76 years ago today, @IXBSqn and 617 Squadron launched from @RAFLossiemouth, @Kinloss_Bks & Miltown airfields for Operation Catechism.

This daring mission would mark the demise of the German battleship Tirpitz, known as "The Beast"...

Here's the story

#Tirpitz #Megathread

One of two Bismarck-class battleships, #Tirpitz was a potent threat to the @RoyalNavy and allied vessels in the region.

Commanders worried that convoys from Great Britain to the Soviet Union carrying supplies would be targeted.

It was agreed: Tirpitz must be sunk.

2/

Around 26 attacks were recorded against #Tirpitz from 1940-44 by air and sea, involving over 1,000 aircraft.

Allied forces were determined to neutralise the threat the battleship posed to Arctic convoys.

In 1944, the task was transferred to No. 5 Group @RoyalAirForce.

3/

The first raid by @IXBSqn and 617 Sqn against #Tirpitz was named Op Paravene, launched from Yagodnik in north-west Russia on 15 Sep 44.

The 27 Lancaster bombers were detected early, giving the crew of Tirpitz time to create a smokescreen.

Tirpitz suffered no damage.

4/

The second raid against Tirpitz was named Op Obivate.

Intelligence confirmed #Tirpitz was moored near Tromsø in Norway. Extra fuel tanks were added to the Lancasters, and the raid was launched from @RAFLossiemouth, @Kinloss_Bks & Miltown on 29 Oct 44.

5/

Much like its predecessor, Op Obivate was largely unsuccessful, causing only minor damage to the battleship.

"Congratulations on your splendid flight and perseverance. Luck won't always favour the Tirpitz...

"One day you'll get her."

Air Cdre Ralph Cochrane
No. 5 Group

6/

Finally, #Tirpitz would run out of luck on 12 Nov 44, when @IXBSqn & 617 Sqn launched their third and final raid.

32 Lancaster bombers armed with 12,000lbs Tallboy bombs departed from @RAFLossiemouth, @Kinloss_Bks & Miltown airfields from 0300 on Operation Catechism.

7/

Two Tallboy bombs hit the deck of #Tirpitz, causing severe damage, flooding and fires. Many of the bombs that missed destabilised the already damaged battleship.

The ship's captain ordered it to be abandoned, and at 0952 Tirpitz capsized.

8/

News of Op Catechism's success was far reaching.

The destruction of #Tirpitz meant more than half of the home fleet, once dedicated to hunting the battleship, could be redeployed elsewhere.

The threat of Tirpitz was no more!

9/

Where are they now?

@IXBSqn fly the @Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from the premier Station that is @RAFLossiemouth.

617 Sqn fly @theF35 Lightning II from @RAF_Marham, completing flights from @HMSQNLZ as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group back in May.

10/ #Tirpitz

Who dealt the final blow to #Tirpitz?

The jury's out! Which of the Squadrons do you think it was, and why?

11/