No. 6 Group lost 100 bombers in air raids over Germany, suffering a 7% loss ratio. Morale suffered because of the heavy losses, with many bombers became unserviceable, failed to take off or returned early. On the night of 20 January 1944, 6 Group was ordered to bomb Berlin. Of the 147 bombers ordered to bomb Berlin, 3 could not take off, 17 turned back over the North Sea, and 9 were shot down. The next night, when 125 bombers were ordered to strike Berlin, 11 failed to take off, 12 turned back and 24 were shot down over Germany. The losses together with the morale problems were felt to be almost a crisis, which led to a new commander for 6 Group being appointed.