Attack on Bergen 4 October-44

[Bengt]

Hello all!

Here we go again. In our search for documentation on this raid, we have ordered ORB's for some of the squadrons involved, but not all it seems. An aiming point photo published in a magazine was taken by a Lancaster of No. 635 Squadron (Pilot6 F/Lt. Johnson flying F-Freddie). Is there any one on this splendid forum who has an idea what squadrons from No.8 Group took part in this raid? We have about 30 aircraft unaccounted for, so I belive these came from No. 8 Group squadrons.

Thanks in adwance and regards,
Bengt

[Chris Shackleton]

Bengt

8 Group only contributed 8 Lancasters, there is no listing that I have come across for Bergen in the other squadrons of 8 Group ORBs.

I have not gone through all the 6 Group sqns yet in my research but I have details for a number.

The Bomber Command War Diaries shows 47 Lancasters, 93 Halifaxes and 12 Mosquitoes on this raid, ignoring the Mosquitoes this gives 140 aircraft to play with.

635 Sqn (8 Group PFF) contributed 8 Lancs, 419 Sqn 19 or 20 Lancs depending upon who you read, this leaves you needing just 19 or 20 Lancs from 428 Sqn to make up the numbers to 47.

Halifaxes of 424 Sqn and 420 Sqn contributed 15 apiece, giving you 30 Halifaxes.

The rest (63) probably came from 433, 425, 431 and 434 Sqns (Pilgrimages of Grace lists 431 and 433 as operating against Bergen, 433 was paired with 424 and 425 with 420 Sqns at this time)

408, 426, 427, 429, 415 and 432 do not seem to have operated on Bergen, but I could be wrong.

Reap the Whirlwind by Dunmore and Carter gives the 6 Group contribution to Bergen as 128 aircraft.

It seems to be the Halifaxes where the numbers do not quite tally. Have you missed a squadron or two?

Chris

[Dakota]

G'day

The following gen is from the official Historical Review - No. 6 (RCAF) Heavy Bomber Group, European Theatre 1943 - 1945.

Date: 4 October 1944

Op: Bergen

Detailed: 100

Took Off: 98

Primary: 94

Alternative: -

Returned Early: 1

Abortive: 2

Missing: 1

"BERGEN A/P A. Weather clear, excellent visibility. Bombed on M.B.'s instructions. Several explosions, noted smoke to 14000 ft. One large oilfire. Merchant vessels seen trying to escape in panic."

Date: 4 October 1944

Op: Bergen

Detailed: 30

Took Off: 30

Primary: 15

Alternative: 14

Returned Early: 1

Abortive: -

Missing: -

"BERGEN A/P B. Weather clear visibility ecellent. 2 subs bombed. Remaining crews bombed alternative A/P "A", on instructions of M/B. Fair concentrated attack. One terrible explosion resulted in a big fire."

Cheers...Chris

[Richard.K]

Lancasters 419 Sq 19 Lancs
428 Sq 20 Lancs
635 Sq 8 Lancs

[Richard.K]

There seems to be a problem with the Hali's. 420, 424, 425, 431, 433 and 434 squadrons made ready 15 each, all took off except 433 which only flew 14, adding up to 89 aircraft. 408, 426, 427, 429, 415 and 432 did not fly on this day. 427 and 429 Squadron sent 6 each on a mining op in the evening to Oslo.

[Bengt]

Thanks for the replies.

We have ORB's for the 6 Group squadrons minus one, where we recived the ORB from 1945 only. We will order the correct one together with the 635 squadron ORB. We also have the ORB's of the two Mosquito squadrons. All this, together with the information from the record book of 6 Group, and we should be able to verify the exact number of aircraft that took part in the raid. Thanks again for all the help.
By the way. Is there any of you who have anything on the 28 October raid by No.5 Group on Bergen? I'we got 49, 50, 61, 97, 206, 463, 467, 627 Squadrons of a totoal of 237 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes. So I'm missing some Lancaster squadrons, if every squadron sent approx. 12-15 aircraft.

Thanks and regards,
Bengt