hit by flak, there were many holes in the fuselageand the wings, and the astro-dome was blown off. 3 engines quit for some time. They landed safely at Manston.

    P/O W. Sherk from 419 Squadron had the port outer go u/s outbound. They bombed from 9,000 feet and returned safely to base on 3 engines.

    Sgt J. Clary from 420 Squadron returned early as the stbd engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    Sgt J. Kennedy landed at Cottesmore on return.
    Sgt P. Cozens landed at Downham Market on return.
    W/O2 H. Hansen RCAF and crew, flying Wellington III BK-468 coded PT-R, failed to return from this operation.

      F/Sgt R. Jupe, RCAF
      F/Sgt B. Chamney, RCAF
      W/O2 P. Mitchell, RCAF
      F/Sgt L. Kellaway, RCAF
    All were killed.

    Sgt P. Heden from 424 Squadron was hit by flak, there were holes in the fuselage and tail plane.

    Sgt R. Lacerte from 425 Squadron had the port engine go u/s. They crash landed at Harwick without injuries.

    F/Sgt H. Rands RCAF and crew from 426 Squadron, flying Wellington III Z-1599 coded OW-M, failed to return from this operation.

      F/O J. Monckton, RCAF
      F/Sgt H. Vey, RCAF–POW
      Sgt W. Cameron, RCAF
      Sgt R. Williams, RAF
      Sgt R. Dean, RAF
    5 were killed and 1 POW when shot down by a Nightfighter.

    Sgt G. Taylor RAF and crew from 427 Squadron, flying Wellington III BK-268 coded ZL-C, crashed on return at Woolfax Lodge.

      F/Sgt K. Campbell, RCAF
      Sgt J. Partos, RAF
      Sgt A. Marlow, RAF
      Sgt K. Smith, RCAF
      F/Sgt R. Lewis, RAF
    5 were killed and 1 survived the crash.

    Sgt W. Harwood RAF and crew, flying Wellington III BJ-886 coded ZL-F, failed to return from this operation.

      P/O O. Skelton, RCAF
      Sgt H. Steel, RAF
      F/Sgt T. Smith, RCAF
      Sgt V. Caplin, RAF
      F/Sgt C. Leach, RCAF
    All were killed when they were shot down by a Nightfighter.

    Sgt R. Parkinson from 428 Squadron returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    F/O R. Tighe landed at Swinderby on return.
    Sgt J. Ferguson and crew flying Wellington X HE-177 coded NA-G were attacked by a DO-217, some strikes were seen, but there was no claim or damage. They landed at Marham on return.
    Sgt C. Pearce was hit by flak. The port wing was damaged. They landed safely at Manston.

    S/Ldr F. Holmes from 429 Squadron returned early as they had an electrical failure.
    Sgt H. Carty returned early as they were late taking off.
    F/Lt A. Chipling returned early was one engine was u/s. They landed safely on one engine.
    F/Sgt T. Heyes landed at Woodhall Spa due to a fuel shortage.