What’s the Reason Behind WWII’s “Jericho Trumpets” and Why Were They Terrifying?

During World War II, the German Stuka dive bomber stood out as one of the most alarming instruments of war, chiefly due to its notorious sirens, known as the “Jericho Trumpets.” These aircraft served not only as tools of destruction but also as instruments of psychological warfare, designed to incite fear and chaos. The Stuka’s terrifying sound was intended to break the morale of those on the ground, adding a new dimension to aerial attacks.

The Emergence and Psychological Impact of the Stuka Dive Bomber

The Stuka dive bomber became a symbol of the German blitzkrieg, or “lightning war,” which featured rapid, overwhelming attacks, initially proving highly effective in the early years of the war. The Stuka played a critical role during the invasion of Poland in 1939, becoming emblematic of this new form of warfare. Its design was influenced by earlier models, notably the American Curtiss dive bomber from the 1920s. German engineer Hermann Pohlmann developed a prototype in the early 1930s, successfully tested by 1935. The Stuka saw action during the Spanish Civil War, serving as a testing ground for various German military tactics and technologies in preparation for the broader conflict to come.

What made the Stuka particularly frightening were the sirens attached to its wings. As the aircraft dove towards its target, these sirens emitted a high-pitched scream that echoed through the air, striking fear into those on the ground. The origins of this psychological weapon are unclear, with some attributing it to Ernst Udet, an influential figure in German aviation, and others suggesting it originated higher in the military hierarchy. Regardless, these sirens were fitted on the Junkers Ju 87, the primary mass-produced model of the Stuka, attached either to the leading edge of the wings or to the main gear fairing.

The Double-Edged Sword of the Stuka’s Sirens and Its Decline in Effectiveness

The sirens’ sound was likened to ancient battle cries used by civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans to intimidate enemies. These tactics aimed to unnerve adversaries before the battle commenced. However, the sirens also had a downside: They caused additional drag, slowing the aircraft by about 15 miles per hour, making it more vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter planes. Consequently, the Stuka was primarily used against lightly defended targets and less effective against well-armed opposition.

As the war progressed, the use of Stuka dive bombers decreased, especially as Allied and Soviet forces improved their aerial capabilities. The aircraft’s vulnerabilities were notably exposed during the Battle of Britain in 1940, where it struggled against a well-equipped opponent. Over time, the psychological impact of the sirens diminished, serving more as a warning to those on the ground to take cover. Later models of the Stuka were built without the sirens, with bombs instead equipped with devices to produce whistling sounds as they fell.

Despite its limitations, the Stuka dive bomber remained in use throughout the conflict due to the lack of a suitable replacement. It underwent various upgrades but could never match the air superiority of the Allies and Soviets. Its haunting sound, though iconic, became more associated with past wartime experiences than present threats. The Stuka’s legend lived on beyond the war, often misrepresented in films where its distinctive siren was used to signify any World War II aircraft.