Date: 11th September 1944
Target: Gelsenkirchen (Ruhr Valley)
Crew: AE Johnson, GB Thomas, JM Fraser for H Coulton, RM Jenkins, R Neale, DF Hadland, CA Butler
Aircraft: PB199(N)
Role: Supporter
Take Off: 16.45 Landing: 19.56
Crew Report:
35 Squadron ORB: 6 aircraft attacked in daylight targets at Gelsenkirchen where, despite a heavy smoke-screen, a successful attack was effected.
1 aircraft captained by F/O G Bradburn failed to return.
Bomber Command:
Aircraft Used: 379 aircraft – 205 Halifaxes, 154 Lancasters, 20 Mosquitos – carried out attacks on the Castrop-Rauxel, Kamen and Gelsenkirchen (Nordstem) synthetic oil plants. The 3 forces were escorted by 26 squadrons of fighters – 20 squadrons of Spitfires and 3 each of Mustangs and Tempests. No German fighters were encountered.
Losses: 5 Halifaxes of No 4 Group and 2 Pathfinder Lancasters were lost from the Nordstem raid and 1 Lancaster was lost from each of the other raids. These loss were caused by flak or by ‘friendly’ bombs.
Summary: The first 2 targets were clearly visible and were accurately bombed but the Nordstem plant was partially protected by a smoke-screen which hindered bombing and prevented observation of the results.
Aircraft Q failed to return 