Operation Bodenplatte by Nicolas Trudgian. (B) REG672 On 2nd June 1942 U-652

On 2nd June 1942 U-652 was scuttled after sustaining heavy damage from an attack by Swordfish aircraft

Unlike many would-be fighter pilots

Seen in its intruder configuration

Signed by eight combat crew veterans flying B-17 Flying Fortresses for the 447th BG out of Rattlesden

Only 11 of the aircraft returned from the perilous low-level mission in which they flew at just 150ft all the way from England before descending for the bombing run to defeat the German radar

Operation Bodenplatte by Nicolas Trudgian. (B) REG672 On 2nd June 1942 U-652DHM2028B. Operation Bodenplatte by Nicolas Trudgian. The success of Operation Bodenplatte, on January 1, 1945, was to be achieved by mass surprise attacks on British and American bases in France, Belgium and Holland. It was a battle fought at great cost to the Luftwaffe. During the battles some 300 Luftwaffe aircraft were lost. Though 200 Allied aircraft were destroyed, most on the ground, pilot losses were light. Nicolas Trudgians brilliant painting