The story
WILHELMSHAVEN
116 Blenheims, Hampdens, Wellingtons and Whitleys in an attempt to bomb the battleship Tirpitz in Wilhelmshaven harbour. 75 crews reported bombing but Wilhelmshaven has no diary report. 1 Blenheim lost.
6 Blenheims to Boulogne but only 2 bombed. No losses.
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COLOGNE
131 Blenheims, Hampdens, Wellingtons and Whitleys to 2 targets in Cologne. 5 Whitleys and 1 Wellington lost; 14 further aircraft were abandoned and crashed in fog over England with 12 crew members killed, 2 missing and 5 injured.
Cologne reports a sharp raid, particularly in the dock areas on both banks of the Rhine near the city centre. A military stores and fodder depot and 13 warehouses and other commercial buildings were burnt out. 2 Rhine passenger steamers were sunk and 3 more damaged. 6 assorted commercial premises suffered serious damage. 80- 90 houses were destroyed and 160 badly damaged. 21 people were killed and 35 injured.
3 Wellingtons to Boulogne. No losses.
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You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.