March 1/2, 1943




    21 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were ordered to attack Berlin. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 36,000 lbs of high explosives and 58,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, much damage was caused in the south-west sector, the rail sheds and industrial area were hard hit.

    S/Ldr E. Gilmore from 408 Squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    P/O T. Kaye returned early as the intercom was u/s.
    W/O2 A. Cochrane, RCAF and crew, flying Halifax II DT-797 coded EQ-H,  failed to return from this operation.
              Sgt F. MacDonald, RAF

      W/O2 H. McCreery, RCAF
      W/O2 J. Higgins, RCAF
      F/Sgt. R. Weiss, RCAF
      Sgt. J. Ashmore, RCAF–POW
      W/O2 I. Grice, RCAF
    6 were killed and 1 POW when they were shot down by a Nightfighter.

    Sgt R. Harrison from 419 Squadron returned early when their Halifax wouldn’t climb and they were burning too much fuel. 
    S/Ldr D. McKenney returned early, the bomb doors opened and they were burning too much fuel.
    S/Ldr D. Clark was hit by flak, the rear turret was damaged.
    Sgt T. Jackson and P/O W. Sherk were hit by flak, not serious.
    P/O A. Herriott, RAF and crew, flying Halifax II DT-641 coded VR-R, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt A. Cherkinsky, RCAF
      F/Sgt W. Francis, RCAF
      Sgt W. Bateman, RCAF
      Sgt J. Gray, RAF
      Sgt J. Kowalski, RCAF
      F/Sgt A. Woodhouse, RCAF
    All were killed over the North Sea.

    While some crews were over Berlin, 16 Wellingtons from 424 Squadron were ordered on a mining operation to the Frisian Islands. The crews were over the garden at between 700 and 900 feet, sowing 30@1500 lb mines.

    F/Sgt G. Leddy returned early as they could not find the pinpoint.
    Sgt W. Grigg was hit by flak, not serious.