 The raids were escorted by about 60 Bf 110s of ZG 2, and V./LG 1 and 173 Bf 109s from JG 27, JG 53 and JG 3, which all flew ahead of the bomber stream to clear the airspace of enemy fighters.StG 77's target was obscured by cloud, but KG 54 continued to their target.RAF fighters from RAF Northolt, RAF Tangmere and RAF Middle Wallop intercepted.