“AIR BATTLE“ JAN. 1, 1945 LUFTWAFFE OFFENSIVE AT BATTLE OF THE BULGE OPERATION BODENPLATTE 86704

Love our channel? Help us save and post more orphaned films! Support us on Patreon: Even a really tiny contribution can make a difference. Subscribe and consider becoming a channel member This film from the British Act / Fact series recounts January 1st, 1945 -- New Year’s Day -- when Allied aircraft faced a surprise onslaught of German fighters raiding their bases in Belgium and Holland. Anti-aircraft crews raced into action. Many Allied aircraft were hit on the ground before they could scramble into the air. At 2;02, Royal Air Force Spitfires, Typhoons and Tempests are sent to intercept the German planes, and fighter support for bombing raids is diverted to staunch the bleeding (2:24). At 2:29, an unescorted B-17 Flying Fortress comes under attack. The air battle that resulted (3:37) turns out to be one of the greatest air to air battles of the war, unrivaled perhaps by all except the Battle of Britain. At 4:03, gun camera footage show