Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Goss
I interviewed a Flt Cdr from 102 Sqn who was convinced in September/October 1943 that the Germans were getting adept at shooting down bombers from underneath at an oblique angle and is convinced that his demise on 22 Oct 43 was due to such a weapon
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Yes, there are many such quotes.
It's also instructive to read Professor Freeman Dyson's recollections of his time serving in the Operational Research Section of Bomber Command. He says they found out too late to do anything about it (implying very late indeed) and missed two critical clues, namely:
(1) that there was no link between experience and loss rates
(2) that attacks were occuring "without warning"
http://www.technologyreview.com/InfoTech/17724/
What seems to have happened is that there were operational personnel, both aircrew and ground staff, who became aware that nightfighters were attacking RAF bombers from underneath. A handful of aircraft survived attacks (bear in mind the effectiveness of this weapon) and evidence of upward directed cannon fire was noted. Some measures were adopted operationally (eg. stopping removal of FN64 ventral turrets in Lancaster BII's, and even provision of ventral viewing windows).
However I have yet to see evidence that ...
(a) it was appreciated that what they were up against was a purpose built weapon and tactics
(b) Bomber Command or any other official agency (ie. not at the operational level) knew about it
(c) any official counter measures measures or even investigation was undertaken
(d) any sort of official communique or warning was issued
other online reading
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=67563
http://www.207squadron.rafinfo.org.u...rage_musik.htm
Don