86 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 427, 429, and 432 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Mainz. The crews were over the target at between 18,000 to 20,000 feet, releasing 162,000 lbs of high explosives and 399,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports the target was cloud covered and bombing was scattered.
F/O G. Gross from 408 squadron landed at Stradishall on return due to a fuel shortage.
F/O G. Hyland from 415 Squadron had the stbd outer go u/s outbound.
They bombed the target and safely returned to base on 3 engines.
F/O G. Chabot from 425 Squadron returned early as the hydraulics were
u/s.
F/Lt. R. Garvin from 427 Squadron returned early as the stbd inner was
u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
P/O D. Williams from 429 Squadron landed at Lavenham on return due to a fuel shortage.
F/O C. Hemming and crew from 432 Squadron, flying Halifax VII NP-691
coded QO-V, were attacked by a JU-88, there was no claim or damages.
As the Halifaxes were going to Mainz, 59 Lancasters from 419, 424, 428,
431, 433, and 434 Squadrons were ordered on an attack at Ludwigshafen.
The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing
159,000 lbs of high explosives and 341,000 lbs of incendiaries.
F/Lt A. Halkett and crew from 419 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-854 coded VR-T, were attacked twice by an ME-410. Strikes were seen and it was shot down on the 2nd pass.
F/O D. Sanders from 424 Squadron returned early as the stbd inner caught
fire. This was put out and they landed safely at Middleton St.George on
3 engines.
F/Lt. K. Ellson from 428 Squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
P/O G. Walton from 433 Squadron landed at Woodbridge on return.
F/O D. McMillan RCAF F/O A. Belles RCAF P/O T. McShane RCAF P/O R. Pierson RCAF P/O R. Thompson RCAF
F/O L. Coulter and crew from 434 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-842
coded WL-L, were attacked by an unidentified enemy aircraft, there was
no claim or damage.
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