January 6/7, 1945

    132 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 432, and 433 squadrons were joined by 57 Lancasters from 419, 428, 431, and 434 squadrons on an attack at Hanau. The crews were over the target at between 18,000 to 20,000 feet, releasing 522,000 lbs of high explosives and 954,000 lbs of incendiaries. This attack was aimed at the important rail junction. This area was seriously damaged as well as a large portion on the built up area.

    F/O J. McGuire from 415 Squadron had the stbd inner go u/s on return. They landed safely at Downham Market on return.
    P/O W. Lane and crew, flying Halifax III NA-611 coded 6U-T, were attacked by an ME-109, there was no claim or damage.
    F/O L. Belcher, RCAF  and crew flying Halifax III MZ-456, coded 6U-P failed to return from this operation. 

      Sgt. L. Mawson, RAF
      F/O H. Breir, RCAF
      F/O M. Strosberg, RCAF
      F/O H. Irvine, RCAF
      F/O S. Elgie, RCAF
      P/O N. Butler, RCAF
    This crew was involved in a mid-air collision over Germany with a 10 squadron Halifax, all were killed.

    F/O R. LaFreniere from 425 squadron returned early due to a hydraulics failure. They could not raise the flaps or under carriage.

    F/O J. Bell and crew from 427 Squadron, flying Halifax III LW-130 coded ZL-U, were fired on by a Halifax, there were holes in the wing and nose, the bomb aimer was also injured.

    F/Lt. B. Adilman, RCAF  and the following crew from 431 squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-821, coded SE-P, failed to return from this operation.

      F/Lt. L. James, RCAF
      F/O G. Pool, RCAF
      F/O F. Nickerson, RCAF
      F/O T. McQuitty, RCAF
      F/O A. Staves, RCAF
      F/O W. Gillissie, RCAF
    All were killed.

    F/Lt. R. Paterson from 433 squadron had the pilot’s escape hatch blow off. They landed at Tangmere on return due to a fuel shortage.