Strana 12
HISTORY
In 1944 Hungarian oil took on an added importance in the planning of Germany’s
oil plant dispersal program. Hungarian crude had always been of particular value
in view of its 30 per cent gasoline content as compared with an average gasoline
content of German and Austrian crude oils of not more than 10 per cent. In the
Geilenberg dispersal program an important part in gasoline production was to
be played by the plants designated as Ofen, which were primitive topping plants.
Over twenty of these plants were planned and their most efficient feedstock
would have been Hungarian crude by the use of which the gasoline offtake of
these plants would ‘have been three times as large as the use of German crudes
would have allowed. While the capacities of the Hungarian refineries were small
compared to other larger refineries in other Axis held European countries, their
value to the Axis was greatly out of proportion to their capacities because of
their strategic locations and because Hungarian crude oil was being produced in
excess of Hungarian refining capacity. Air offensive against Hungarian important
strategical war targets started in February 1944, but the first raid on oil refinery
was on 14 June 1944, performed by the USAAF during daylight. The first night
attack of the RAF bombers was realized on night from 12 to 13. June 1944, when oil
refinery was bombed. The raiders were the crews of 205. Group RAF. And more
attacks on Hungarian oil refineries followed...
Sky over Budapest. Flares and markers
from the bomber decks fall from the
mountain, and anti-aircraft artillery head
-
lights and missile missiles illuminate the
attackers from the ground.
INFO Eduard12
October 2024