User:Nick-D/Drafts3

Operation Zauberflöte was conducted by the German military during World War II to return the damaged heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen from Norway to Germany. Prinz Eugen departed Trondheim in Norway on 16 May 1942 escorted by two destroyers and two torpedo boats. Allied aircraft made two unsuccessful attacks against the German force on 17 May. Nine Allied aircraft and three German aircraft were shot down. Prinz Eugen reached Germany without having incurred further damage on 18 May.