2nd TAF raids on Dordrecht, 22-01-1945 and 28-01-1945

**Hans Valk** · 14th March 2023, 10:03

For some time I have been trying to find out which squadron (or squadrons) attacked the SD-headquarters in Dordrecht on 22-01-1945 and 28-01-45. The first attacked failed; the bombs fell 300 m. too far tot the east. The second raid was succesful; the building was completely destroyed. The attacks were made by single-engined fighter-bombers, who were almost certainly part of the 2nd TAF.
I have the old version of 2nd TAF by Christopher Shores, but this does not mention the attacks. Maybe the later (and much enlarged) version of it does, but I have no access to it.
An attempt to find the squadrons with the aid of the order of battle of 2nd TAF for the period end 1944 - may 1945 in combination with the ORB's in TNA has failed so far.

Can anyone provide the squadron(s) involved?

**PeterColwill** · 14th March 2023, 10:56

No it doesn't Hans but does mention the loss of a 322 San Spitfire RK840 attacking the saboteur school at Doorn on the 28th.
Peter

**Hans Valk** · 14th March 2023, 11:09

Thanks for your reply, Peter. Are you speaking of the later version of Shores/2nd TAF?
I have found the units that did the attack at Doorn on 28 january 1945, but this is not related to the raid at Dordrecht on the 28th. The loss you mention was the only 2nd TAF loss on Dutch soil, that day.

**PeterColwill** · 14th March 2023, 11:35

Yes the later version volume 3

**SteveBrooking** · 14th March 2023, 11:40

Hans
I'm just wondering whether it might have been unit(s) that were carrying out the anti-V2 operations? These were home-based Fighter Command units. There is nothing in the new 2TAF books.
Steve

**Hans Valk** · 14th March 2023, 15:54

@Steve: Thank for your suggestion. tThat seems a possibility. V-1 sites in the Netherlands were attacked bij 2nd TAF squadrons, but I don't know about the V-2 sites. Is there an order of battle to be found for these Fighter Command/ADGB-squadrons? I'll have a look on the internet myself. but a pointer is welcome.

**davew** · 14th March 2023, 16:21

There are several OB's listed in 'The Source Book of the RAF', Ken Delve , Airlife 1994. The dates include July 1944 and July 1945. I am unsure whether this is suitable for your purpose as ADGB was disbanded 15 October 1944, but if you need a transcript of anything please ask.

DaveW

**SteveBrooking** · 15th March 2023, 09:30

I am not aware of an order of battle for these operations. It is not a subject that I have studied but a couple of books have been written you need to search on "Operation Big Ben". I am sure that 602Sqn were involved in these ops and RAAF Spitfire units... 451/453? possibly?
I've just checked the official history "The Fight is Won" and there are a few pages on the ops in there. It mentions Spitfire XVI units; 12 Group units and at different points refers to 124, 229, 453 and 602Sqns.
I hope this helps
Steve