RAF Bomber Command

At the start of hostilities The Command was in a state of transition hastily expanding to meet its commitments with obsolescent aircraft in its squadron awaiting replacement for their long range heavy bombers still being developed. In September 1959, Bomber Command only had 53 squadrons. of these, only 33 were considered to be operational, and 10 of these were immediately dispatched to France.

The Command's plans were going well, but the dangerous weather proved to be a challenge the command had to overcome. Nevertheless, attacks continued against naval vessels and ports, as well as oil installations. But in performing so many raids, the enemy grew wise and began a deadly counter attack.

During the last few months of 1941 the air staff drew up a new plan for the strategic air offensive toward Germany. It was proposed to attack 43 of the main industrial centers in Germany, employing 4000 bombers and relying upon the new navigational aids. This proposal was rejected -- but the Command continued its offensive, despite previous failures, with the aid of the US Army Air Corps.

By January 1943 with the introduction of a new aid, fresh target indicating bombs, and pyrotechnics such as the 250-pount TI Bomb, Bomber Command, lead by units of the Pathfinder Force, was almost in position to launch the long envisioned offensive against Germany. Their goal; disrupt the German infrastructure, and demoralize its troops.

Bomber Command opened the new year of 1944 with a raid on Berlin with 421 aircraft on the nights of the 1st and 2nd of January. This was followed the next night with a raid of 383 aircraft. then, on the 20th and 21st, a large force of 769 aircraft took off again for Berlin - inflicting massive damage. Before the end of the month, 3 more raids hit Berlin - the Command was on the offensive.

By early 1945 German oil and fuel production had already diminished to a relative trickle - starving the aircraft tanks and other transport vehicles. While the oil offensive was going well, the allied armies in the West were also making progress. There was still a ways to go with many obstacles to overcome, but the end was beginning to become visible.