Richard J Backus

Defense of Antwerp Against the V-1 Missile Richard J Backus

Publisher Marketing: This thesis is an incomplete historical investigation of the World War II allied defense of Antwerp, Belgium, against the German V-l pilotless aircraft. The purpose is to establish the reasons for the defense's success, and failure thru an analysis of the defense in terms of the air defense engagement functions: detection, identification, interception and destruction. The V-l missile originated in 1907 with the initial conception of a pulse-jet engine and culminated with test firings in the winter of 1942-43. The V-l's range was about 150 miles and it carried over 1,900 pounds of high explosives in its warhead. The Germans initially employed the V-l from launch sites in France aiming them at London. The British were prepared and after a shake-down period they established a formidable defense. The Allied invasion of the European continent and subsequent geographic gains caused a temporary lull in attacks against London. Logistical problems occurring on the continent threatened to halt offensive operations Until the British 21 Army group overran the port of Antwerp. This port promised to be a solution to the mounting supply difficulties. The Germans recognized Antwerp's significance to future Allied operations and took action to attack the city with the V-l missile. Allies realized the German intent and established a defense primarily composed of U. S. anti-aircraft units. The London experience had demonstrated the value of anti-aircraft artillery and exposed the weaknesses of a defense employing fighter aircraft. The V-1 attacks began in October 1944 and ended in March 1945. During this time 4,883 V-l's were detected by the defense. More than 2,500 V-1 were designated as vital area threats. The defense destroyed over 70 per cent of these. Only 211 landed within the designated vital area. Detection was accomplished with a high degree of success.