Forgot about this
Saturday, 23rd/Sunday, 24th December 1944 N1939
A special unit of Heinkel 111s was assembled in June 1944. It was formed to carry V1s or Buzz Bombs as they were called, thus adding 400 miles to their 150 mile range, then being able to bomb northern industrial targets without having to risk precious manned aircraft over land.
On this Christmas Eve, between 05.00 and 06.00, forty-five Heinkels of the special unit launched its attack on Manchester from some 40 miles off the east coast between Skegness and Mablethorpe. Thirty-one V1s crossed the coast and about half fell within 20 miles of the intended target, but some landed in Yorkshire, they include one that fell at Barmby Moor near Pocklington at 05.50, one that fell at Willerby on the western outskirts of Hull at 05.45 and another that landed in the mud just off Reads Island in the Humber Estuary, and yet another that fell at South Cliffe near Beverly. Three went badly astray, one landed in Shropshire, one in Northamptonshire and the third landed in Tudhoe, at 06.05, 170 miles off track, but not 20 miles from Newcastle!!
06.05.. Co Durham.. Eleven people were injured when a V1 landed on the cricket field at Tudhoe, the pavilion was destroyed. There was severe damage to 22 houses and slight damage to 368 other houses, a C of E Vicarage and nearby Catholic Church and orphanage were also damaged.
Hull.. Hull was on the route for a number of flying bombs destined for Manchester. One of these dropped on the outskirts of the city, in a field, the only damage being to windows and roofs, from blast. The event was an untimely one from the point of view of the householders who had to patch up their property in time for Christmas. It took more than six months to repair damage caused by this bomb. which was extensive. The Springhead pumping station was also damaged.
Taken from http://www.ne-diary.bpears.org.uk/index.html
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