Fourteenth Mission, 23 March 1945   Target: Rail Yards, Holzwickede, Germany

Tony's Mission Log:

The Eighth Air Force continues bombing ahead of the Allied Armies going across the Rhine. This time, the mission involves destroying transportation targets in the Ruhr, including Holzwickede, a small town just 33 miles East of yesterday's target, Mulheim. 

On the following day, 24 March 1945, Operation Varsity started. It was the largest Airborne Operation ever made in one day. It involved more than 16,000 paratroopers and thousands of transport planes,gliders, and supporting aircraft. 

Target for the day in the context of Operation Varsity. 

This is a good documentary of the crossing of the Rhine and Operation Varsity. A costly operation that paid good dividends. 

Tony's crew did not fly another mission for about a week. It is possible that they got some R+R time. The destination of choice was London, which offered many entertainment opportunities and could be easily reached by train from Sudbury. Piccadilly Circus was particularly notorious for wild partying!  

The Rainbow Corner Club, operated by the American Red Cross. A must visit while in London.

Playing Pinball at the Rainbow Corner. 

One of many dances hosted at the Rainbow Club.