von Shagmeister
Posts: 1273
Joined: 10/8/2005 From: Dromahane, Ireland Status: offline
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25Aug43 Extensive radio activity detected by Y-Dienst. Large scale raid predicted. Large stream approaches the northern Ruhr, controllers begin assembling fighters in the area using the new Wilde Sau and Zahme Sau techniques. Atmospheric conditions are good, searchlights illuminate the clouds and allow for numerous interceptions. To the surprise of the controllers the stream passes the Ruhr onwards deeper into the Reich. Target is in the Leipzig area, fighters directed accordingly and more interceptions are made in the vacinity of the target. A second large stream is detected over the North Sea heading across the Jutland peninsular, suspect one of the Baltic ports will be targetted. Fighters start to be assembled, looks like it isn't Kiel. Target is Stettin, fighters to assemble in area. Searchlights and flak barrage illuminate many RAF bombers, Pauke, Pauke heard many times (helped now by the moon). Many Allied a/c are bought down (133 (90 by fighters, 43 by flak)) but still many targets are left as blackened ruins. The enemy has had to pay for his success with the blood of his bomber crews. Most of the a/c bought down are Lancasters and Halifaxs but examination of wreckage also reveals three Wellington Elint a/c (codes identified as 192 Sqn) which Stab XII.Fl.Kps. is particularly pleased about. Analysis: The RAF planners made serious errors by having two diverse streams allowing us to fight two seperate battles using units from different areas. The first stream in particular (Leipzig raid) was poorly routed over a heavy flak concentration (northern Ruhr) allowing a large number of interceptions to be made (resulting in an estimated 50-60% of the losses on this one raid). Whether this was intentional to throw off controllers as to the real target (which succeeded until stream passed the Ruhr) or if it was poor planning (doubtful) is not known but RAF losses were undoubtedly higher because of this. Our crews have been quick to adapt to the threat of window and our new control techniques. FuG 212 offers a degree of immunity from interference (13 detections leading to 8 interceptions) whilst FuG 202 is rendered practically useless (1 detection, 1 interception) except in the hands of the most experienced crews. Enemy losses were extremely heavy but even so we couldn't stop the destruction of the targets.
< Message edited by von Shagmeister -- 11/7/2008 4:00:16 PM >
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