Operation Steinbock question

[Kutscha]

Any statistics for Operation Steinbock? The inet is hit and miss.

- number of sorties flown
- number of raids
- losses - enemy and other causes - total and per raid
- weight of bombs dropped - total and per raid
- was the operation considered a success or a failure

Thanks for any info.

[Adam]

Between 1 Jan and 31 May '44 the Luftwaffe launched about 4,426 bomber sorties and lost 243 of these (to enemy action). In addition, 227 Jabo sorties were launched (10 losses) while the RAF put up at least 4,400 night fighter sorties to counter these operations during the five months.

As to whether it was worth it or not - depends entirely upon which side you a referencing for an answer. For the Luftwaffe it killed civilians and military personal alike (satisfying Hitler's call for vengence), it disrupted to a degree the British production base and diverted a/c otherwise useful in offensive operations away from such operations. For England it was a minor inconvenience that did well to sap the already over-taxed kampfwaffe in the build up for Overlord and at the same time diverting units away from the Russian and southern theatre of operations.

[Chris Goss]

During the period stated, losses by the Jabos of I/SKG 10 for operational reasons was 20 not 10

[Adam]

oh - but is that entirely to defensive fire over the UK/Channel and not including RTBs/Ditching? (ie 100%)

[Chris Goss]

12 due to Flak, fighters, missing; 7 crashing on return (100%), 1 friendly fire. If the chap was unwounded, this is not recorded so figures could be higher again

[Kutscha]

Thanks guys.

Any info on the number of missions flown by each multi engined bomber type and their losses?

Again, weight of bombs dropped and if possible by a/c type.

[Juha]

Kutcha
not what you asked but monthly losses.
According to Ken Wakefield's article on Oper. Steinbock in The Blitz Then and Now
in Jan 44 loss rate was 7,8%, 57a/c lost
in Feb 5,2%, 72a/c
in March 8,3% , 75a/c
in April 8,7%, 75a/c

Juha

[Kutscha]

Thanks Juha.

The numbers you posted are slightly higher than what Adam posted. Could that number include those a/c written off?

[Brian Bines]

From what info. I have between Jan.21st and May 31st 1944 attacks on the UK were made on 52 nights with a total of some 4700 sorties by the Luftwaffe giving a potential to drop 8000T (approx) on the UK. During attacks on London, Bristol, Hull, Portsmouth, Plymouth,Torquay, Falmouth plus Intruder/Recon missions and during transfer flights prior to raids some 335 a/c were lost ( based mainly on NVM's where there was injury/loss of crews reported, other aircraft losses happened where the crew were safe see Ulf Balkes KG 2 history which illustrates this). By aircraft type at least the following are recorded 165 Ju 88's, 60 Ju188's, 42 Do217's, 21 He 177's, 20 Fw190's, 24 Me410's plus 2 recon. Bf109's and 1 Bf109 desertion in the period. These losses caused the Luftwaffe to lose some 1100 aircrew either killed,wounded or POW with at least another 100 injured in crashes on the Continent against some 1600 people killed in the UK,
In the period Jan.21st to Mar.25th. against a potential to have dropped approx. 3500 T. of bombs on the UK it was estimated that 1885 T. landed in this country with only 760T landing in the London area which was the main target in this period. Up untill the raid on Feb.18/19th the RAF assessment was that the bombing was poor with better results for the rest of February but falling off again after this. Raids on Brisol and Hull were judged as failures ( see PRO file WO199/912 )
I guess these figures show what people have to suffer in war when 760 T. of bombs to London in a two month period is looked on as failing, I hope this is of help and my sums are right,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Juha]

Hello Kutscha
Adam's figure are to enemy action, maybe Wakefield's numbers incl also operational losses. I have now very busy, so I probably will have time to check Wakefield's article during the weekend at earliest.

Juha