14. The USAAF suspended bombing raids into Germany in October, 1943
In August 1943, the American Eighth Air Force bombed the ball-bearing factories at Schweinfurt and Regensburg. The Americans claimed production of the critical machinery component was reduced by 34% (a claim later proven unreasonably optimistic), a second raid was required. Losses were so heavy that they had to be delayed until lost aircraft, and aircrew was replaced. On the second mission, escort fighters went with the bombers on part of the outward leg, and others met them for the return leg. But no escorts yet existed which could accompany the bombers all the way to the target and back. On October 14, 1943, 291 bombers were sent to strike Schweinfurt’s factories again.
60 bombers never returned, and 17 more were too badly damaged to be repaired. More than 100 others required repairs to be made airworthy. Almost 600 airmen were killed in the raid, and more than 60 bailed out to become prisoners of war. German production of ball bearings was barely dented, the reserves they held were more than sufficient to continue production of equipment unabated. The Americans were forced to suspend raids deep into Germany due to the losses sustained and the inability to provide fighter escorts to the bombers. The Luftwaffe continued to gain strength despite the massive bombing raids, and the heavy casualties the Allies sustained conducting them.
