Very Heavy R.A.F. Raid On Berlin

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1944, Page 3

Very Heavy R.A.F. Raid On Berlin

(Ree. 11 a.m.) LONDON, January 21 An Air Ministry communique 1 states that R.A.F. bombers last night made a very heavy attack on Berlin. Large, fires were left burning, smoke rising to a great height. Mosquitoes attacked objectives in North-west Germany. Many mines were laid in enemy waters. Thirty-four of our planes are missing. German sources said it was a terror attack and claimed that 21 planes were shot down.

It is officially stated that the Bomber Command last night dropped 2300 tons of bombs on Berlin, explosives and incendiaries raining down at a rate of 77 tons a minute. Large fires were left burning, with smoke rising to a great height. U.S.A.A.F. Fortresses, Liberators and Marauders and R.A.F. Bostons, Mitchells, Mosquitoes, Typhoons and Hurricanes bombed targets in the Pas de Calais area today. The heavy bombers were escorted by Thunderbolts, Lightnings and medium and light and fighter-bombers, escorted and supported by R.A.F.. Dominion and Allied fighters. Canadian Albacores of the Coastal Command attacked in the Channel last night two enemy destroyers, one of which Avas hit and left on fire. One of our aircraft is missing. 30-Minute Attack Last night’s 30-minute attack on Berlin was carried out by the largest force of Lancasters and Halifaxes so far sent by Bomber Command to the capital. A great cluster of skymarkers Avas continuously maintained over the target from 7.30 until 8 p.m. The crews could see the glow of fires under the clouds a great distance away on the homeward flight. In the later stages of the attack black smoke spiralled up several thousand feet above the bombers. One crew reported that when the clouds suddenly broke in. a single place, they saw a. street clearly defined in the light of the fires. Enemy fighters Avere late in arriving over Berlin and made few interceptions on the way out. As the attack developed, they began to reach Berlin and one bomber group reported about 40 sightings all over the target area, with five inconclusive combats resulting. Most of the early arrivals sighted no fighters at all, although they saw the enemy laying a flare path over the city Avhen they were well away from the target. Searchlights were blanketed by clouds and the flak seemed lighter than usual. The Canadian bomber group was well represented and - the “Porcupine” Squadron was out for the first, time. Three Royal Australian Air Force Lancaster squadrons and one Halifax squadron Avere also in the battle. One bomber squadron based on North England made its 100th operation with Lancasters last night.