The story
NORTHERN FRANCE
92 aircraft - 32 Wellingtons, 24 Whitleys, 18 Hampdens, 18 Blenheims - were dispatched in an attempt to delay the new German breakthrough. The Blenheim contribution was an experiment in night operations for this type of aircraft, an attempt to avoid the heavy day casualties. 77 aircraft bombed a variety of targets. 3 Whitleys and 1 Wellington lost.
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NORTHERN FRANCE
61 Blenheims (3 on reconnaissance flights) to attack the German columns advancing rapidly through to the coast north of the River Somme. 57 aircraft found targets to bomb but some were hampered by the presence of French refugees on the roads. 3 Blenheims lost.
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GERMAN RAILWAYS
124 aircraft - 52 Whitleys, 47 Wellingtons, 25 Hampdens - to attack German railways leading to the battle front at many places between Mnchengladbach and Euskirchen, particularly in the Aachen area. 5 aircraft - 3 Wellingtons, 1 Whitley, 1 Hampden - lost. The pilot of the lost Hampden, Flight Lieutenant Coton of 83 Squadron, ordered his 3 crewmen to bale out soon after the aircraft was hit by Flak over Germany. The pilot managed to bring his plane to England but it was hit again by British anti-aircraft guns on the Essex coast. The pilot baled out safely and the Hampden crashed near Hornchurch.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.