FIREWORKS OVER BUDAPEST
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...