Mission

Twenty-one aircraft took off at 0625 hours to bomb this important target in enemy occupied Norway. Rjuken has one of the largest hydro-electric power station and electrolytic hydrogen plant in that country and it produces much of the heavy water used in the manufacture of important Nazi explosives,

Lt Owen D. Roane led this group which was high in the Wing formation. The Combat Wing was third in the Division formation, Only two enemy Fighters, both ME-109's were encountered and both of these made passes at the lead elements without firing, Approaching the coast what appeared to be 20mm fire came from ships a few miles offshore and inaccurate flak was present in the vicinity of Hellvig and Heigrestad. At the target there was very meager flak.  At the target the group bombed first as the other groups in the Wing made a second bomb run.  Five to en direct hits were reported seen on the main building, causing explosions which rocked the bombing aircraft. Other hits reported were on a building north of the main plant: and on pipes running into the main building,

All aircraft returned safely, One aircraft turned back at 0853 hours because of sickness to the bombardier, All others bombed the target area. Pilots again criticised what they considered injudicious use of the VHF as it gives away altitude, heading, and time. Gunners again requested tracers and there was a general demand for some method of defrosting the windows.