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12th. November, 1944. Lancasters of 617 Squadron RAF over
Norway on their approach to Tromsø fjord, and their final
attack on the battleship Tirpitz. Twenty nine Lancasters of 617
and 9 Squadron had made a wide detour to approach the Tirpitz
from inland, in order to avoid early detection by radar. Armed
with 12,000 pound ‘Tallboy’ bombs, the Lancasters had
been fitted with up-graded Merlin engines, and their mid upper
gun turrets had been removed, along with some armour, in order
to allow them to carry this weapon at the required range. Both
squadrons had participated in two previous attacks during the
preceding months.
On the first occasion a smokescreen around Tirpitz prevented
accurate bombing, and low cloud foiled the second raid.
This time there were no defending fighters, and no smokescreen
as the Lancasters passed over the last mountain and the Tirpitz
came into view. The ship was hit by at least two Tallboys, possibly
three, enough to put an end to the ‘Tirpitz Menace’.
Signed by four 617 Squadron aircrew who participated in attacks
on Tirpitz.
C.B.R. Fish - T. Iveson - B. Knights - E.A. Wass. |
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