Ramrod 33?

[peter]

Probably should know this, but could someone please explain a Ramrod 33 sortie.

Any help appreciated.

Regards
Peter

[peter]

Just answered my own question

Ramrod - bomber raid escorted by fighters aimed at destruction of a specific target in daylight.

But what would the 33 stand for?

Regards

Peter

[SteveBrooking]

Peter

All these operations were numbered consecutively. so according to John Foreman (FC War Diaries Part 3) Ramrod 33 was flown on 17/5/42. The operation sustained heavy losses.

Steve

[peter]

Many thanks Steve.

Regards
Peter.

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
Ramrod 33
64 Sqn 2 mia. Spitfire's BM475 and BM320
122 Sqn 2 mia Spitfire's AR400 and BL348
313 Sqn 2 mia Spitfire's BL973 and BM360
331 Sqn 1 mia ?
402 Sqn 2 Cat E/2wia Spitfire's BM298 and BM150
602 Sqn 1 mia 1 Cat E 1 kia Spitfire's BM426 and BM114
Escort for 12 Bostons to Boulogne.

418 Sqn Boston W8318 was lost but I do not know if this was a Ramrod 33 aircraft as none were claimed by JG26 and in that war diary(vol 1) there is only six Bostons memtioned. Ten Spitfires claimed including one thought to have been a PR Spitfire at 1735 hrs and not a late morning claim as were the others.

All for now
Alex

[Graham Boak]

Wasn't 418 Sq a nightfighter/intruder unit so wouldn't feature on a Ramrod anyway?

[Bill Walker]

Just to add a little info on the RCAF aircraft listed here:

Spitfire BM150 was shot down by a Fw190 near Ambleteuse, F/S Innes was rescued from the Channel.

BM298 forced landed at Kenley on return, due to low fuel, and was damaged beyond repair. Both aircraft had been part of the High Cover Wing for this Ramrod.

The Boston W8318 failed to return from a night mission to Leeuwarden, so it probably wasn't part of Ramrod 33.

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
Thanks for clearing up the Boston.
I still would like to know about the 331 Sqn a/c though.

Alex