Pardon my ignorance, but what was the purpose of the Polesti runs in WW2?
Disrupt the production of fuel for the German war machine.

I suppose you are asking about the Low Level raid, Operation Tidal Wave. It was supposed to be a "sneak in under radar" affair. Unfortunately one of the lead bombers doing the navigation was lost on the way. Some of the bomb groups missed a turn and arrived a bit late. And, just because you fly low doesn't mean someone doesn't
SEE you and report it.
54 of 177 bombers were lost. The refinery was 40% damaged but quickly repaired.
Ploesti was also dive bombed by P-38s on June 10, 1944.
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