Aerial Campaigns
Here we examine notable aerial battles and campaigns, from zeppelins in World War I to stealth bombers over Iraq today.
Spanish Civil War: Bombing of Guernica
The Bombing of Guernica occurred on April 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. Taking off, planes of the German Condor Legion attacked the city of Guernica in support of Nationalist troops. Striking Guernica, the planes caused heavy civilian casualties.
The Bombing of Guernica occurred on April 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. Taking off, planes of the German Condor Legion attacked the city of Guernica in support of Nationalist troops. Striking Guernica, the planes caused heavy civilian casualties.
World War II: Doolittle Raid
The Doolittle Raid was launched on April 18, 1942, and was the first Allied attack to strike the Japanese homeland. Flying B-25 bombers from USS Hornet, the Doolittle raiders struck targets in Tokyo and other cities. While the Doolittle Raid did little physical damage, it provided a significant boost to American morale.
The Doolittle Raid was launched on April 18, 1942, and was the first Allied attack to strike the Japanese homeland. Flying B-25 bombers from USS Hornet, the Doolittle raiders struck targets in Tokyo and other cities. While the Doolittle Raid did little physical damage, it provided a significant boost to American morale.
World War II: Operation Chastise - The Dambuster Raids
The Dambuster Raids were conducted May 17, 1943, against several dams in Germany. Utilizing special "bouncing bombs," British bombers struck multiple dams with the goal of flooding industrial areas. Dubbed Operation Chastise, the missions succeeded in damaging the Eder and Möhne dams.
The Dambuster Raids were conducted May 17, 1943, against several dams in Germany. Utilizing special "bouncing bombs," British bombers struck multiple dams with the goal of flooding industrial areas. Dubbed Operation Chastise, the missions succeeded in damaging the Eder and Möhne dams.
World War II: Operation Gomorrah - Firebombing Hamburg
Beginning on July 24, 1943, Operation Gomorrah was a coordinated bombing assault on the city of Hamburg, Germany. Striking the city continuously for eight days and seven nights, American and British bombers reduced much of Hamburg to rubble, killing 50,000 and leaving over a million Germans homeless.
Beginning on July 24, 1943, Operation Gomorrah was a coordinated bombing assault on the city of Hamburg, Germany. Striking the city continuously for eight days and seven nights, American and British bombers reduced much of Hamburg to rubble, killing 50,000 and leaving over a million Germans homeless.
World War II: Schweinfurt-Regensburg Raid
The first Schweinfurt-Regensburg Raid took place on August 17, 1943 and struck German aircraft and ball bearing plants. Departing from England, American bombers stuck targets in Regensburg before flying on to North Africa. A second wave hit Schweinfurt a short time later. The double attack inflicted heavy damage on German industry.
The first Schweinfurt-Regensburg Raid took place on August 17, 1943 and struck German aircraft and ball bearing plants. Departing from England, American bombers stuck targets in Regensburg before flying on to North Africa. A second wave hit Schweinfurt a short time later. The double attack inflicted heavy damage on German industry.
World War II: Operations Manna & Chowhound
Operations Manna and Chowhound were launched in April-May 1945, in an effort to alleviate starvation in the Netherlands. Flown by the RAF and US Army Air Force, Manna-Chowhound missions dropped food over occupied areas. Concluding May 8, the operations provided over 10,000 tons of food.
Operations Manna and Chowhound were launched in April-May 1945, in an effort to alleviate starvation in the Netherlands. Flown by the RAF and US Army Air Force, Manna-Chowhound missions dropped food over occupied areas. Concluding May 8, the operations provided over 10,000 tons of food.
Cold War: Berlin Airlift
The Berlin Airlift was the response of the Western Allies to the Soviet Union shutting down access to Berlin in June 1948. Flying from Allied occupation zones, the Berlin Airlift provided West Berlin with food, fuel, and supplies through the winter of 1948/1949. A massive effort, the Berlin Airlift forced the Soviets to end the blockade.
The Berlin Airlift was the response of the Western Allies to the Soviet Union shutting down access to Berlin in June 1948. Flying from Allied occupation zones, the Berlin Airlift provided West Berlin with food, fuel, and supplies through the winter of 1948/1949. A massive effort, the Berlin Airlift forced the Soviets to end the blockade.
Kosovo War: Operation Allied Force
Operation Allied Force began in March 1999, following Yugoslavia's refusal end repression and violence in Kosovo. Flying from bases in Italy and the Adriatic Sea, NATO aircraft struck targets across Yugoslavia and Kosovo. On June 12, Operation Allied Force ended following Slobodan Milosevic's acceptence of an UN occupation of Kosovo.
Operation Allied Force began in March 1999, following Yugoslavia's refusal end repression and violence in Kosovo. Flying from bases in Italy and the Adriatic Sea, NATO aircraft struck targets across Yugoslavia and Kosovo. On June 12, Operation Allied Force ended following Slobodan Milosevic's acceptence of an UN occupation of Kosovo.
The Great Zeppelin Raid, 1916
An overview of the Great Zeppelin Raid during World War I. Occurring on January 31, 1916, the German airships bombed towns all across England.
An overview of the Great Zeppelin Raid during World War I. Occurring on January 31, 1916, the German airships bombed towns all across England.
German Condor Legion in Spain
An extensive history of the German Condor Legion's operations and activities during the Spanish Civil War.
An extensive history of the German Condor Legion's operations and activities during the Spanish Civil War.
The Dam Busters Raid - May 16/17 1943
This site provides a wealth of detailed information regarding the attacks on German dams in the Ruhr Valley by No. 617 Squadron of the RAF during World War II.
This site provides a wealth of detailed information regarding the attacks on German dams in the Ruhr Valley by No. 617 Squadron of the RAF during World War II.
Strategic Bombing Over Japan in World War II
A discussion of the US Army Air Force's strategic and firebombing campaigns over Japan during the latter years of World War II.
A discussion of the US Army Air Force's strategic and firebombing campaigns over Japan during the latter years of World War II.
Overview of Korean War Air Operations
A brief look at aerial operations and technological advances during the Korean War.
A brief look at aerial operations and technological advances during the Korean War.