Was Montdidier bombed on 3/4 May 1944

[Marcel van Heijkop]

Dear all,

I'm looking into the pre-invasion bombings by the Allies of I./KG66 airfields in France. In the (very nice) book "The RAF Pathfinders" by Martyn Chorlton it is stated that Montdidier was bombed in the night of 3/4 May 1944 by Lancasters with Mosquito's acting as Pathfinders. However, this attack is not mentioned in the excellent publication "Luftwaffe Airfields 1939-45 (France)" by Larry deZeng. There, the only attacks on Montidier in the same period are 26 April 1944 (low-level attack by VIII Fighter Command P-47s), 8 May (low-level attack by RAF Spitfires) and 30 June (bombardment by 39 B-17s).

Can anybody confirm the 3/4 May 1944 attack by Bomber Command and if so, tell me what the damage to the airfield or I./KG66 was?

Thanks in advance and best regards,

Marcel

[MW Giles]

Yes Montdidier attacked by 84 Lancs and 8 Mosquitos of 8 Group

Cannot answer your other questions, other than Bomber Command War Diaries notes, "The Luftwaffe airfield at Montdidier was attacked causing much damage among buildings and installations on the northern side of the airfield."

Martin

[Nick Beale]

The Seekriegsleitung KTB for 3 May (Air Situation, Western Theatre) speaks (my translation) of: "Powerful attacks by day and night with focus on transport facilities and airfields". On the 4th, it was: "By day, incursions in strength with attacks predominantly on transport facilities in Northern France and Flanders. By night our night fighters scored 40 kills, a pleasing success."

Also, the attached report from ULTRA (apologies for uploading the pages in the wrong order).

[Marcel van Heijkop]

Martin, Nick,

Thanks a lot! I will update my data (and presentation, hence the question) accordingly!

Best regards,

Marcel