March 20/21, 1945

    110 Lancasters from 419, 424, 427, 428, 431, 433, and 434 Squadrons were ordered to attack the oil refinery at Hemmingstedt. The crews were over the target at between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, releasing 1,169,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, this target was accurately bombed with severe damage.

    F/O R. Millar RCAF and crew from 419 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-786 coded VR-P, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt S. Booth RAF
      F/Lt H. Rubin RCAF
      F/O A. Palanek RCAF
      F/Sgt C. Elliott RCAF
      F/O L. Croucher RCAF
      F/Sgt J. Aitken RCAF–POW
    6 crew were killed and 1 POW after being shot down by a Nightfighter.

    P/O J. Keates and crew from 431 Squadron, flying Lancaster X KB-827 coded SE-M, were attacked by a JU-88, there was no claim or damage.
    F/Sgt F. Saunders was hit by a 500 lb bomb over the target behind the port outer engine. There was a 3 foot by 2 foot hole in the wing breaking part of the main spar and engine mounts requiring the engine to be feathered. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    F/O J. Dawson from 434 Squadron was attacked by a enemy aircraft, there was no claim or damage.