Launched on 1st January 1945, Operation Bodenplatte was an attempt by
the Luftwaffe to cripple Allied air forces in the Low Countries of Europe during
the Second World War. The Germans husbanded their resources in the preceding
months at the expense of the Defence of the Reich units in what was a last-ditch
effort to keep up the momentum of the German Army during the stagnant stage of
the Battle of the Bulge.
The operation was a Pyrrhic success for the Luftwaffe as the losses
suffered by the German air arm were irreplaceable. The losses of the Allied Air
Forces were replaced within weeks. The operation failed to achieve air
superiority, even temporarily, for the Luftwaffe and the German Army continued
to be exposed to air attack. Bodenplatte was the final major Luftwaffe offensive
during World War II.
Superb colour plans of the late mark 109s, Fw 190s, Spitfires,
Typhoons, Thunderbolts and Mustangs.
