Hell Ride of the Liberators (2010)
0h 58min
- General info
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- Synopsis:
Since the 9th US Air Fleet was comprised mostly of discarded aircraft of the 8th US Air Fleet in England, the 'Liberators' first had to be refitted and repaired. Additional fuel tanks were built into the bomb bays to extend their operational range. Each plane would therefore have to carry about two tons less in bomb capacity. However, the maximum takeoff weight of the B - 24 was still exceeded. The operation codenamed 'Tidal Wave' began on 1st August 1943. A total of 178, four engines B - 24 bombers, took off in five groups for the mission. Their target was the Romanian oil fields at Ploiesti. The objective lay deep behind enemy lines, their task; to disrupt its production or, if possible, destroy it. The attack on this military goal called for classic use of long-range bombers. The U.S. Secret Service had mistakenly reported that the defences were very weak, and also that it was only defended only by Romanians. In fact, some 50 000 German soldiers stood ready to repel any attack with a massive bombardment. The fortify cations around Ploiesti were widely covered by German Flak cannons. In addition to this a fighter squadron of Bf - 109 - Me 109 was available for interception of the opponent. - Studio:
- Cornerstone
- Genres:
- Documentary, Special Interest