Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

I am currently researching the raid on Portsmouth UK which was carried out on the night of 10 /11 January 1941. I believe it was carried out by a unit of KG27 but this could be in error. Specifically I am looking for any personal accounts and recollections of pilots who took part in the raid. If it was KG 27 I am aware of the 2 vols on the unit by W Waiss in German and published by Helion books. Can anyone tell me whether there are references to this raid in these volumes?

Many thanks.

Jon

Re: Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

There were at least 13 different Gruppen including KG27 but accounts from surviving aircrew are like hens teeth. Suggest you look at my latest book The Luftwaffes Blitz

Re: Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

Thank you for your prompt reply Chris. Much appreciated. Yes your book is on my reading list and I had seen one of your posts regarding aircrew accounts elsewhere in relation to a query from a researcher into the Coventry bombing of 14 November. Why are accounts so rare? Is it due to heavy casualties? I have found lots of German accounts of the ground war - including those from attached PK men - so wondered why surviving aircrew had not committed their memories to paper?
Jon

Re: Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

Jon. For most German bomber crews, this attack would be just another night unless they were shot down or attacked or lost a friend. Added to the dreadful attrition rate the bombers suffered in the years that followed, you can understand why

Re: Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

Lt Freddie Heinzl and crew, 3 staffel KG27 were at Portsmouth in Heinkel 111 1G+HL on that night and got back safely.
Tony K

Re: Raid on Portsmouth - Night of 10/11 January 1941
 

Thank you for that information Tony and apologies for a delayed reply. I have been away. Did Lt Freddie Heinzl leave any memoir at all?
Jon