Humpday History Highlight
By Wyatt Earp | January 27, 2010
January 27, 1943 – U.S. Bombs Germans For First Time
On this day, 8th Air Force bombers, dispatched from their bases in England, fly the first American bombing raid against the Germans, targeting the Wilhelmshaven port. Of 64 planes participating in the raid, 53 reached their target and managed to shoot down 22 German planes-and lost only three planes in return.
The 8th Air Force was activated in February 1942 as a heavy bomber force based in England. Its B-17 Flying Fortresses, capable of sustaining heavy damage while continuing to fly, and its B-24 Liberators, long-range bombers, became famous for precision bombing raids, the premier example being the raid on Wilhelmshaven. Commanded at the time by Brig. Gen. Newton Longfellow, the 8th Air Force was amazingly effective and accurate in bombing warehouses and factories in this first air attack against the Axis power. (H/T – History.com)
It was right about this time when the balance of air superiority transferred from the Germans to the Americans. With P-51 Mustangs flying escort, our bombers obliterated German targets. You know the rest.
Topics: HHH | 6 Comments »
January 27th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Great history lesson.Thank-You
January 27th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Sorry to go off topic, but that miserable Kenyan in Chief has been flapping his lips at the teleprompter for nearly two yours. I almost feel sorry for those silly demokratz who have to listen to his crap.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I apologize to my TV because the Obamination has only been lying for an hour and twenty minutes. I got my times mixed up and it just seemed like over two hours. My bad!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
What the 8th Air Force accomplished is nothing short of amazing. With the losses that they sustained and the resistance that they faced with each mission, it is just remarkable.
January 27th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Yep, they did good… AND got some payback too!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Rick – Welcome. It’s a great story.
Watuschskie – I was lucky enough to be working at the time. Only saw clips and write-ups.
Ingineer66 – Agreed. Especially having to compete against the Luftwaffe.
Old NFO – Just ask Dresden.