Light House busting in Norway, operation Chuck...

[atckyrre]

This is a long shot:

In the spring of '45 the order for the Strike Wings was to shoot up Norwegian lighthouses at oportunity and as dedicated missions, and in combination with mock mine-drops in the channels this was called operation Chuck.

I thought I had read somewhere that during one strike a Beaufighter or Mosquito almost crashed into the lighthouse, or possibly actually hit it but managed to get home.

Product of my imagination or actual report? Does this ring a bell to anyone?

[SMF144]

Kyrre,

I am not sure if this rings any bells for you, but on March 12, 1945, 6 Beaufighters of No.404 Squadron R.C.A.F. were tasked to attack three lighthouses; Skongannaes (Sp?), Nord Vaagso and Krakenes. Armed with 25 lb R/P, all successfully attacked their objectives. The two that attacked the Skongannaes lighthouse were quite lucky to return to base. According to the squadron's ORB, one of the RPs hit a ridge of rock in front of the lighthouse and both machines were damaged, one seriously, by debris that was thrown into the air. The Nord Vaagso lighthouse, which was located halfway up a cliff, caused the attacking crews some grief as they had to bank sharply after delivering their attack.

Ruby Begonia

[atckyrre]

It did ring a bell but I'm not entirely sure this is the incidence I was thinking about. Nevertheless it is interesting reading, perhaps something I will follow up as basis for an article. The thought is in its infancy though I must add.
I must ask though, what on earth would the point be in attacking with 25lb's? Admittedly the chordite would do damage but apart from that 20mm's and perhaps 60lbs would do much more work on a lighthouse, which after all will not get sunk how much one might try.
On April 2 '45 two 333 Sqn Mossies attacked two lighthouses with cannons only and from the report it sounds like they would take some time before they would light up the channels again...

Kyrre

[SMF144]

Kyree,

I neglected to include that 20 mm was also used by 404 in the attack on the 12th. According to the reports, they caused quite a bit of damage. As for the use of the 25 lb solid shot, it had more penetrating and destructive properties than the 60 lb H.E.

Stephen