Operations

With the successful landings on Normandy, daylight operations would now become a realistic option for Bomber Command, with those into France capable of being supported by fighters. Aircraft, and sometimes even crews could be tasked with two operations in one 24-hour period.

A Handley-Page Halifax over the target during a daylight raid.

This was very new for RAF Bomber Command crews. For most, all their training had been for night operations.

Sgt Ken Downs (550 Sq.) recalled, “we were very surprised when we were woken up early for a day raid. When we went into briefing there was some sort of apologetic remark that this being the first daylight raid for some time, but ‘never mind’ it would be good experience. In fact, we were thinking losses could be quite high. Nobody expressed it, but you thought it was likely to be a bit dodgy.”

A daylight attack on Cagny, France on 18 July 1944.
The photo on left shows the target indicators, and the photo on the right the concentration of the bombing two minutes later.
(Credit: NZBCA Archives)

Despite fighter support, daylight operations were not without challenges. The intense German air defences, including anti-aircraft guns and fighter aircraft, posed a constant threat to Allied bombers and losses among bomber crews remained high throughout 1944.

No 50 Squadron, RAF Lancaster “VN-T” in formation with other Lancaster’s during a daylight operation 1944