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.

[Brian]

Hi Chris

May I ask for details of the I/SKG10 loss to friendly fire that you idicate, please.

Cheers
Brian

[Chris Goss]

Brian

This unit suffered quite a number and a cursory look show dthe following:

8 May 43-3/SKG 10, Ar 96 B-2 4784, shot down by Flak Beauvais, Uffz Paul Ebbinghaus killed
4 Oct 43-3/SKG 10, FW 190 A-5, 1733, damaged by Flak & crashed off Ste Nazaire, Fw Nils Petersen killed
4 Oct 43-I/SKG 10, FW 190 A-5, 1526, 20% damage by German Flak off Ste Nazaire
6 Oct 43-1/SKG 10, FW 190 A-5, 1465, 30% damage, landed St Andre
7 Apr 44-3/SKG 10, FW 190 G-3, 160640, shot down by Flak & crashed 15 km west of Doullens. FjOfw Ernst Koepcke killed

[Brian]

Hi Chris

Thanks a million - I realise I have a long way to go to complete my Luftwaffe friendly fire incidents lists!

Cheers
Brian

[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