Category: Soviet Studies (1917-1991)

It could well be the case that “Croydon” was mistakenly presented as “Kenley” on the Luftwaffe maps – not that it mattered as both were legitimate “military” targets – and that the map included the old boundary markers that had subsequently shifted – with the land now defining the active aerodrome being redefined into other areas. What was once aerodrome land running across the old periphery – was now Council-owned land comprising of civilian houses and civic roads run through – and around it. Total Luftwaffe strength in August 1940 was between 2000-2,200 fighter, fighter-bomber, and bomber aeroplanes – often flying around 1000 sorties per day against the UK Mainland. Luftwaffe losses (for August 15th 1940) amounted to 76 aircraft across all engagements – while the RAF lost just 34. With the specific attack upon Croydon – 14 Bf 110s and 8 Bf 109s Luftwaffe aeroplanes were involved (some sources suggest the number was between 20-30 – the record is unclear) – these are the Luftwaffe crews that supposedly bombed the civilian population. It is said that the Nazi German losses amounted to 25% across the board – so over Croydon this would have amounted to around 6 aircraft – a small number compared to Luftwaffe losses across the region.