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RAF Bomber Command controlled the Royal Air Force's bomber forces from 1936 to 1968. Along with the United States Army Air Forces , it played the central role in the strategic bombing of Germany in World War II .
The aircrews of RAF Bomber Command during World War II operated a fleet of bomber aircraft carried strategic bombing operations from September 1939 to May 1945, on behalf of the Allied powers.
- 1939. © IWM (CH 17) In 1939 RAF Bomber Command had 23 operational bomber squadrons, with 280 aircraft. This modest force gave Britain the means to immediately strike back at Nazi Germany, but only against strictly military targets at first.
- 1940. © IWM (CH 364) In 1940, after Hitler's invasion of France, the RAF began a night-time bombing campaign against German industry, especially synthetic oil production.
- 1941. © IWM (CH 3175) In 1941 Bomber Command grew in strength, but navigation over blacked-out Europe was still a major problem. Setbacks in the Battle of the Atlantic meant a major effort was needed against German warships and U-boats.
- 1942. © IWM (CH 6071) In 1942 Bomber Command received a new aircraft – the Avro Lancaster – and a new leader – Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris. Accepting that precision bombing was proving impossible, the War Cabinet sanctioned 'area bombing' – the targeting of whole cities to destroy both factories and their workers.
Pages in category "Bomber squadrons of the Royal Air Force in World War II" The following 24 pages are in this category, out of 24 total. This list may not reflect recent changes .
Sergeant Frank Griggs of No. 214 Squadron, RAF examines damage to his Stirling bomber after crash-landing, 28 June 1942. Image: IWM (CH 17359) On operations, most aircrew feared anti-aircraft fire - known as flak - although statistically, they were more likely to be shot down by fighters.
Search and download Second World War RAF combat reports (AIR 50) in our catalogue (£). The records include reports from squadrons, wings and groups in Fighter, Bomber, Coastal Commands and...
May 28, 2023 · The RAF and USAF's bombing offensive against Nazi Germany was one of the most extended, Allied campaigns of WW2. Fifty-five thousand RAF aircrew lost their lives; this includes four thousand Australian aircrew serving in Bomber Command.
