First bombing raid on Chichester Feb 1943 - RFI

[Chris Goss]

The Do 217 E-4 (Werk Nummer 1200 coded F8+AN) was from 5 Staffel, II Gruppe, Kampfgeschwader 40 which roughly translates 5th Sqn of II Wing of Bomber Group 40. I would describe this ac as more like a medium bomber not light. It was shot down at 1650 hrs, the one at Saltdean being shot down at 1630 hrs. Two more aircraft returned with wounded crews-0bergefreiter Hans Weizert was wounded over Winchester and Unteroffizier Erich Pieper at an unknown location.

This attack was way after the Baedecker attacks and was described by the Luftwaffe as nuisance attacks. 29 aircraft took off between 1503 & 1559 hrs and reported hitting such targets as Brighton, Worthing, Horsham, Reading, Tangmere, Petworth, Newbury, Hailsham, Willingdon, Pulborough, Rye and Dartmouth. One aircraft reported hitting Chichester from 50m altitude at 1643 hrs (reporting fires in housing) and returned. If Kleeman's Do 217 hit Chichester, I cannot say for certain