Diversion at Berlin

WEATHER: Moonlit
INSERTS: None
RADAR: AI MkVIII (map usable)

One reason the Peenmunde Raid of
17-18 August, 1943, went so well
for the bombers in their attacks
was that the Germans had been com-
pletely decieved as to the true
target. The German night-fighting 
force was, in fact, over Berlin
during the actual bombing runs 
at Peenemunde. RAF casualties
didn't really begin until the
Germans realized their error and
flew to the site as the last bom-
ber wave turned for home.
This duping of the German defense
system was accomplished by 8
Mosquitoes of 139 Squadron, who
made a diversionary raid on Berlin.
During their "attack," the Mos-
quitos dropped Window chaff clouds
and target marking indicators, 
which were both usually preceeded
a Main Force raid. The Mosquitos 
also dumped their insignificant
bomb load to add to the confusion.
Only one aircraft was lost - to
a single-engined Wild Boar fighter.
The Germans reported civilian ca-
sualties as a result of FlaK shells
falling back to earth, but none by
Mosquito 500-lb bombs <g>.

ORDERS:
Drop your bombload on Berlin, and
add tot he confusion by staying in
the area as long as possible. Re-
member, you are buying time for the
bombers up at Peenemunde.....

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