Feb 16 2025 54 mins 12
It was one of the most audacious air attacks of World War II – a low-level raid designed to cut off Hitler's fuel supply by bombing the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania.
Taking place on Sunday, August 1, 1943, Operation Tidal Wave saw five B-24 Liberator bomb groups take off from Libya and fly in complete radio silence across the Mediterranean towards their target.
In this episode, we tell the story of the mission – from conception to completion.
We delve into the tactics, get to grips with the personalities involved and look at the effectiveness of one of the most daring and ambitious raraids carried out by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF).
For photos and more information about Operation Tidal Wave, visit the episode page on the Mighty Eighth Podcast website.
With special thanks to David Pratt, Kerry Wilmot, Paul Thrower, the Woodrow family and Hardwick Airfield Museum.
Please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit the Mighty Eighth Podcast website: mighty8thpodcast.com
To contact Johann and Mike, email [email protected]
Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on X - @mighty8thpod
Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on Facebook - @mighty8thpod
Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on Instagram - @mighty8thpod
Follow Johann on X - @johanntasker
Follow Mike on X - @mikehistorian
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.