Watch Rare Footage of Devastating Allied Bombings Target Axis Cities and Islands

The Air War Over Europe

From airfields across England, British and American bombers took off day and night to strike at German-held positions. These missions formed part of one of the largest aerial campaigns in history, aimed at weakening Germany’s ability to resist Allied advances. Armed with heavy bombs and protected by turret gunners, the aircraft flew across the English Channel to their targets.

In one scene, Allied bombers hit railway yards and airports in France, dropping their loads in tight patterns. After a successful mission, the planes turned for home, passing fresh bomber formations heading out. The air war became a constant cycle, with squadrons in the air around the clock.

The Campaign in the Mediterranean

In North Africa, American aviation hero Captain Eddie Rickenbacker met with pilots under General James Doolittle. These crews were assigned to strike Italy and the nearby islands. Their goal was to destroy supply lines and soften defenses before any planned invasions.

One bombing mission targeted the port of Marsala in Sicily. Just 90 miles from North Africa, the port held Axis ships and important dock facilities. The bombers hit their marks, destroying ships, piers, and gun positions. Many aircraft came back with damage, but every plane returned to base.

Island Targets in the Pacific

In the Pacific theater, U.S. Liberator bombers focused on Nauru, an island base held by Japanese forces. The raid left the island burning. These attacks were part of a wider strategy to cut off Japanese supply routes and reduce their air and naval power.

In the Aleutians, planes bombed Japanese positions on Attu and later Kiska. From remote bases, pilots flew through cold winds and over snowy peaks to hit airfields and submarine bases. Gunners fought off enemy aircraft, and crews dropped bombs in both high-altitude and low-level attacks before landing on soaked and slippery runways. These missions stretched across oceans, bringing the fight directly to enemy territory.

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