The Dortmund-Ems Canal was a significant industrial highway, making it a suitable target.

The raid was scheduled for the night of 14/15 September; however, the aircraft were recalled whilst over the North Sea due to fog and mist over the target.

[2] Flight Lieutenant (F/Lt) Shannon and his crew circled the wreckage site for two hours waiting for rescue.

[3] The attack was re-launched on the night of the 15/16, with the same Lancasters involved, except that F/Lt Martin took the place of Maltby.

The visibility on the raid was reported to be very bad, preventing accurate location of the target.