14-20 July 1944

Overview

Attacks continued on sites in France, in direct support of the Allied forces in Normandy, especially the operation on 18th July prior to Operation Goodwood, the armoured breakout from Caen. Bomber Command aircraft dropped more than 5000 tons of bombs on German positions during this attack, which was described as one of the most useful operations in direct support of the Allied armies.

During the attack on the Courtrai marshalling yards on 20th July, 3 aircraft from Wickenby were lost, with 15 aircrew being killed, 4 evading capture and 2 becoming POW’s.