Operation Oyster: WW II's Forgotten Raid: The Daring Low Level Attack on the Philips Radio Works - Softcover

Rijken, Kees; Schepers, Paul; Thorning, Arthur G

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1399019767 ISBN 13: 9781399019767

Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation, 2022

Synopsis

Operation Oyster was carried out over the Netherlands on the 6th December, 1942 by 2 Group RAF. Considered to be a notable success for the allies, it cost the Germans an estimated six months of lost production time at a critical point in the conflict. It is arguable, according to the authors, that the operation was in fact rather more significant than the far better known Operation Chastise, the Dambusters raid. Operation Oyster struck at the very heart of what Churchill termed 'the wizard war' against German radio navigational technology by attacking a central hub of activity; the Philips Radio Works in Eindhoven. The development of electronics in W.W.II was the most significant technical aspect of weaponry over the course of the conflict. On both sides, there were great advances in radar and communications which, at that time, depended on the widespread use of high frequency radio valves – few companies had the technology to produce these, but the leading one in Europe was Philips in Eindhoven. Thus it was determined that Philips was the most important target. Ninety-three allied aircraft took part and a total of fourteen were lost. But the result in terms of damage to the enemy was considerable, hindering the German war effort significantly and consequently aiding the Allies. But the story of the raid has been underreported, and the efforts of the aircrew who took part have been too little recognised. Here, for the first time, the overlooked Oyster raid is afforded the attention it deserves.

About this title

About the Author

Arthur Thorning pursued a career in aviation, firstly in industry and then for twenty-one years with the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Since 1995 he has worked as an independent aviation consultant. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Past Master of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. He is the author of The Dambuster Who Cracked the Dam: The Story of Melvin 'Dinghy' Young, published by Pen and Sword Books in 2008. This book represents a collaborative effort in affiliation with Kees Rijken - who was an eye-witness to the raid - and Paul Schepers, whose original research into the raid forms the backbone of Thorning's narrative. Both are citizens of Eindhoven. This publication is a joint work by all three authors.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1399019767
• ISBN 13: 9781399019767
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240