Best RAF raid of WW2 (1 Viewer)
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Jack
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The best raid in terms of a propaganda victory was of course the raid on the dams. Though not a great success in terms of the results achieved it stands as a masterpiece of British ingenuity and courage. The later precision raids with the earthquake bombs are a stand out as well.
But for me the Fairy Battles which attacked the bridges over the Albert Canal in May 1940 stand apart from everything. Six volunteer crews, five making the target and four being shot down. Two VCs for one pilot and his observer, but nothing for the third crewmember - how do the authorities always get it so wrong?
Like the torpedo attack at Midway by the Americans, this was always little more than a suicide mission. In an age when sporting stars are called heroes, this kind of thing still stands for something worthwhile and meaningful.
But for me the Fairy Battles which attacked the bridges over the Albert Canal in May 1940 stand apart from everything. Six volunteer crews, five making the target and four being shot down. Two VCs for one pilot and his observer, but nothing for the third crewmember - how do the authorities always get it so wrong?
Like the torpedo attack at Midway by the Americans, this was always little more than a suicide mission. In an age when sporting stars are called heroes, this kind of thing still stands for something worthwhile and meaningful.
waynepoo
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A good question, I would say the Dambuster raids were one of the most daring attacks by Bomber command, using the word ''best'' might be bit problematic, I think destructive is more to the point, then the Hamburg and Dresden fire storms would qualify. A controversial topic, sure to generate a lively debate.
Wayne.
Wayne.
Mitch
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All of them!!!! Being a little biased, with family who flew in Lancs, I would say that. For me, the operations against the Dams are the most daring raids in aircraft of the entire WWII campaign. The raid against the Tirpitz was also astonishing.
worthy of mention, no single raid in particular, the day and night raids over Germany superb and the bravery staggers belief. Lets hope everyone ignores the lively discussion topic mentioned sadly about dresden and others.
Finally, but, not least, the fairy swordfish guys who took on the Bismarck and disabled her so the RN could dispatch her to the bottom of the sea
Mitch
worthy of mention, no single raid in particular, the day and night raids over Germany superb and the bravery staggers belief. Lets hope everyone ignores the lively discussion topic mentioned sadly about dresden and others.
Finally, but, not least, the fairy swordfish guys who took on the Bismarck and disabled her so the RN could dispatch her to the bottom of the sea
Mitch
uksubs
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Well it hard to pick one but for me the raid on Peenemunde was very important as it slowed down the V weapon program and made them move production to Poland., what was also interesting is how the RAF tricked the German night force that the main raid was for Berlin by sending Mosquitos
Phantom Warrior
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I would have to go with the Swordfish raid from a British aircraft carrier on the Italian fleet at Taranto in 1940. They took out half the Italian fleet and changed the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean and made the British campaign in North Africa easier and the Italian effort more difficult.
Historically it was the first carrier torpedo attack of all aircraft on a naval fleet and innovated the dropping of torpedos into shallow water - something the experts thought impossible. Unfortunately the Japanese studied the raid and the technique and used the same tactics and innovations at Pearl Harbor.
Terry
Historically it was the first carrier torpedo attack of all aircraft on a naval fleet and innovated the dropping of torpedos into shallow water - something the experts thought impossible. Unfortunately the Japanese studied the raid and the technique and used the same tactics and innovations at Pearl Harbor.
Terry