The Schweinfurt Raids

Crippling the German war machine was always at the top of the list for the Allies. Two of the top agreed-upon targets became the ball-bearing production facilities at Schweinfurt and the Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg. Unfortunately for the Allies, their escort fighter protection was still rather limited in range, unable to proceed with the bomber formations deep into Germany. On the other hand, the Germans held an advantage if they new the formations were on their way and could make appropriate plans to move more defensive fighters into the area as well as stock up their anti-aircraft artillery supplies.

The initial strikes against Schweinfurt and Regensburg were launched on August 17th, 1943. However, poor weather quickly insured the operation was faulted for the two bomber groups (the 4th BG and the 1st BG) took off at different times - ensuring that the enemy would be alerted to the second incoming formation. The 1st Bomber Group group took off a full 3.5 hours after the 4th Bomber Group.

As expected, the 4th Bomber group was assailed by the German Luftwaffe as soon as its fighter escort had left the group. This resulted in 24 lost aircraft after the attack on Regensburg. As this group was required to land at bases in North Africa, daylight was of the essence. The formation eventually made their way to safe haven.

Things proved equally dreadful for the 1st Bomber Group. They attacked the Schweinfurt region against a prepared and alerted German foe. As the first bomber group had departed, Luftwaffe fighters had landed to refuel and rearm while other air elements were relocated to the region from other German bases. Some 250 German fighters were committed to the ensuing action.

While Schweinfurt was successfully bombed, the Allied bombers of the 1st Bomber Group made the long treacherous journey back to their bases in the UK. Their cost of the operation was 36 bombers lost.

The missions proved somewhat successful in that two of the five major ball-bearing facilities were hit, though these were out of commission for a short three weeks.

Satisfied with the results, subsequent Allied air raids (including British night time sorties) were launched though Germany was wise enough to disperse its production facilities by this time. As Allied losses eventually mounted, these long-distance bombing campaigns were temporarily put on hold until February of 1944 in what would become known as "Big Week".