18/19 July 1944 : opzration Goodwood

[Fredo Hara]

Hello Gentlemen,
From 18 July to 19 July 1944, the British launched Operation Goodwood to the east of Caen. Can you tell me which Luftwaffe units were in the sky during this operation? In the book "La Luftwaffe en Normandie" , JB Frappé mentionned I./JG5, I/JG26, III./JG54 and III./JG1.

Thanks for your help
Fredo

[Juha]

Hello Fredo

The most effective operation of the LW during the Oper. Goodwood was the night bombing of the British Orne bridgehead on the night of 18./19. July by at least I./KG 6, I./KG 2, I. & II./KG 30 and I. & III./KG 54, altogether 106 sorties.The Orne bridges which were vital to the operation were not damaged but the bombing caused numerous casualties mainly among tank crews who were being re-organised after losing their tanks earlier, also the replacement tank crews suffered casualties. The 11th AD main HQ was also there and it reported 'severe' casualties and the ACV rear link to 8th Corps was burnt out. (AEC 4x4 ACV). The most famous examples of this type, based on AEC Matador chassis, were probably Rommel's Mammuths. The “A” Echelon of the Guards ArmDiv was also bombed on the night 18/19th, suffering several casualties and trucks damaged.

Juha

[Fredo Hara]

Thank you Juha for all these details!
Best Regards
Fred