29 July – 4 August 1943

Overview

There were continuing attacks on Hamburg during this week, as part of Operation Gomorrah, which included 4 major attacks on the city in 10 days. Whilst Bomber Command slept, the USAAF carried out 2 consecutive raids on Hamburg, adding to the destruction and reducing the capacity of the German fire and rescue services to reach many parts of the city.

12 Sqn lost one aircraft and its crew this week. One aspect of the Hamburg raid on 2nd August was the huge electrical storm enroute to the target, which caused a lot of icing and led to a number of early returns.

Extract from Station Diary

Extract from Appendix to 12 Sqn Operational Record Book