58 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, and 434 squadrons were joined by 5 Lancasters from 426 squadron on an attack at Mannheim. The crews were over the target at between 15,000 and 22,000 feet, releasing 130,000 lbs of high explosives and 223,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, bombing was concentrated and severe damage was caused.
F/Sgt R. Griffiths RCAF and crew from 419 squadron, flying Halifax II JB-971 coded VR-X, failed to return from this operation.
Sgt R. Dempster RCAF F/Sgt J. Dayton RCAF Sgt C. Rolph RAF Sgt A. Willig RAF Sgt J. Rainville RCAF Sgt J. Kelly RAF and crew, flying Halifax II JD-457 coded VR-F, failed to return from this operation.
Sgt J. Morris RAF Sgt W. Maher RAF Sgt R. McNally RAF Sgt S. Mills RAF Sgt H. Brown RAF
F/Lt L. McCaig RCAF and crew from 426 squadron, flying Lancaster II DS-714 coded OW-L, was attacked twice by JU-88's. One the second pass the JU-88 was shot down, but their Lancaster was severely damaged and both gunners, Sgt G. Ketcher RAF and F/Sgt E. Hawkes RAF had been injured. The port rudder was shot off, turrets damaged, hydraulics u/s, holes in the port wing and fuel tanks. The port elevator was also damaged and many instruments were u/s.
F/Sgt R. Orr RAF F/Sgt T. Preece RAF Sgt R. Polson RAF Sgt G. Ketcher RAF F/Sgt E. Hawkes RAF
F/Sgt W. Armour from 428 squadron returned early as the stbd outer was
u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
F/Sgt N. Reed RCAF W/O2 F. Sharpe RCAF Sgt R. Alexander RAF–POW P/O V. Stewart RCAF F/O R. Zdan RCAF F/O W. Hadden RCAF and crew, flying Halifax V EB-207 coded NA-B, failed to return from this operation.
F/Sgt A. Morris RAF F/Sgt S. Whitby RAF Sgt P. Flower RAF F/Sgt C. Renwick RCAF Sgt A. Yuill RAF
F/Sgt G. Hall from 429 squadron returned early with a technical problem. They landed safely at Dunsfold.
Sgt E. Devaney from 434 squadron returned early as the rear turret was
u/s.
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