Ukrainian air defenses have been active, and often effective throughout the war.
Even so, Russian missile and drone attacks continue.
Each flying bomb delivered a 1,870-lb.
This V-1 “buzz bomb” was brought down intact in France during the autumn of 1944. Image: NARA
It was named a Vengeance weapon for a reason and that is exactly what it was.
The initial shock related to the V-1 was quickly replaced by a grim determination to stop it.
The V-1 fuselage was made of welded sheet steel while the wings were made of plywood.
Officially known as the Fi 103, the V-1 “flying bomb” caused a lot of problems for Allied countries in World War II. Image: NARA
At its most accurate, the V-1 fell within a 7-mile diameter circle around the target area.
Propelled by an Argus pulsejet engine, the buzz bomb moved quickly at an average speed of 350 mph.
This was a significant challenge for the standard British QF 3.7-inch AA gun, an otherwise highly successful weapon.
A V-1 caught on film during an attack in London, England. The attacks were often directed at civilian populations. Image: NARA
The V-1s destructive power came from its 1,870-lb.
Amatol warhead, which produced a tremendous blast effect.
When the flying bomb hit an urban area, the explosion was enough to shatter an entire neighborhood.
Germany’s Fieseler Fi 103, better known as the V-1, was the world’s first cruise missile and Hitler’s “Vengeance Weapon.” Image: NARA
Ultimately, the three-fuse system was very effective and few unexploded V-1s were ever found.
Most of the flying bombs secrets were uncovered when Allied forces captured their launch facilities and recovered bombs intact.
Introduced in 1937, the 3.7-inch gun performed admirably throughout the war, particularly in the Battle of Britain.
A V-1 bomb being readied for launch in August 1944. Image: Polish State Archives
It was a massive artillery piece, weighing nearly 21,000 pounds, and supported by a crew of seven.
Maximum altitude for AA fire was 45,000 feet.
Unfortunately, there were only a small number (less than 30) of the speedy Tempests in service.
Almost 1200 V-1s were air-launched from Heinkel He 111 H-22 bombers. Accuracy of the air-launched V-1s was significantly worse than those launched from the ground. Image: Author’s collection
Tempests became the most prolific of the V-1 interceptors with 638 kills.
North American Mustangwith 232.
HE shells at up to 20 rounds per minute all with amazing accuracy for the era.
A pilot in a Supermarine Spitfire chases a German V-1 over England. Image: NARA
However, on 13 October the first V-1 struck Antwerp.
Without delay, two brigades of American anti-aircraft artillery were rushed to the scene.
For we were to witness the heartless German buzz bomb assault on Belgiums leading industrial city.
Late model Spitfires accounted for 303 V-1s destroyed. Here, a Spitfire tips the wing of a V-1 to throw it off course. Image: Author’s collection
For example: From 28-30 November, Battery A claimed 1 Category A and 6 Category B kills.
Battery B claimed 3 A and 4 B.
Conclusion
The V-1 represented a desperate bid by the flailing Third Reich.
An explosion from a V-1 could do considerable damage. Shown above is the aftermath of a V-1 attack in London. Image: NARA
This photo of a V-1 attack was taken in London as the flying bomb was in its terminal descent.
