The Peenemunde Raid – 80 years ago this month

Header Image: A V-2 rocket, guided ballistic missile, being launched from the Peenemunde rocket research and development centre in 1943. The site was the target for a major Bomber Command raid on 17-18th August 1943.

Eighty years ago, on the night of 17-18th August 1943, three waves of RAF Bomber Command aircraft, totalling 596 bombers, took off from their bases in England to attack the important German scientific research centre and rocket development site at Peenemunde on the Baltic coast of Germany. The raid, codenamed Operation Hydra, was to be of great significance and was very costly to Bomber Command, especially to the aircraft and crews of the third wave.

Messerschmitt Me 262 jet at the BBMF

Header Image: Messerschmitt Me 262 reproduction D-IMTT is visiting the UK in July to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo and will also be making a brief visit to the BBMF at RAF Coningsby.

Some Club members may have seen in the aviation press and social media that the only flying example of a reproduction Messerschmitt Me 262 in Europe will be visiting the UK, principally to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) which takes place at Fairford from 14-16th July. This announcement has created considerable interest as this will be the first time that a Me 262 has flown in this country since captured German aircraft were exhibited immediately after the Second World War. Even more exciting is the news that the Me 262 will be visiting the BBMF at RAF Coningsby after the RIAT show and will be available to view on BBMF hangar tours on 18th July.

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