Joch1955
Posts: 32
Joined: 9/5/2020 Status: offline
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I rechecked Black Cross, Red Star, vol.1, and the night bombing capability of the Russians in 41 was very low. 1st, regular bomber crews had very little night flying training. Most bombers also had no radio, only the flight leader had a radio. The rest of the flight just stayed in formation and followed his cue, very difficult to do at night. The Russians also only had very basic navigation instrumentation and none of the advanced tech, like navigation beams which the British and German were already using at that time. 2nd, the night bombing that did occur was generally carried out by special units, using the best pilots and experienced crews. The attacks on Berlin were carried out by IL-4s which had been equipped with radios. Even so, the attacks themselves were a bust. According to the Russians, the 1st was a resounding success with 6 bombers reaching downtown Berlin. According to the Germans, it was a bust, most Russian Bombers never even reached Berlin, one came close to the suburbs and was shot down by Flak. The 2nd attack by around 10 planes was also a bust, none reached berlin, one wound up over Stettin 80 miles away, some were shot down by friendly fire, 3 crashed when landing, etc. The Russians soon gave up. IMHO, Russian night bombing in 41 should be even more ineffective. Based on a 1941 report, of RAF bombers taking off in night missions at that time, only 5% dropped their bombs within 5 miles of the intended target. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butt_Report
< Message edited by Joch1955 -- 10/27/2021 11:24:57 AM >
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