Luftwaffe JG 26 FW 190 D von einem RAF 65 -Squadron Mustang zu spät abgefangen, um am 23. Dezember 1944 einen 52 Squadron Lancaster über Köln zu retten
Von jacksmachiningreveng
Luftwaffe JG 26 FW 190 D von einem RAF 65 -Squadron Mustang zu spät abgefangen, um am 23. Dezember 1944 einen 52 Squadron Lancaster über Köln zu retten
Von jacksmachiningreveng
3 Kommentare
The raid in question was directed at the the Gremberg Marshalling Yards in Cologne in a strategic effort to hamper German supply efforts during the Ardennes Offensive that had been launched a week prior and was a disaster for 582 Squadron. An elite „pathfinder“ formation, the unit lost five Lancaster bombers of the 17 dispatched to German flak and fighters. Among the crew lost was Squadron Leader Robert Anthony Maurice Palmer, at just 24 years old he was in command of 109 Squadron but flew on a 582 Squadron aircraft for this mission and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his efforts. A further two Lancaster bombers from 35 Squadron were lost along with their crews when they collided over the French coast on their way to the target.
Crazy footage.
After watching Masters of the Air recently it really gives an idea of what it’s like to be under fire in a bomber plane (a B-17 Flying Fortress instead of a Lancaster.) Absolute nightmare scenario.
The 88mm cannons in the FW 190 were perfect for brining down heavy bombers.