Raids on Plauen - March - April 1945

[Joolsleeds]

I've been asked to help a local history group from Plauen, Germany research the history of the bombing raids on their town, particularly in March and April 1945.

In a genuine attempt to understand what happened they are trying to understand the operations from an allied viewpoint and are looking to get official and personal accounts from RAF & USAAF airmen.

Whilst there seems to be a fair bit on the web from USAAF sources - I'd be grateful if anyone could help me track down some of the British sources.

The RAF raided the town on three occasions -

3/4 April - 8 Mosquitos
9/10 April - 37 Mosquitos
10/11 April - 307 Lancasters and 8 Mosquitos of Nos 1 and 8 Groups.

Does anybody know which squadrons were involved in these raids?

Ideally I'd like to trace any surviving veterans of these operations who may be willing to talk to me about their experiences.

Thanks

[Leendert]

A small start, but among many more squadrons at least No. 571 Squadron (Mosquito) and No. 625 Squadron (Lancaster) were involved.
They lost a/c on missions to Plauen on the dates you've mentioned.

Regards,

Leendert

[Martin Giles]

3/4 April

Mosquitoes 105 Sqn 4, 109 Sqn 4

9/10 April

Mosquitoes 105 Sqn 2, 109 Sqn 4, 128 Sqn 6, 142 Sqn 6, 571 Sqn 6,
608 Sqn 6, 692 Sqn 6/7

10/11 April

Mosquitoes 105 Sqn 3/4, 109 Sqn 3/4, 1409 Flight 1, 192 Sqn 2
Fortresses 214 Sqn 2
Liberators 223 Sqn 1
Halifaxes 192 Sqn 4, 199 Sqn 8, 462 Sqn 10
8 Group Lancasters 7 Sqn 9, 35 Sqn 9, 156 Sqn 9, 405 Sqn 9, 635 Sqn 9
1 Group Lancasters 262 from assorted sqns (sorry do not have the full list)

Martin

[Joolsleeds]

Thanks very much!