February 4/5, 1943





    15 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Turin. The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 39,000 lbs of high explosives and 23,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, there was severe damage to the target.

    Sgt D. Childers from 408 Squadron returned early as they were fired upon by friendly anti-aircraft guns at Portsmouth.
    F/Sgt M. Marment landed at Beaulieu on return.
    W/Cdr W. Ferris and F/Sgt A. Ross landed at Ibsley on return.
    Sgt K. Greig landed at Hurn on return.
    F/Sgt J. Harty and crew flying Halifax II HR-655 coded EQ-S were attacked by a JU-88 over the target. There was no claim or damage. They landed at Ibsley on return.
    P/O T. Cornwall was attacked by an enemy aircraft, there was no claim or damage. They landed at Ibsley on return.

    Sgt L. Bakewell from 419 Squadron returned early as they had glycol leaks on 2 engines. They landed safely on 2 engines at Middle Wallop.
    F/O J. Snider returned early as the hydraulics were u/s.
    Sgt T. Jackson landed at Hurn on return.
     

    While 408 and 419 Squadrons went to Turin, 57 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, and 428 Squadrons were ordered to attack Lorient. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 83,000 lbs of high explosives and 93,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing was concentrated and serious damage was done.

    Sgt T. Lawson from 420 Squadron returned early as the stbd engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on 1 engine.

    Sgt J. Rivard and crew from 425 Squadron flying Wellington III BJ-652 coded KW-E were attacked by a JU-88, there was no claim or damage.

    S/Ldr L. Crooks from 426 Squadron landed at Edgehill on return due to a fuel shortage.

    P/O C. Parsons RAF and crew from 427 Squadron, flying Wellington III  BJ-668 coded ZL-X, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt P. Sandover, RAF
      P/O A. Thompson, RAF–POW
      Sgt A. Templeton, RAF
      Sgt H. Davies, RAF
    4 crew were killed and 1 POW.


    Sgt L. Williamson from 428 Squadron returned early as the electrical system was u/s. They landed at Dalton.