RAF Bomber Command Offensive

Under Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris, RAF Bomber Command expanded its night offensive against German cities and industrial targets. Heavy bombers operated in large streams supported by navigation aids, pathfinders and electronic countermeasures, while German night fighters, radar and anti-aircraft guns developed an increasingly organised defence.

The campaign imposed severe losses on German cities and industry but also caused mass civilian casualties and remained controversial over its strategic effectiveness and methods. Aircrew faced exceptionally high casualty rates, and the machinery of each raid depended on extensive planning, maintenance, meteorology and ground control.