The 161 Sqdn left from an unknown RAF station at 1943-05-16 at an unknown time
He flew with a Westland Lysander (type III, serial R9106, code MA-K).
Campaign report of the USAAF:
No report
Campaign report of the RAF:
15/16 May 1943
3 Mosquitos to Berlin, 16 OTU sorties. No aircraft lost.
16 May 1943
12 Venturas bombed Morlaix airfield and 5 Mitchells bombed Caen airfield but 7 further Mitchells could not locate their airfield target. No aircraft lost.
16/17 May 1943
Operation Chastise - The 'Dambusters' Raid
One of the most daring raids of the war was undertaken by newly-formed No 617 Squadron. Under the inspired leadership of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the squadron attempted to breach a number of dams in Germany in an attempt to severly disrupt German industrial output. Of the four attacked, two, the Möhne and Eder were breached. The cost to the squadron was enormous. Nineteen aircraft were scheduled for the attacks, but only 12 made it and a further four more were lost on the return journey. 53 crew members were killed with a further 3 taken prisoner.
For his leadership, Gibson, who later went on to become one of the most famous of all Bomber Command pilots, received the Victoria Cross. Another 34 decorations were made to other members of the squadron.
A full description of Operation Chastise will be added to the Bomber Command site in the near future
9 Mosquitos to Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Münster, 54 aircraft minelaying off Biscay ports and in the Frisians, 4 OTU sorties. 1 Wellington minelayer lost.
With thanks to the RAF and USAAF.net!
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