Exact crash location & time over target of 426 Squadron Halifax NP775, 4-5 November 1944?

[Theo Boiten]

Dear all,

I am looking for the exact crash location of 426 Squadron Halifax NP775 on 4-5 November 1944. The aircraft was set alight by the German defences ca 19.30 hrs (?) on its return trip from Bochum and successfully abandoned by all seven crew members (including six RCAF) near, or to the North of, Köln. It went down in a ball of flame and exploded, but I have not been able to establish the crash location of NP775. Who can help? Info on the time over target of the aircraft would also be helpful.

Cheers and thanks, Theo

[andy bird]

Flak moderate, searchlights at first wondered aimlessly, then at 19.28 hrs began operating in large cones managing to hold a number of aircraft for considerable periods, allowing enemy night fighters to pounce.

To cause maxium damage to target area.
Night 4th/5th November 1944
Unsure what stream 426 were in but Halifaxes bombing at 19,000; 18,000; 17,000; 16,000 in sections 2, 3 or 4
Zero Hour 1900
Methord for tonight:
Musical Wanganui
Tracking flares dropped 28 statute miles short of the realise point, tracking flares green 14 and a half miles short of the release point flares.
Mosquitos will drop realise point flares red with green stars and flares white for longer burning Zero, Zero plus 5; Zero plus 10, Zero plus 20, and Zero plus 25
Main force a/c to aim their bombs at centre of the release point flares (red) heading 0.27 deg mag. airspeed 165 mph with bomb site set at ture height and airspeed and zero wind.
All flares ignite at 18,000
If no sky markers seen on arrival over target at correct time aircraft to bomb on ETA.
Results of raid, with the aid of photography.

[Theo Boiten]

Thanks Andy for posting these elaborate details.

Cheers, Theo