47 Halifaxes from 408, 419, 427, and 428 Squadrons were joined by 17 Wellingtons from 429 and 432 Squadrons on an attack at Essen. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 202,000 lbs of incendiaries and 84,000 lbs of high explosives. According reports, bombing was concentrated and severe damage was caused to the Krupp complex.
S/Ldr G. McMurdy from 419 Squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
Sgt J. Stewart RAF F/Sgt W. Ross RCAF F/Sgt O. Phoenix RCAF F/Sgt G. Askew RCAF F/Sgt L. Hill RCAF F/Sgt A. Porter RCAF
Capt C. Taylor from 427 Squadron returned early as the port outer was
u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
Sgt M. Chepil and Sgt J. Sheridan from 428 Squadron returned early as
their stbd inners were u/s. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.
Sgt D. smith from 429 Squadron returned early as the navigation aids
were u/s. They overshot the landing at base with a slight damage to the
Wellington.
Sgt F. Frost RAF–POW Sgt J. Little RCAF–POW Lt J. Elliott USAAF–POW
Sgt R. Burgess from 432 Squadron returned early as they would have been
late over the target.
P/O S. Sinclair RAF Sgt R. Pearce RAF P/O K. Patterson RAF
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