Overview
This week saw the last operational bombing attack from RAF Wickenby, to Berchtesgaden, where Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” chalet was built. It also saw the start of Operations Exodus and Manna (see below). There were no losses.
Additionally, Lancaster ME 758, PH-N “Nan” completed 106 operational flights having dropped more than one million pounds of bombs.
Op Exodus
Bomber Command Lancasters now started flying to Brussels, and later to other airfields, to collect British prisoners of war recently liberated from their camps. 469 flights were made by aircraft of 1, 5, 6 and 8 Groups before the war ended and approximately 75,000 men were brought back to England by the fastest possible means.
Op Manna
A large pocket in Western Holland was still in German hands and the population was approaching starvation; many old and sick people has already died. A truce was arranged with the local German commander and Lancasters of 1, 3 and 8 Groups started to drop food supplies for the civilian population. Pathfinder Mosquitoes “marked” the dropping zones. 2,835 Lancaster and 124 Mosquito flights were made before the Germans surrendered at the end of the war and allowed ships and road transport to enter the area. Bomber Command delivered 6,672 tons of food during Operation Manna.
Extract from Station Diary
RAF Wickenby - This week in history - World War 2 
Pete This has been a remarkable achievement to record all of these missions, thank you.And thanks to all the crews at 626 who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Richard
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