Mosquito attack on shipping – Norway 1944

The Albert Janus and the Radbod were the targets of the Beaufighter of 455 Sqn in the afternoon of 5 December 44.

It could be the vessels SS Albert Janus and SS Radbod which both were sunk on the 5th of December at the Norwegian West coast. Some info at: 10 vrak fra desember 1944 (www-dykking-no.translate.goog)

The book ‘A Separate Little War’ by Andrew D Bird gives a fascinating day to day account of the Coastal Command Mosquito Banff wing operations.

On the 5th of December 1944 34 Mosquitoes ‘s some Tsetse and some Rocket armed with a MkIV of 138 Wing along to film the action flew the 400 miles to attack shipping.

Led by Wing Commander Bill Sise they struck vessels causing considerable damage, two aircraft were lost and several made it home on one engine.  

Later the same day 17 Beaufighters of 455 Sqn attacked another convoy. 

What I never appreciated was that Warwick aircraft carrying a lifeboat patrolled the North sea able to drop the boat to crews that were forced to ditch. 

I assume the camera plane from above was circling to film the others , i wondered what the outcome of the raid was ,boats sunk , aircraft lost etc .Brave men all o them.