On 17 August 1943, the entire strength of the American heavy bomber
forces in England set out to raid two major industrial complexes deep in
southern Germany, the vast Messerschmitt aircraft factory and the vital
KGF ballbearing plant. For American commanders it was the culmination of
years of planning and hope, the day when their self-defending formations
of the famous Flying Fortress could at last perform their true role and
reach out by daylight to strike at targets in the deepest corners of
industrial Germany. The day ended in disaster for the Americans. Thanks
to the courage of the aircrews the bombers won through to the targets
and caused heavy damage, but sixty were shot down and the hopes of the
American commanders were shattered. Historically, it was probably the
most important day for the American air forces during the Second World
War.
While researching this catastrophic raid the Author interviewed hundreds
of the airmen involved, German defenders, 'slave workers' and eye
witnesses. This took him twice to both the USA and Germany.
The result is a mass of fresh, previously unused material with which the
author finally provides the full story of this famous day's operations.
Not only is the American side described in far greater depth than before
but the previously vague German side of the story - both the Luftwaffe
action and the civilian experiences in Schweinfurt and Regensburg, are
now presented clearly and in detail for the first time. The important
question of why the RAF did not support the American effort and follow
up the raid on Schweinfurt as planned is also fully covered.
