May 25/26, 1943


    9 Halifaxes from 408 Squadron were joined by 62 Wellingtons from 426, 428, 429, 431, and 432 Squadrons on an attack at Dusseldorf.  The crews were over the target at between 13,000 and 20,000 feet, releasing 94,000 lbs of high explosives and 133,000 lbs of incendiaries. According to reports, the target was cloud covered and bombing was scattered.

    Sgt T. Thould from 408 Squadron had the port outer u/s on return. They landed safely at base on 3 engines.

    P/O W. Shaw from 426 Squadron was hit by flak, not serious.
    Sgt W. Dingley and crew, flying Wellington X HZ-261 coded OW-L, were attacked by an unidentified enemy aircraft, there was no claim or damage.
    P/O S. Pennington RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X   HE-590 coded OW-P, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt R. Talman RCAF
      P/O J. Watson RCAF
      P/O N. Swan RCAF
      Sgt E. Thomas RAF
      W/O2 D. Beatty RCAF
    All were killed when they were shot down Oblt W. Telge II/NJG 1 at 02:40 near Zemst.

    Sgt J. Sheridan from 428 Squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    Sgt R. Borrowes returned early as the port engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    W/O1 W. Pepper RCAF and crew, flying Wellington X   HZ-476 coded NA-A, failed to return from this operation.

      F/O R. Madge RCAF
      P/O F. Baker RCAF
      F/Sgt N. Waters RCAF
      Sgt K. Higgs RAF
      W/O2 W. Douglas RCAF
    All were killed.

    Sgt L. Southwood from 429 Squadron returned early as the rear turret was u/s.
    Sgt G. Clark returned early as the stbd engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    Sgt R. Murray returned early as they were hit by flak. Pieces went through the stbd nacelle, blowing the tire and releasing the dinghy. On landing the Wellington ran off the runway, breaking both propellers. The crew was uninjured.

    Sgt R. Barclay RAF–POW and crew from 431 Squadron, flying Wellington X  HE-990 coded SE-Z, failed to return from this operation.

      Sgt K. Dix RAF–POW
      P/O A. Bonner RAF
      Sgt M. Jefferies RAF
      Sgt H. Sweet RAF
    2 were POWs and 3 killed when shot down by Oblt M. Meurer I/NJG 1 at 01:24 near Oostrum.

    F/Sgt R. Taylor from 432 Squadron returned early as the stbd engine was u/s. They landed safely at base on one engine.
    Sgt A. Steen returned early as the bomb load fell out en route to the target.