[alain charpentier]

Hello,
I have this:
from 106 sq:
F/O G Cooke, Lanc R5677, 17h40 to 23h05
Good visibility,target seen visually.Made bombing run at 9500ft,target in sights,but results not seen owing to fires and searchlights.
Opposition was surprisingly light.Successful attack.Bomb load:
14xSBC(4lb) 1260x4lb incendiaries.

From the Navigator of this crew P/O PBC Moore:
"Before we went to Duisberg on our first operation, we were briefed for a raid on Steltin, which was cancelled at the last moment due to weather over the target.
Guy Gibson ended his briefing as follows:
He described in detail how he would do the trip to Steltin and back and he finished with the words: And the boys who do it my way will come back, and those that don't,won't!
he couldn't lead his squadron on a night bombing raid, but this was his way of giving leadership. I was very impressed and I can still hear his words ringing in my ears ."

Sgt Page Lanc W4261, 17h40 to 23h15
No clouds slight haze.Outline of river Rhine clearly seen and bombing run made from there.
Incendiaries observed to ignite but position not noted .Many searchlights but they were not very effective and there was not much flak.

F/Sgt L Burpee Lanc R5637 17h45 to 23h25
Good visibility identified target visualy after having first seen river.Bombed from 11000ft but own bomb burst not distinguished.Opposition not very heavy although aircraft was damaged by splinters and navigator slightly wounded.

P/O G P Lace Lanc W4156 17h45 to 23h25
Visibility good slight haze,cloud at 16000ft.target located visually and bombed from 12000ft but results not observed.Made reco of target at completion of raid which appeared to be quite successful.Opposition not very heavy.

Sgt V G Hayward Lanc W4242 17h40 to 20h15
Mission abandoned owing to engine failure.

Sgt G R Anderson Lanc R5697 17h50 to ....
Missing

Twelve aircraft were detailed to attack Duisburg.
Weather was good and in excellent moonlight visibility details of the target clearly seen.
Ten aircraft made an attack and the crews claim that their bombs fell on or near the aiming point.
One photographof the aiming point was secured and in addition two pictures within two miles. Opposition was less heavy than might have been expected over such a target but one aircraft was missing, the squadron first loss since 16th october 1942.

Hope that help !

Alain