What is the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid?
The first Schweinfurt-Regensburg Raid occurred during >World War II (1939-1945). American aircraft struck targets in Schweinfurt and Regensburg on August 17, 1943. The summer of 1943 saw an expansion of US bomber forces in England as aircraft began returning from North Africa and new aircraft arrived from the United States.
What happened to the Schweinfurt force?
With the 4th BW departing the area, the Luftwaffe’s prepared to deal with the approaching 1st BW. Behind the schedule, the 230 B-17s of the 1st BW crossed the coast and followed a similar route to the 4th BW. Personally led by Brigadier General Robert B. Williams, the Schweinfurt force was immediately attacked by German fighters.
Why were daylight raids on Germany suspended in October 1943?
The losses during the raid led Allied leaders to re-think the feasibility of unescorted, long-range, daylight raids on Germany. These types of raids would be temporarily suspended after a second raid on Schweinfurt sustained 20% casualties on October 14, 1943.
How many B-17s were shot down at Schweinfurt?
Encountering over 300 fighters during the flight to Schweinfurt, the 1st BW sustained heavy casualties and lost 22 B-17s. As they neared the target the Germans broke off to refuel in preparation to attack the bombers on the return leg of their trip.
When did the US invade Schweinfurt Germany?
The first bombs hitting the ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt on October 14, 1943—bomb craters from the first raid in August are visible in the upper right. Nazi banner captured at Schweinfurt, Germany, by the 42nd Rainbow Division, US Army, in April 1945.
How many planes were in the first air raid on Schweinfurt?
With only limited-range Allied fighter escorts, the first major air raid on Schweinfurt and Regensburg is launched. The air raid consists of 230 aircraft from the 1st Bombardment Wing and 146 aircraft of the 4th Bombardment Wing.
When did the 303rd Bomb Group Strike Schweinfurt?
Lead bomber crew for the 303rd Bomb Group pictured before leaving on the October 14, 1943, strike against Schweinfurt—this crew made it back. The first bombs hitting the ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt on October 14, 1943—bomb craters from the first raid in August are visible in the upper right.
What happened at Schweinfurt?
A British bomber force made up of Handley Page Halifaxes and Avro Lancasters take part in a night-bombing raid on Schweinfurt, dropping some 2,000 tons of ordnance on the area. Some 100 Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax bombers mistakenly drop 400-tons of ordnance on Schweinfurt, thinking that it is their target of Nuremburg.
Why did the 8th Air Force attack Schweinfurt?
In planning the strike on Regensburg, the 8th Air Force elected to add a second target, the ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt, with the goal of overwhelming German air defenses. The mission plan called for the 4th BW to hit Regensburg and then proceed south to bases in North Africa.