The 431 Sqdn left from an unknown RAF station at 1943-09-08 at an unknown time. Loc or duty Training
He flew with a Handley Page Halifax (type V, serial LK895, code SE-).
Campaign report of the USAAF:
(Eighth Air Force):: The 44th and 93d Bombard- ment Groups (Heavy) resume operations in the UK after detached service in Africa; the 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), previously diverted to Africa, becomes operational in the UK. VIII Air Support Command Missions 53 and 54. 1. 71 B-26's are dispatched to Lille/Nord Airfield in France; 68 hit the target at 0922 hours; 3 B-26's are damaged; no casualties. 2. 72 B-26's are dispatched to Lille/Vendeville Airfield in France; 68 hit the target at 1011-1013 hours; 1 B-26 is lost, 1 is damaged beyond repair and 21 are damaged; casualties are 1 MIA. 3. 72 B-26's are dispatched to Boulogne coastal defenses; 68 hit the target at 1756-1818 hours; 26 B-26's are damaged.
Campaign report of the RAF:
8/9 September 1943
Boulogne gun positions: 257 aircraft - 119 Wellingtons, 112 Stirlings, 16 Mosquitos, 10 Halifaxes. OTU aircraft formed part of this force and 5 B-17s also flew the first American night-bombing sorties of the war with Bomber Command. Nos 4 and No 5 Groups did not take part in the raid. The target was the site of a German long-range gun battery and the marking was mainly provided by Oboe Mosquitos, some of whom were experimenting with a new technique. But the raid was not successful; the marking and the bombing were not accurate and the battery does not appear to have been damaged. No aircraft lost.
With thanks to the RAF and USAAF.net!
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