[Smudger Smith]

Originally Posted by Vinman

Hello Jon,
Yes, I will answer your question. The B17 did not carry the same bomb load as the Lancaster. But, if you read my first post, you will find that on average, the Lancaster carried around 5000-6500 lbs per A/C and not the max that it was designed to do. Again, it depended on the range and type of target.
The point that I am trying to make is that on average, the Lancaster, Halifax, B17 and B24 were flying missions with more or less the same bomb loads.
Those three KEY EXAMPLES of RAF night raids that I posted, have the stats.
No one is trying to belittle Bomber Command, I certainly am not. The whole Allied contribution to the destruction of Europe, was a team effort.
However, one must admit, that the USAAF was a huge factor in winning the war.
Vinman.

Dear Vinman,

I have for the past few hours been viewing a number of Avro Lancaster & Short Stirling squadron ORB’s, I have 16 Lancaster and 8 Short Stirling squadron ORB’s.



The following is a typical bomb-load for the Avro Lancaster, I have chosen four targets at various ranges.



Avro Lancaster Mk.B.I & III

• April 14th 1945. Potsdam. No.138 Sqdn ORB, average load, 1 x 4000lb + 7 x500lb. Total: 10,500lb
• April 19th 1945. Munich Pasing. No.138 Sqdn ORB, average load, 4 x 1000lb + 10 x 500lb. Total 9,000lb.
• September 3rd 1944. Eindoven. No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 11 x 1000lb, + 4 x 500lb, Total : 13,000lb.
• September 20th 1944 : Calais : No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 11 x 1000lb + 4 x 500lb. Total : 13,000lb

Avro Lancaster Mk.B.II

• June 23/24th 1944 : Le’Hey. No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 11 x 1000b + 4 x 500lb, total 13,000lb.
• April 26/27th 1944 : Essen, No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 1 x 2000lb + 84 x 30lb + 105 x 4lb + 943 x 4lb : Total 8,692lb
• March 31st 1944 : Nuremburg, No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 1 x 8000lb + 90 x 4lb L Total : 9,360lb.

4. November 22nd 1943 : Berlin , No.514 Sqdn ORB, average load, 1 x 4000lb + 360 x 4lb + 90 x 30lb + 24 x 30lb. Total : 8,860lbs.



Short Stirling Mk.B.III

• October 8th 1943 : Bremen : No.196 Sqdn ORB, average load. 270 x 4lb +64 x 30lb +2 x 1000lb + 1 x 1000lb : Total : 6000lb
• March 27/28th 1943 : Berlin, No.214 Sqdn ORB, average load. 1 x 2000lb + 1 x 1000lb + 1 x 500lb + 90 x 4lb : Total 3,860lb
• January 14/15th 1944 : V1 site, France : No.214 Sqdn ORB, average load. 24 x 500lb : Total 12,000lb.
• August 27th 1943 : Nurnburg : No.214 Sqdn ORB, average load 510 x 4lb + 30 x 4lb + 48 x 30lb : Total : 3,600lb.

Vin, your average Lancaster bomb load of 5000-6500lb per aircraft seems slightly out. The above figures are actual bomb loads, taken via the squadron ORB.



The above figures relating to the Avro Lancaster tell the real story.



The figures you have provided Vin are doubtful, however what is not in doubt is the courage and sacrifices of both Bomber Command and US 8th & 15th Airforces.