REVUE and BAEDECKER missions

[Frasera]

Hi Folks,
I have come across some references in a 149 Sqn A/G's log book that I would like more info on, if possible. There are a few flights logged as REVUE (photography) flights, and more logged as BAEDECKER flights in July and August '45. Can anyone shed some light on these, please?

It seems he flew on a few of the Lancaster POW repat missions in May '45, as well. The log book covers the end of the war and also mentions an Me 262 sighting over Regensburgh on the 20th April '45.
Any info appreciated

Alan

[Bill Walker]

I think Baedecker flights were sight seeing over bombed out Germany cities, for the benefit of ground crew passengers. Named after a tour guide book, or a tour company. The term was first used by the Luftwaffe, who allegedly picked UK bombing targets out of a Baedecker guide in 1942.

[Frasera]

Thanks Bill,
That expalins the logbook note.... "Cookes Tour" Anyone got anything on the REVUE flights?

Alan F

[Chris Going]

OK - Operation Revue (or Review -both spellings occur) was a major programme to create a photographic cover of the United Kingdom in the absence of up to date OS mapping. It started in 1945 and continued on until 1947/8. The UK was imaged at two photoscales -1:27,500, and 1: 10,000. There were a number of towns and places (eg marshalling yardss) which were flown at 1:5000.

If you want to 'Review' cover (small scale stuff), look at the Historic layer of Google Earth, set the slider for the 1940s. It was put there by our Company, The GeoInformation Group.

Let me know if you want more information on this interesting topic.


best


Chris Going