V-2 Launch Sites

The V-2 campaign was initially to be launched from the four massive bunkers (red markers) in France. Allied bombing made this impossible so launches were carried out employing mobile launchers which could operate from any level, firm surface. Consequently little evidence of the actual launch pad is left behind. These sites were often in wooded areas (concealment and wind protection) or in urban areas which were more difficult for the Allies to bomb. The Hague had at least 26 separate sites, mainly in the built-up environment. ( Much of this information was obtained from


London was the target for 1358 missiles; Antwerp was targeted 1664 times. Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester were targeted but not hit due to the inaccuracy of the weapon. By war's end a total of 3172 missiles had been launched.



Yellow = portable launchers

Red =concrete bunkers

White = unknown type

Blue = various portable sites in Germany with European cities as targets, especially Antwerp. These sites were numerous, hidden in forests and constantly on the move because of fighter-bomber attacks.



The V2 campaign ran from September 8, 1944 until April 7, 1945. t that time remaining crew became infantry.



en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-2_rocket





A highly detailed portrayal of the fueling and launch process.

(40 minutes)





V-2 Launch Sites.kmz (5.04 KB)













































S

Another great post 

It was challenging to search out the sites but the topic is fascinating.  Thanks for the feedback.

Thanx, very interesting !

V2 as a weapon was a major failure, not only about military effectiveness but also about cost vs efficiency.
IIRC V2 cost was the same as a B-24, with the difference that a B-24 could carry more explosive load and was reusable !
On a more sad point of view, more "arbeiter" were killed manufacturing that thing than were killed by its military use.

Some more reading : 

www.v2rocket.com/

www.v2rocket.com/start/chapters/antwerp.html

Map of V1 & V2 hits on Antwerp (from the site above) :

Very interesting map - thank you!  I knew that Antwerp received more stan strikes than London. This illustrates it.