British Forces

Wangerooge airraid

www.rcaf.com

April 25, 1945 Wangerooge-Coastal Guns "92 Halifaxes from 408, 415, 425, 426, and 432 squadrons were joined by 100 Lancasters from 419, 424, 427, 428, 429, 431, 433, and 434 squadrons on an attack of the coastal guns at Wangerooge." "The weather was clear and the crews were over the target at between 10,000 to 12,000 feet, releasing 2,100,000 lbs of high explosives. According to reports the target area was well cratered. This operation proved to be the last over enemy territory after two and a half years of effort. The 6 Group crews would not be asked to carry bomb loads over enemy held territory. As well as this being the last operation, the group suffered its final casualties, but not at the hands of the enemy. Sadly the 4 crews that failed to return were all due to mid-air collisions." www.rcaf.com F/Lt. A. Ely, RCAF, and crew from 408 squadron, flying Halifax MK VII NP-796, coded EQ-M, failed to return from this operation. Sgt. J. Hughes, RAF P/O J. Brambleby, RCAF F/O J. Stanely, RCAF F/O A. Boyd, RCAF P/O A. Rutter, RCAF P/O V. Hovey, RCAF F/Lt. B. Emmet, RCAF, and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-831 SE-E, failed to return from this operation. Sgt. J. Simms, RAF F/Lt. R. Stingle, RCAF F/O W. Hanna, RCAF W/O2 C. Mark, RCAF Sgt. D. Faulkner, RAF F/Sgt. R. Mellon, RCAF F/O D. Baker, RCAF, and crew, flying Lancaster X KB-822, coded SE-W, failed to return from this operation. Sgt. F. Smith RAF F/O J. Cruickshank, RCAF F/O L. Amos, RCAF W/O2 P. Henrichon, RCAF F/Sgt. J. Roy, RCAF F/Sgt. L. Hiatt, RCAF There were no survivors in the mid-air collisions.