Master Bomber 22nd March 1944?
 

Hi Folks

How can I find out who the Master Bomber was for the raid on Frankfurt am Main 22nd March 1944?

This is what I have so far for 8 group on 22nd March 1944

These 8 group squadrons that flew Lancasters in March 1944
7 offered ? lost 2
35 offered ? lost 2
83 offered ? lost 0 - moved to 5 group 18th April 1944
97 offered 14 lost 2 - moved to 5 group 18th April 1944
156 offered 21 lost 0
405 offered ? lost 0
635 offered 10 lost 0 - this was the squadrons first op

These are the 8 group squadrons that flew Mosquitoes in March 1944
105 - attacked night fighter airfields
109 - attacked night fighter airfields
139 - diversion on Berlin
627 - ?
692 - ?

I hope to get up to The National Archives soon and I'd like to find out about the planning and execution of the raid on Frankfurt.
So any pointers in the right direction greatly appreciated.

regards
Robert

Re: Master Bomber 22nd March 1944?
 

Hello Robert,
FROM 692 Squadron ORB - pg.176
22nd March 1944
6 x Mosquitos took off on a "spoof raid" against Hannover ( S/L S D Watts amongst ). They took the same route used by the heavies up to 52º40'N, 07º50'E. A lot of windows was dropped on the last leg. Bombing was between 21:16 and 21:22hs. The timing off attack was poor due to T.I.s by 139 Squadron being late.
BUT...
There was a 2 ship mission:
2 Aircraft were dispatched to window and bomb just before the main attack on Frankfurt, to "fox" the defences; they were:
1- F/O W C ( I guess poor copy ) Richardson and his Nav, F/L D J Clarke aboard Mosquito B.IV serial DZ534. They took off at 19:26 and landed back at 23:10hs. They bombed at 21:40hs from 24,000 feet.
2- F/O H Goldwin, DFM and his NAV, F/L H B Hay, DFC took off at 19:13 and landed back at 23:16hs. Bombed at 21:41hs from 24,000 feet.

Just hope this is WHAT you are looking for...although, they were not the main MARKERS ( Master Bomber ) on this raid...Will check other ORBs I do have for you.

Yours

Adriano Baumgartner

Re: Master Bomber 22nd March 1944?
 

Just forgot, Robert:
On the 692 Squadron's ORB, we can read that 139 Squadron was detailed to mark ( drop TIs ) on the Hannover's spoof raid...so...maybe your Berlin information was their main attack...but they flew on to Hannover also that night!

Re: Master Bomber 22nd March 1944?
 

Thanks Adriano

This is really helpful stuff :)

The main force came in over the Dutch coast near Leeuwarden heading for Hannover. West of Hannover the main force turned South to the target Frankfurt. Further spoofs on Dortmund kept the Germans guessing.

regards
Robert