May 27/28, 1943


    23 Halifaxes from 408 and 419 Squadrons were joined by 33 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, 431, and 432 Squadrons on an attack at Essen. The crews were over the target at between 14,000 and 19,000 feet, releasing 97,000 lbs of high explosives and 134,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and bombing was scattered.

    F/Sgt K. Greig RAAF–POW and crew from 408 Squadron, flying Halifax II   DT-674 coded EQ-A, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt J. Blewett RCAF–POW
      W/O2 W. Neuman RCAF–POW
      F/O C. Vogel RCAF–POW
      Sgt W. Ivor RCAF–POW
      F/Sgt J. Veys RCAF
      W/O2 J. Comeau RCAF
    5 crew were POWs and 2 killed after being attacked by a Nightfighter.

    F/O C. MacIntosh and crew from 419 Squadron flying Halifax II JD-158 coded VR-D were attacked three times by an ME-110, there was no claim or damage. They were also hit by flak. The stbd and port inner were u/s. There were many holes throughout the wings and fuselage. They landed safely at Coltishall on 2 engines.

    Sgt F. Stuart from 426 Squadron was hit by flak, there were holes in the port propeller, wing, fuselage, and tail.

    Sgt W. Lachman RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X  MS-481 coded NA-Q, from 428 Squadron had the stbd engine go u/s over the target. On return they were hit by flak damaging the aircraft. The port engine was also acting up. The crew ditched in the North Sea near Grimsby and sank within 2 minutes. 

      Sgt J. Jette RCAF
      Sgt R. Askew RAF
      Sgt E. Marchand RCAF
      F/Sgt A. O'Rourke RCAF
    The crew was safe in a dinghy except for F/Sgt A.O’Rourke RCAF, the rear gunner, who disappeared with the turret.

    W/O2 D. Thompson RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X   HZ-485 coded NA-G, failed to return from this operation.

      F/O A. Beaton RCAF
      F/Sgt G. Hart RCAF
      Sgt K. Chilvers RAF
      F/Sgt G. O’Hara RCAF
    All were lost without a trace.

    Sgt J. Pendleton from 429 Squadron returned early as the instruments were u/s.
    F/Sgt G. Kennedy returned early as they were late taking off.

    Sgt W. Eaglesham from 431 Squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
    F/Sgt L. Haynes was attacked by an enemy aircraft, there was no claim or damage.
    F/O H. Wilkinson was hit by flak, not serious.

    Sgt A. Steen from 432 Squadron returned early as the pilot’s escape hatch blew off.
    Sgt B. Sorge and crew flying Wellington X HE-906 coded QO-H were attacked by a ME-109, there was no claim or damage.
    Sgt N. Goldie and Sgt W. Meaden were hit by flak, not serious.
    P/O J. Rivard was hit by flak, port engine u/s. On landing the stbd engine caught fire.
    P/O R. Taylor RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X   HE-294 coded QO-P, failed to return from this operation.

      P/O R. Allan RCAF
      F/O J. Farnham RCAF
      P/O R. Murray RCAF
      W/O2 A. Bailey RCAF
    All were lost without a trace.