As an observer in all of this, I am impressed by all the comments and knowledgeable inputs regarding the issue. Pontius has, it seems, hit the nail on the head on a number of occasions.
My conclusion then, as it is now, remains the same: This evolution was complex, demanding and dangerous. It was flown by competent crews in trying circumstances. Ultimately, though it was a
PR 'stunt' by the hierarchy in the RAF to remain "engaged" in the action. From a strategic perspective it achieved the square root of nothing and it most certainly was NOT the most 'daring' raid of the war - far far from it.
I have a question for those in the know:
Why did the plan require the bombs to straddle the runway at almost 70 degrees? Surely a more acute angle to the runway direction would have resulted in a greater hit rate?