8 crews from 424 Squadron were ordered on a mining operation to Le Havre, Cherbourg, St. Malo and Morlaix. They were over the gardens at 15,000 feet, sowing 16@1,500 lb mines.

The crews departed base at between 22:39 and 22:48, they were over the gardens at between 00:50 and 01:40, returning to base at between 02:18 and 03:42.

F/O M. Sherwood had both inner engines fail after takeoff due to severe icing, they were able to get them running again and continued to the garden.
Crews mention severe icing to and from gardens.