On 16 December 1944, German Panzers spearheaded a surprise attack in the Ardennes that smashed through thinly held Allied lines, catching the US and Allied commanders completely off-guard.
The Germans not only had the element of surprise but also the weather on their side. Pathfinder crews from 582 Squadron (Little Staughton) and 35 Squadron (Graveley) were briefed to attack the railway marshalling yards in the Gremberg district of Cologne – yards that were critical to the German supply route – only to have their attack postponed.
But on 23 December, at the third time of asking and despite atrocious weather in the UK, the decision was finally made to go.
Heavy, predicted flak began to pepper the sky. Not a single aircraft in the first formation escaped undamaged. And then a squadron of German fighters appeared on the scene, led by one of Germany's greatest 'Experten',
Anton Hackl.
RAF Mustangs from 19, 65 and 122 Squadrons fought hard to keep the bomber boys safe, but despite their best efforts, it was still a slaughter.