Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

Air Raids

Discussion in 'WWII General' started by GunSlinger86, May 24, 2020.

  1. GunSlinger86

    GunSlinger86 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2013
    Messages:
    1,152
    Likes Received:
    45
    Does anyone know the average size daylight raid that Germany would send during the height of the Battle of Britain? I was just reading about the 8th, and at one point, late 1944-1945 the 8th was sending 1000 plus bombers and 1000 plus fighters in single raids, with the same amount in reserve. That's kind of unbelievable that just one of the USAAF forces could put up those numbers, not counting the Mediterranean or the Pacific.
     
  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    14,288
    Likes Received:
    2,605
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Came across this in Wiki. this was probably the most aircraft Germany threw at England.
    On Sunday, 15 September 1940, the Luftwaffe launched its largest and most concentrated attack against London in the hope of drawing out the RAF into a battle of annihilation. Around 1,500 aircraft took part in the air battles which lasted until dusk.[4] The action was the climax of the Battle of Britain.[16]
    Battle of Britain Day - Wikipedia
     
  3. GunSlinger86

    GunSlinger86 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2013
    Messages:
    1,152
    Likes Received:
    45
    That was pretty much most of the German forces in one raid. Was the shortage of fighters for England about the pilots actual planes? I've read that they were making 100 fighters per week through that period, and that they had manufactured some 2000 plus fighters by the time the Battle of Britain reached it's peak.
     
  4. GunSlinger86

    GunSlinger86 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2013
    Messages:
    1,152
    Likes Received:
    45
    The Air War, especially the 8th against the Luftwaffe, was just as important as a theater of war as any other. I've read a bunch of articles and documentaries that slam the Western war effort against Germany. Air superiority had to be gained in the West, American planes and pilots were high in number compared to counterparts, they were performing the most dangerous combat task for air forces, daylight raids against well-defended territory, and that was just the 8th. they suffered heavy losses and occupied the German Luftwaffe, handing Air superiority to Russia on the Eastern Front.
     

Share This Page