Operation Bodenplatte On January 1st 1945 Hitler's last gamble "Operation Bodenplatte" took off at first light to attack Airfields of the 2nd 9th and 15th Air Forces. Scheduled during the Ardennes Offensive, Weather played a big part of its being delayed until the New Year. Although 1000 Axis Pilots took place in the "Big Blow" most of them were new pilots. Twin engine bombers escorted these green pilots to the airfields in Holland and Belgium, Only to be shot at by their own AAA, because the German Army was not used to seeing that many friendly airplanes in the sky. As the Attackers approached radar in Belgium that was used to track the V-1's to England, the allies detected the large strike force. Allied fighters scrambled and engaged the 800 plane strike force. What ensued was an axis catastrophe, In all 19 leaders were numbered among the 250 casualties suffered by Luftwaffe that day. Although claiming 500 enemy aircraft destroyed including and nearly 80 shot down in air to air combat, Allied losses would be made good in two weeks. On the German side however most Jagdgeschwader never fully recovered before being sent Eastwards to stem the Russian advance towards the River Oder.
Country Percentages
Allied - 50% of Attendees
P-51D
P-47D40
P-38L
Spitfire Mk XIV
Axis - 50% of Attendees
Bf 109G-14
Bf 109K-4
Fw 190A-8
Fw 190F-8
Fw 190D-9
Ju 88A-4 (20 Pilots Minimum )
This Is a Open Event to everyone ...
