October 4, 1944


    89 Halifaxes from 420, 424, 425, 431, 433, and 434 squadrons were joined by 39 Lancasters from 419 and 428 squadrons, on an attack on the U-boat pens and dock area of Bergen. The crews were over the target at between 12,000 and 14,000 feet, releasing 1,315,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, the harbour and dock area were well hit with some loads creeping into the built up area.

    F/Lt. W. Cameron of 419 squadron returned with his bombs as the load hung up over the target.
    F/O G. Duncan, RCAF, and crew flying Lancaster X KB-745 coded VR-V, crashed on return near Barwick in Scotland.

      P/O J. Hall, RAF
      F/O W. Layng, RCAF
      F/O A. Gaddess, RCAF
      P/O W. Karstens, RCAF
      P/O D. Trott, RCAF
      P/O T. Tierney, RCAF
    All were killed
       


    F/O R. Field from 420 squadron was hit by flak, not serious. They landed safely at Lossiemouth.
    F/O J. A. Sefton was hit by flak, not serious. They landed safely at Leuchars.
    F/O C. McKenzie landed at Milltown due to a fuel shortage.
    F/O E. McKeown landed at Lossiemouth due to a fuel shortage.

    F/O W. Whetham from 424 squadron returned early due to a technical malfunction.
    F/O J. Keys landed at Acklington due to poor weather.

    P/O A. Martel from 425 squadron returned early, port outer was u/s. Landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/O J. Desmarais was hit by flak, port wing, bomb doors and windscreen damaged.
    F/O P. Legault was hit by flak, not serious. Landed at Milltown.
    F/Lt. J. Galipeau was leaving the target when one engine failed. A short time later another failed, the crew then turned towards Norway, as it was a long flight over water on 2 engines. They were able to restart 1 engine and then turned again for home. With the aid of an air rescue warwick, they were guided to a safe landing at Skitten on 3 engines.

    F/O H. Williamson from 431 squadron landed at Carnaby due to low brake pressure.

    F/O M. Harvie from 434 squadron returned with his bombs as they hung up over the target.
    F/O K. Magrath landed at Carnaby on return.