76 Sqn Halifax LW628 and 429 Sqn Halifax LK804, 30-31 March 1944 Nürnberg raid
 

Dear all,

Currently working on the last bit and pieces of the Nürnberg raid of 30-31 March 1944 for the Nachtjagd Combat Archive series. I am looking for further details on the loss of 76 Squadron Halifax LW628 (crashed in UK due to fighter damage, no crew casualties) and 429 Squadron Halifax LK804 (ditched in the English Channel on return flight, one survivor). I am especially looking for details on time/place/height of combats for these two aircraft.

Thanks for any details,

Theo

Re: 76 Sqn Halifax LW628 and 429 Sqn Halifax LK804, 30-31 March 1944 Nürnberg raid
 

Dear Theo,


Some details for LK804 – 429 Squadron

Quote from the Form 765c :
While on the return journey from Nuremberg at a position south-east of Stuttgart the aircraft was attacked by two enemy Ju88’s. Severe damage was sustained by the Halifax, including the compasses which were rendered unserviceable. Violent evasive action taken in eluding other enemy fighters resulted in the aircraft being off track. This resulted in the supply of petrol having to be used up in attempting to get back on track. Petrol was completely consumed three minutes after leaving the French coast, making ditching procedure necessary. On ditching at 0640 hours the aircraft broke up badly, the crew being thrown into the water, with the exception of the pilot who failed to leave the aircraft.
Unquote

Best regards

Luc

Re: 76 Sqn Halifax LW628 and 429 Sqn Halifax LK804, 30-31 March 1944 Nürnberg raid
 

Theo,

There is a detailed description of a No.76 Squadron Halifax (not identified, but could only be LW628), being involved in a combat with a "Bf 210" on the homeward leg and forced-landing at Tangmere on 31 March 1944. The Halifax was piloted by 132702 F/L Roy Joseph BOLT RAFVR (later DFC). Way too long to transcribe, hopefully someone with the book, and a scanner, can help.

See:
To See The Dawn Breaking 76 Squadron Operations.
Chorley,W R.
Ottery St. Mary:Author,1981.
pp.139-42

Col.

Re: 76 Sqn Halifax LW628 and 429 Sqn Halifax LK804, 30-31 March 1944 Nürnberg raid
 

Dear Theo,


Checked the orb of 76 Squadron for LW628:
Quote
Attacked primary at 01.24 hours from 19,000 ft. Aircraft damaged by cannon fire from ME.210 at 01.26 hours. Aircraft badly damaged. Enemy aircraft claimed as probably destroyed.
Unquote


Best regards


Luc

Re: 76 Sqn Halifax LW628 and 429 Sqn Halifax LK804, 30-31 March 1944 Nürnberg raid
 

Cheers and thanks for these most useful details Luc and Col! I'll dig out my copy of Bill Chorley's 76 Squadron history from my library.

Cheers, Theo