Hamburg raid 8 April 1942

[andy bird]

Does anyone have the Met forecast of what the conditions were like at Wigsley, Nottinghamshire for the ten 455 Squadron Hampdens who participated in this raid.

Understand that electrical storms, and ice plagued them across Europe from they're turning point in Denmark right through to the target ? Could anyone confirm this.

Many Thanks

Andy Bird

[Alex Smart]

Hello Andy,

"Homer Command War Diary " has on page 255 " Icing and electrical storms were again encounter ed".
On the previous page for 6/7 April raid to Essen there is also " The crews encountered severe storms and icing and there was complete cloud cover over Essen".

Alex

[Larry]

Plus I believe there is a site on the web which gives historic weather for the UK.

[phasselgren]

Hello Andy,

I found some info in:
INTERCEPTION/TACTICS REPORT NO. 61/42.
NIGHT 8/9th APRIL 1942

4. WEATHER
HAMBURG. 7/10-9/10 convection cloud, tops to 12,000 ft. Isolated tops to 18,000 ft. with static. Visibility good.

Route to HAMBURG. 5/10-9/10 convection cloud, tops generally 8/10,000 ft. but isolated tops well above this level. One report of tops to 24,000 ft. Moderate clear ice in cloud. Good visibility.

….

12. APPRECIATION
…
2. Weather conditions en route were unfavourable, static and icing being experienced. Cloud over the target interfered with S/L operation, and flak opposition was not intense.

Regards
Peter

[andy bird]

Peter, Larry and Alex,

Thank you for the explanations on the weather really appreciate it, will go along way for my piece on Jack Davenport.
Best regards
Andy Bird