Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

What Kampfgeschwader conducted the raid on the Short Brothers Factory, Belfast, evening of 13/14.8.40?

One source I reviewed listed 15 x He 111's of Kampfgruppe 100, with result of raid being 5 x new Stirling Bombers destroyed.

Other sources that I've reviewed mentioned Kgr.100 completing operations to the Dunlop Works (Birmingham) and Nuffield Aeronautical Works (Castle Brommich) during that evening - but no mention of any operation to Belfast.

Have seen yet other sources that briefly mention this raid, but without listing the unit that conducted it.

Thank you in advance if any information available.

markr

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

KGr 100 did attack the Morris Motor Works at Castle Bromwich dropping 264 50 kg and 664 incendiary bombs. It is accepted that the attack on Belfast did occur the same night and all I can see is a mention that "A special operation was carried out according to plan by IX Fliegerdivision". Mindful the only major operational bomber units in IX were KG 4 in Holland and KGr 100 in Vannes, this seems to match with what Mason says that 15 ac from KGr 100 attacked Belfast

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

There wasn't much value in using KGr. 100 to attack Belfast when their precision bombing systems would only reach as far as Liverpool. Also, they only had 18 (15) aircraft on the 13th plus 15 operational crews — but somehow reported the take-off of 21 that night from 19.50–23.24 (a long enough interval for some to make two sorties?).

However, if anyone can decipher Luftwaffe target numbers, these ULTRAs might help:

CX/JQ/220
T16. 14. Source saw secret orders from Fliegerdivision 9 to Kampf Gr. 100 at Vannes for Captain [Kurt] Aschenbrenner.

They were ordered to prepare with strong forces for an attack on the night of 13/8 on targets 7461, 666, 733, 7045. Orders to carry out the operation would follow later.

The Group was to arrange immediately with Luftflotte 3 about the routes to be taken, and was to report when ready for action.

CX/JQ/222
T19 6. At 1200/13 Fliegerdivision 9 ordered Kampfgruppe 100 to carry out operations on night of 13–14/8 in accordance with orders already issued on 12/8.

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

7461 and 666 were both targets in Birmingham

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Target codes are Nr. 733 for a/c factory and Nr. 7045 for Steel tube works, both in Birmingham too.

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

So Luftwaffe records agree that Birmingham was attacked and that IX Flgdiv attacked something else...but what?

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Maybe someone can deduce something from the attached (TNA file HW 5/4; report CX/JQ/221), especially item T6.

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Hi,

I have this attack as flown by Luftwaffe Air Corps V but on 15.8.40.

Regards

Robert

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

Although the beams did not reach as far as Belfast, would not KGr100 still be a suitable unit to choose for a long range target, because of their training and experience?

Re: Raid on Short Brothers Factory, August 1940
 

I can see no mention in Luftflotte 3 records. The Air Britain N series book says the Stirlings were destroyed 15 Aug 40?