While some of the group was attacking Dortmund, 122 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 420, 425, 426, 431, 432, and 434 Squadrons attacked the synthetic oil plant at Wanne Eickel. The attack was carried out from 16,000 to 19,000 feet with the crew releasing 960,000 lbs of ordinance. No observations were made due to a smoke screen over the target. A great number of aircraft were damaged by flak.
F/O D. Snider, F/O J. Faulder, P/O E. Patzer, F/O R. Johnson, F/O W.
Shields, F/Lt F. Smart, P/O G. Harpwood, F/O V. Gilson, and F/O D. Brown
of 408 Squadron were all hit by flak. None were seriously damaged and all
returned safely to base.
P/O C. Chartier of 415 Squadron was hit by flak. The stbd wing, bomb
doors, port outer nacelle, and nose were damaged.
F/O A. Caine of 420 Squadron was hit by flak, 2 miles short of the aiming point. Sgt W. Cruikshank RCAF, the rear gunner was injured. They crew did not bomb due to evasive action, and returned safely to base without further injuries.
P/O J. Marcotte of 425 Squadron was hit by flak. F/Sgt J. Dulude RCAF,
the wireless operator, and F/Sgt A. Tremblay RCAF, rear gunner, were injured.
They landed safely at Woodbridge on return.
P/O W. Taylor, F/O P. Labelle, and F/O J. Lowe of 426 Squadron were
hit by flak. there was no serious damage and all returned safely to base.
F/O R. Walter RCAF–POW F/O W. Sloan RCAF–POW F/Sgt P. Tynan RAF–POW F/Sgt K. Dugdale RCAF–POW F/Sgt J. De Luca RCAF–POW
P/O S. Sorenson of 431 Squadron returned early. The stbd outer was u/s,
they landed safely at base on 3 engines.
F/O J. Mills of 432 Squadron was hit by flak. There were holes were
put in the port wing and instrument panel.
F/O J. Wagman of 434 Squadron returned early, they were unable to retract
the landing gear.
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