84 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 429, and 432 squadrons were joined by 102 Lancasters from 419, 424, 427, 428, 431, 433, and 434 squadrons on an attack at Essen. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 1,888,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports this attack was accurate, through cloud cover and severe damage was caused. This was the last attack on this industrial city.

F/Lt W. Austin from 408 squadron had the stbd outer u/s. They bombed from 14,000 feet and returned safely to base on 3 engines.
W/Cdr F. Sharp had the stbd inner go u/s outbound. They bombed from 15,500 feet and returned safely on 3 engines.

F/O G. Smith from 419 squadron had the stbd inner go u/s on return. They landed safely at Woodbridge.

F/Lt R. Close from 420 squadron had the stbd outer u/s on return. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

F/O K. MacDonald from 424 squadron had to dodge falling bombs over the target.

F/Lt W. Walker from 427 squadron was just about hit by 2, 4000 lb cookies over the target.

W/Cdr R. Davenport, RCAF and crew from 431 squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-853, coded SE-A, failed to return from this operation.

P/O A. Pettifor, RCAF
F/O D. Hector, RCAF
F/O W. Rink, RCAF
P/O C. Fraser, RCAF
P/O H. Bishop, RCAF
P/O C. Lecky, RCAF

F/O J. Stewart from 434 squadron had one engine u/s outbound. They bombed and returned safely to base on 3 engines.
F/Lt R. Fern, RCAF and crew flying Lancaster X KB-834, coded WL-Y, failed to return from this operation.

P/O W. Jones, RAF
F/Lt A. Rowe, RCAF
F/O T. Copeland, RCAF
F/O J. Latremouille, RCAF
F/O G. Scott, RCAF
F/O J. Marceau, RCAF–POW