P-40 the RAF in 1940/41

No, it showed that an overloaded, aerodynamically challenged Bf 110 could not protect bombers


Stick a fixed 100imp gallon fuel tank under a 109 and see how well it would have done

Or a 90 gal slipper tank under a MK I Spit and keep it there during combat.

Shortround6 said:

No, it showed that an overloaded, aerodynamically challenged Bf 110 could not protect bombers


Stick a fixed 100imp gallon fuel tank under a 109 and see how well it would have done

Or a 90 gal slipper tank under a MK I Spit and keep it there during combat.

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I disagree, the Bf110 did not do well protecting bombers in short ranged raids over the south, they would have done much better strapping bombs under 110s (as they did with one group)

I don't believe it was launched as a test. It was launched as part of the ongoing campaign against Fighter Command's aerodromes and infra structure. The primary targets were Usworth and Dishforth. The Luftwaffe enjoyed some success in its attacks on aerodromes, the aircraft industry and radar stations in the South East, but not in the North East. It is true that the always faulty German intelligence had led Stumpff and his staff to believe that resistance in the North of England was likely to be negligible, but the raids weren't a test of this, had they been successful they would certainly have been repeated as an extension of the campaign. As it was only some Whitley bombers were destroyed (and six RAF personnel killed) for absolutely insupportable losses. No force can continue operations in the face of 20% losses. It was those losses that meant the raids could not be repeated, an outcome forced on the Luftwaffe, not decided by it. It was an unequivocal defeat for the Luftwaffe.

The first raid was engaged by four complete squadrons, above par for a raid of this size, but then Saul was a very competent officer and ran a very efficient organisation.
The interceptions by Leigh-Mallory and 12 Group were less successful, but even the squadron and a bit that made contact inflicted serious losses on the unescorted bombers.

Cheers

Steve

Fighter Command's tactics as much as aircraft prevented the Bf 110s from protecting the bombers. The Luftwaffe envisioned the 'zerstorer' as an aircraft blasting a path through enemy formations for the bombers, not attempting to intercept incoming attacks from successive squadrons of fast and nimble single seat fighters. The Bf 110s failed to do the job in any conformation, at least they could just about outrun a Hurricane to escape!

The fighter bomber unit you refer to was Erprobungsgruppe 210 and events on the 15th August demonstrate both the positive and negative aspects of their tactics.

In the afternoon the unit attacked Martlesham Heath, arriving unopposed (Nos. 1 and 17 Squadrons failing to intercept) bombed the airfield and made for home. They were now engaged by the Hurricanes of the two squadrons mentioned, three from 17 Squadron and nine from 1 Squadron, but the Bf 110s shot down three Hurricanes of 1 Squadron and damaged another from 17 Squadron, escaping virtually unscathed, making a successful run for home.

In the evening the unit returned to attack Kenley, but actually attacked Croydon instead. This time they were attacked by Nos. 32 and 111 Squadrons (and two Hurricanes of Biggin Hill's Station Training Flight)) as they regrouped after the attack. They were badly clobbered, losing seven Bf 110s, another three damaged of the twenty two that attacked.
The Bf 110 was not only incapable of defending the bombers, it was incapable of defending itself, or escaping, in the face of a determined attack, when caught at a tactical disadvantage.

Cheers

Steve

stona said:

... at least they could just about outrun a Hurricane to escape!

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Looking at the numbers, I think even this silver lining evaporated with the new 100 octane fuel/+12 boost.