49 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, and 434 squadrons were joined by 6 Lancasters from 426 squadron on an attack at Mannheim. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 21,000 feet, releasing 110,000 lbs of high explosives and 113,000 lbs incendiaries. According to reports, the target was clear of cloud and severe damage was caused.
F/O D. Laidlaw from 419 squadron returned early with an electrical failure.
F/O G. Shannon, RCAF F/O H. Danniger, RCAF F/Sgt. R.Hayes, RCAF Sgt. R. James, RCAF F/Sgt. G. Usher, RCAF P/O F. Allan, RAAF and crew, flying Halifax II JD-410 coded VR-V, failed to return from this operation.
F/O J. Harris, RCAF–POW F/O R. Burke, RCAF Sgt. A. Slaney, RAF Sgt. J. Kilpatrick, RAF Sgt. H. Hudson, RAF
Sgt. W. Caldwell from 427 squadron returned early as their Halifax wouldn’t
climb.
Sgt. F. Walters, RAF Sgt. G. Tew, RAF Sgt. R. Johnson, RAF Sgt. L. Stemmler, RCAF Sgt. T. Fox, RAF
W/O A. Harrison from 428 squadron returned early as the wireless operator,
Sgt P. Bentley RAF, was sick. His ear drum burst.
2nd/Lt. J. Clary from 434 squadron returned early as the stbd outer
was u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
While the above crews were going to Mannheim, 9 Wellingtons from 432 squadron were ordered on a mining operation to Brest and Lorient. The crews were over the garden at between 2,000 and 5,000 feet, sowing 18@1500 lb mines.
Sgt. P. Dennis returned without mining as they could not find the pinpoint.
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