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World War 2 - Audio Clips Library
27. RAF operational briefing
RAF bomber crew study plans
RAF bomber crew studying plans for the next mission
 View photo
Context:
After Dunkirk the planes of RAF Bomber Command became the only means of attacking the enemy.

The RAF carried out bombing missions over Germany throughout the war, but the activity escalated from 1942 onwards after a strategic decision was taken to switch from exclusively military targets to the bombing of cities.

Hence the experiences of British civilians during the Blitz became the experiences of German civilians also.

Many people feel that the strategic bombing campaign was entirely justified by Nazi Germany's own actions. But it remains a contentious issue and perhaps a question mark against the conduct of the Allies during the War.

Transcript:
For the...er...operation tonight, all our aircraft are on the same targets...and we shall not be able to give you the area...or your time of take off...until 4 o'clock. So I want captains to report to the Operations Room at 4 o'clock and we'll let you know your target area and time of take off then.


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