8/9 February, 1945; POLITZ:
The synthetic-oil plant at Politz was selected to receive a double
attack by 475 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes from 1, 5 and 8 Groups.
It was decided to send 5 Group (to get the pot boiling!) in first
using their own marking method, to be followed by 1 Group using
8 Group Pathfinders.
The raid proved to be a total success with accurate bombing from
both waves, which caused tremendous damage. The squadron had
15 Lancasters attacking the target, flying at between 9,000 and
11,000ft. Most crews reported large yellow and red explosions
with billowing black smoke. Defences within the target area had
been tough with heavy, accurate flak; 13 Lancasters failed to
return. One close flak burst actually blew W/O Cluer's (SW274)
aircraft over on its back. With great skill and effort, the captain
managed to regain control of G-George, but tragically, during
this action, the mid-upper gunner, Sgt Ron Wiggins had been killed.
It is believed that he died from asphyxiation, strangled by his
own communication cord during the aircraft's violent manoeuvres;
the 28 year old gunner is buried in Danbury Churchyard, Essex. |
