March 27/28, 1943
31 Halifaxes from 405, 408, and 419 Squadrons were ordered on an operation
to Berlin. The crews were over the target at between 14,000 and 19,000
feet, releasing 54,000 lbs of high explosives and 81,000 lbs of incendiaries.
According to reports the attack was scattered.
P/O R. Symes from 405 Squadron returned early as the electrical system
was u/s.
P/O W. Colledge returned early as the guns were u/s due to icing.
F/Sgt R. Blackhall from 408 Squadron returned early due to severe icing.
F/Sgt F. Wood and crew flying Halifax II HR-713 coded EQ-F were attacked
twice by unidentified single engine aircraft, there were no claims or damage.
They were also hit by flak, not serious.
P/O J. Sergent and crew flying Halifax II DT-679 coded EQ-Q were attacked
by an ME-109, there was no claim or damage.
P/O I. MacKenzie and Sgt J. Patry had the port outer go u/s over the
target. They returned safely to base on 3 engines.
Sgt E. Troy and crew flying Halifax II HR-664 coded EQ-K were attacked
by an ME-109, there was no claim or damage. They were also hit by flak,
they crash landed at base without injuries to the crew.
Sgt R. Batchelor RAF and crew, flying Halifax II BB-332 coded
EQ-H, failed to return from this operation.
Sgt H. Grayson RCAF
Sgt H. Wein RAF
P/O R. Fisher RAF
Sgt R. Hall RCAF
Sgt F. Grant RCAF
Sgt A. Sieben RCAF
They were hit by flak, and with fuel running from the tanks they made for
Sweden and bailed out safely. They were interned for some time, but returned
to the UK in April 1943.
F/Lt J. Snider from 419 Squadron returned early as the port outer was
u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
P/O C. Porter RCAF
and crew, flying Halifax II DT-634 coded VR-E, failed to return from
this operation.
Sgt M. Bishop RCAF–POW
Sgt A. Budinger RAF–POW
F/O G. Sweanor RCAF–POW
Sgt J. Lanteigne RCAF–POW
Sgt D. London RAF–POW
F/Sgt A. Taylor RCAF–POW
They were hit by flak outbound and attacked by a Nightfighter on return.
All the crew was able to bail out, except P/O Porter who stayed at the
controls so that the others could leave the Halifax.