But they did so at a dreadful price, and lost 42 bombers to JG 54.
They lost 33 fighters and three bombers in comparison to the destruction of 10 German aircraft.
One of the freighters was set ablaze, but the British lost two bombers to the escorts.
German night fighters are well positioned for interception, and the British lose 43 bombers (7.6 percent of the force).
German night fighters intercept the raid and the British lose 40 bombers (8.7 percent of the force).
The 8th lost 31 bombers, the 15th lost 33.
In the first month of the war they lost 47 bombers with their crews.
Overall the attackers lost six bombers and 12 Bf 109s, some 12.5% of its strength.
In total, the Luftwaffe had lost 21 bombers destroyed, and scores damaged.
Besides the losses afloat, the Japanese lost some 50 land-based bombers as well.