February 20/21, 1944



    25 Lancasters from 408 and 426 squadrons were joined by 40 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 427, and 433 squadrons on an attack at Stuttgart. The crews were over the target at between 19,000 to 24,000 feet, releasing 100,000 lbs of high explosives and 201,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and the attack was scattered. There was some severe damage to a Bosch factory that made important parts for the German war effort.

    F/O E. Franklin from 408 squadron was hit by flak, there were holes in the stbd wing.

    F/Sgt. R. McKay from 420 squadron returned early as the oxygen system was u/s.

    F/Sgt. H. Kirkby from 424squadron returned early as the oxygen system was u/s.
    F/Sgt. J. Dagleish returned early as the compasses were u/s.
    F/O R. Bannihr landed at Euston due to a fuel shortage.

    W/O2 N. Jones from 425 squadron returned early as the stbd outer was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/Sgt. G. Hall landed at Harwell on return.
    F/Sgt. A. Waite, RCAF and crew flying Halifax III LW-390, coded KW-J, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt. W. Johnstone, RAF–Evd
      F/Sgt. W. McDougall, RCAF–POW
      F/Sgt. E. Powell, RCAF–Evd
      W/O2 N.Redman, RCAF–POW
      Sgt. G. Gibson, RCAF–POW
      Sgt. H. Gammon, RCAF–Evd
    The pilot was killed, 3 were POWs and 3 evaded capture.

    F/Sgt. C. Fisher from 427 squadron returned early as the generators were u/s.
    F/Sgt. W. Patrick returned early as the stbd inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/Sgt. A. King landed at Harwell on return.
    P/O A. McAuley was hit by incendiaries over the target, the damage wasn’t serious.
    F/O R. Laut, RCAF flying Halifax III LV-836, coded ZL-W, crashed about 5 minutes after takeoff.

      Sgt. E. Rowe, RAF
      F/O W. Hegy, RCAF
      P/O R. Moody, RCAF
      Sgt. G. Jones, RAF
      Sgt. A. Fitton, RAF
      Sgt. F. Harris, RAF
    All were killed.

    P/O D. Brown from 433 squadron returned early as the oxygen system was u/s.
    F/Sgt. J. Smith landed at Syerston due to a fuel shortage.
    F/Sgt. J. Mitchell landed at Stanton Harcourt due to a fuel shortage.
    F/Sgt. G. Fielding landed at Hemswell due to a fuel shortage.
    W/O2 J. James and crew, flying Halifax III HX-282 coded BM-K, was in combat with an unidentified single engine fighter. There was no claim or damage.

    While some of the crews were going to Stuttgart, 8 Halifaxes from 429 squadron made a tactical diversion over the North Sea in hopes of drawing the Nightfighters away from the true target. It seemed to have worked because few crews engaged enemy aircraft. 

    All the 429 crews returned safely to base.