RAID ON SCHWEINFURT

The American Eighth Air Force leadership 
considered the first raid on Schweinfurt
a success and that the ball bearing
industry had been dealt a severe blow.
But photo reconnaissance showed that 
repairs were quickly being made, so on
October 14, 1943 a return raid was planned.
For the American B-17 crews who flew this
day, the mission proved to be as night-
marish as the first Schweinfurt raid on
August 17.

As the B-17s crossed the Dutch coast, they
were set upon by wave after wave of 
German fighters.  The escorting American 
fighters were inadequate in number and 
could only defend the bombers to the 
German border.  Once the American fighters 
had turned for home, the German fighters 
intensified their attacks and continued 
them all the way to Schweinfurt.  A total 
of 60 B-17s were lost to the German inter-
ceptors.  The bombers did heavy damage to 
the ball bearing plants but the bomber 
losses were crippling.  At this loss rate 
the American bomber offensive would cease 
to exist.  This raid was the final confir-
mation that long range escort was needed 
to protect the bombers all the way to 
their target.

                    YOUR MISSION

You fly lead as part of the 100th Bomber
Group as it approaches Schweinfurt from
the west.  You will be attacked by wave
upon wave of Bf 109s and Fw 190s, some
carrying rockets.  Keep a tight formation
allowing each plane to give mutual pro-
tection to the others.
