On 18 November 1943 Harris began his Berlin offensive. "Stab"./NJG 3 under Helmut Lent was based at Stade, I./NJG 3 under "Hauptmann" Walter Milius, based at Vechta, II./NJG 3 under Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld, at Schleswig, III./NJG 3 under "Major" Bart, also at Stade, and IV./NJG 3 under "Major" Simon at Grove, prepared to meet the offensive. II./NJG 3, to which Raht's most recent unit, 4. "Staffel", belonged was equipped with an assortment of Junkers Ju 88C, Messerschmitt Bf 110G and Dornier Do 217 night fighters.