September 22/23, 1943


    69 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, and 429 Squadrons plus 6 Lancasters from 426 Squadron were joined by 14 Wellingtons from 432 Squadron on an attack at Hannover. The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 22,000 feet, releasing 275,000 lbs of incendiaries and 182,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports, the visibility was good but bombing missed the target.

    Sgt J. Kelly from 419 Squadron returned early as the oxygen system was u/s.

    Sgt D. Berry from 426 Squadron returned early as the port inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    F/Sgt N. Cook from 427 Squadron returned early as the port inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/Sgt D. Olsvik returned early as the stbd inner was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/Sgt R. Deegan returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    Sgt G. Wolton returned early as the port inner caught fire. The fire was put out and they landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    F/Sgt W. Kruse from 428 Squadron returned early as the port outer was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
    F/O L. McRae RCAF and crew, flying Halifax V LK-635 coded NA-H, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt D. Jeffery RAF
      Sgt L. Cotton RAF
      F/Sgt W. Dickson RCAF
      Sgt A. Bohn RAF
      Sgt J. Wright RAF
      Sgt E. Miller RCAF
    All were lost without a trace.

    F/O K. Jones RAF and crew, flying Halifax V LK-914 coded NA-K, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt G. Fox RAF
      F/O W. Ingraham RCAF
      Sgt L. Pelmear RAF
      Sgt C. Palmer RAF
      Sgt V. Moore RAF
      Sgt E. Bartram RAF–POW
    6 crew were killed and 1 POW.

    F/Lt G. Pentony from 429 Squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.

    F/O A. Mercer from 432 Squadron returned early as the compasses were u/s.
    W/O2 R. Barlow RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X LN-554 coded QO-P, were hit by flak over the target. The fuel tanks were holed. About 60 miles east of Flamborough Head they ran out of fuel and ditched the Wellington in the North Sea. 

      Sgt A. Buchan RCAF
      Sgt W. Mayo RCAF
      F/Sgt F. Reeson RAF
      Sgt A. Haggins RAF
    The pilot and wireless operator were missing and the rest of the crew was able to get into the dinghy. They were picked up the next day after a sea search. 

    Sgt L. Tierney RAF–POW and crew, flying Wellington LN-547 coded QO-G, failed to return from this operation.

      P/O J. Sewell RAF–POW
      P/O L. Whetton RAF–POW
      Sgt J. Mutch RAF–POW
      F/Sgt B. Williams RNZAF–POW
    All were POWs.

    P/O H. Green RAF and crew from 434 Squadron, flying Halifax V LK-909 coded WL-G, failed to return from this operation.

      F/Sgt R. Reynolds RCAF
      Sgt S. Hearn RAF
      Sgt J. Cross RAF
      F/Sgt A. Cudd RAF
      Sgt E. Coward RAF
      W/O1 A. Heaney RCAF
      F/Sgt D. Burge RAF
    All were killed. 
     
     


    ~Headquarters~  ~Squadrons~  ~Order of  Battle~  ~Airfields~  ~Aircraft~ ~Photos~ ~DailyOps~ ~Noseart~  ~StrikePhotos~   ~Mining Codes~  ~Home~  ~Orders&Awards~ ~Betty'sBar~ ~Links~ ~What'sNew~ ~SignGuestbook~  ~ViewGuestbook~ ~E-mailMe~