|
Re: Aerial Torpedo Attack on Ajaccio Harbour.
Alex,
For what it is worth, I cover this attack in some detail in my book Warriors & Wizards.
To be clear, the guidance system was for the Hs 293. II./KG 100 was not equipped at the time to carry the Fritz-X.
Several of the weapons missed their target and fell into the water. The British recovered major sections of these weapons. This was a vital part of the effort to develop countermeasures for these guided weapons. The details of this recovery are recorded in the UK National Archives.
The presence of an ESM aircraft was significant since it suggested the Luftwaffe was prepared to detect jamming signals. There was no jamming in effect at the time and the loss of the aircraft (one of only two equipped for this) became significant later when the Luftwaffe failed to detect the sophisticated Allied jamming. Had they done so, they could have reverted to alternative frequencies or even a wire-guided version.
Interesting that the crew of the Do 217E-4 claimed they were only filming the attack. A clever cover story for their real mission.
Happy to provide more details if desired.
Marty
|