February 7/8, 1943




    18 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 49 Wellingtons from 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, and 428 Squadrons on an attack at Lorient. The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 102,000 lbs of high explosives and 162,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, there was serious damage to the town and harbour.

    W/O2 D. Smith, RCAF and crew from 408 Squadron, flying Halifax II  HR-655 coded EQ-S, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt D. Brackenridge, RCAF
      F/Sgt J. Sayers, RCAF
      Sgt R. Salt, RAF
      F/Sgt W. Cowan, RAF
      F/Sgt W. Lough, RCAF
      F/Sgt J. Giguere, RCAF
    All were killed.

    S/Ldr D. Kenney from 419 Squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    F/Sgt A. Bell returned early as the port outer was u/s. They landed safely at Moreton-in-the-Marsh on three engines.
    F/O C. Porter and crew, flying Halifax II DT-616 coded VR-K, was involved in a combat with an FW-190. No damage appeared to be sustained by the FW-190 or the Halifax. 

    F/Sgt W. Horborenko from 420 Squadron returned early as the navigator was sick.
    F/Sgt P. Townsend was hit by flak, there were holes in the port wing and fuselage.
    F/Lt L. Anderson and crew, flying Wellington III BK-235 coded PT-T, was involved in combat with an unidentified enemy aircraft. There were no claims or damage.

    Sgt D. Parker from 424 Squadron was hit by flak, there were holes in the fuselage and stbd tail plane. They landed safely at Moreton Vallance on return.
    S/Ldr W. Comar and crew, flying Wellington III BK-398 coded QB-W, was in combat with an unidentified enemy aircraft. No damage to the enemy aircraft was claimed and it did not open fire.

    F/Sgt A. Jackson from 425 Squadron returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    Sgt J. Brousseau returned early as the intercom was u/s.

    P/O J. McNeill from 426 Squadron returned early as the radios were u/s.

    Sgt L. Williamson from 428 Squadron returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at Dalton on one engine.
    Sgt J. Cartier was approached by a single engine enemy aircraft at 21:48. Sgt R Malins, the rear gunner gave the corkscrew maneuver and the fighter was lost.