16/2/1944. 1.= pm John Snagge
The raid on Berlin last night was the heaviest
raid on any objective in air warfare so far.
over 2500 tons of bombs were dropped.
....[?] attacks were made on Frankfurt on Oder
and our Mosquitoes were out over Western
Germany and Holland. We had over 1000
aircraft out last night. 45 planes are
missing. The main objective for aircraft
of Bomber Command last night was
Berlin. A heavier load of bombs was
dropped than on any target in air warfare.
Mines were also laid in enemy waters.
The total weight of bombs dropped
on Berlin since our attacks in November
is approaching the 25000 tons. The previous
large attack was carried out a month
ago. The raid started soon after 9 o'clock
and by midnight some of our crews were
back. The attack was a concentrated
one. Frankfort was attacked on one
occasion previously and it lies 50 miles
East of Berlin. From Italy limited
activity by patrols is reported from the
main 5th Army fronts and the Anzio
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