Moonlit raid on Peenemunde

18th August 1943: Nearly 600 bombers hit a small but vital target - as RAF Bomber Command makes one of the most important bombing raids of the war

Enlargement of part of a vertical photographic-reconnaissance aerial of Test Stand VII at the Army Research Centre Peenemunde, Usedom Island, Germany. Clearly seen at bottom centre inside the elliptical earthwork is a V2 rocket on its trailer. Two other trailers can be seen to the right. Also note the light anti-aircraft positions on top of the pre-launch assembly hall at upper right

A V-2 rocket, guided ballistic missile, being launched from the Peenemunde rocket research and development centre in 1943.

On the 17th August as the USAAF headed out for their daylight raid on Schweinfurt, the crews of RAF Bomber Command were being briefed for their raid that night. This time they would be flying in moonlight, which was usually avoided, and the Intelligence Officers stressed the importance of the target that required this.

For the first time Bomber Command used a “Master Bomber”on the raid - Group Captain John Searby stayed over the target area and directed the bombing according to the target map. One of the oblectives of the raid was to kill the German scientists leading the research. Operation Hydra, the raid on Peenemünde. Targets shown are A: Experimental station B: Factory workshops C: Power plant D: Unidentified machinery E: Experimental establishments F: Sleeping and living quarters G: Airfield

Awarded DSO for role co-ordinating raid. “One night in August 1943, this officer took part in a bombing attack on an important target at Peenemunde. Enemy fighters were extremely active over the target area. In spite of this, Group Captain Searby executed his difficult task with consummate skill. He displayed faultless leadership, great courage and resolution throughout.”

Bomber crews were briefed that they would be bombing a factory building new radar-controlled night fighters at Peenemunde. It was obviously in their interests to destroy such a target. It had been given such a priority that not only would they be bombing in moonlight but they would be doing so from half the usual height.

The ‘boozer’ light, flashing on my panel, gave the first warning that we were being followed, and then Lanham picked him up from the rear turret. ‘Fighter, fighter. Stand by to cork-screw port.’ ‘Standing by.’ ‘Mid-upper from rear-gunner. He’s at seven o’clock low. There may be a pair. …

In fact the true purpose of the raid was to destroy the V-2 rocket programme. The fact that British intelligence even knew of its existence had to remain secret. The bomber crews could not be put fully in the picture - crews that survived being shot down would inevitably be interrogated about their targets.