January 2/3, 1945



    156 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 432, and 433 squadrons were ordered to attack the I. G. Farben factory at  Ludwigshafen. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 938,000 lbs of high explosives and 223,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports there was severe damage to the factory and many other industrial firms in the area plus the rail repair sheds were destroyed.

    P/O R. Stewart from 408 squadron was hit by flak, not serious.

    F/O J. McGuire from 415 squadron was hit by flak, holes in port stabilizer.
    F/O W. Goodwin and crew, flying Halifax III NA-181 coded 6U-D, were attacked by an ME-109. There was no claim or damage.

    F/O O. Austenson from 420 squadron landed at Ludford Magna due to a fuel shortage.

    P/O G. Chabot from 425 squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
    F/O E. Baillie landed at Woodbridge.

    F/O J. Bell and crew from 427 Squadron, flying Halifax III LW-133 coded ZL-S, were attacked twice by an ME-410. There was no claim or damage but some strikes were seen.

    F/O L. Moffatt from 429 squadron was hit by flak, not serious.

    F/O A. Clarke from 432 squadron had the port outer go u/s outbound. They bombed and returned safely to base on 3 engines.

    F/Sgt H. Batty and crew from 433 Squadron, flying Halifax III MZ-845 coded BM-D, were attacked by an FW-190. There was no claim or damage.

    While some of the group was attacking Ludwigshafen, 49 Lancasters from 419, 428, 431, and 434 squadrons were ordered to attack Nurnberg. The crews were over the target between 16,000 and 18,000 feet, releasing 357,000 lbs of high explosives and 100,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports the southern area containing the industrial area was severely damaged with damage to the city centre and northeastern sections also.

    F/Lt. J. Craton from 428 squadron returned early as both turrets were u/s.

    P/O W. Weitendorf from 431 squadron had the port outer go u/s on return. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.