Table of Contents
What were the RAF pilots told to target in 1942?
The RAF determined early in the war that it could not precisely hit individual targets and took heavy losses in trying. It switched in 1942 to area bombing at night, targeting German cities in support of a national policy of “dehousing” German citizens and workers.
How many German bombers did the RAF shoot down?
RAF pilots shot down 56 Luftwaffe aircraft, and many others limped back to their bases in France with major damage or went down in the Channel. The RAF lost 28.
What did the RAF do during the Blitz?
RAF Fighter Command defeated the Luftwaffe in the skies over southern England, and helped save a nation which appeared to be teetering on the brink of defeat.
Did Spitfires fly at night?
Only three Spitfire squadrons were trained to fly at night. At the same we did daytime flying. But the Spitfire was a terrible airplane to fly at night. The flames from the exhaust, you’d sit around with dark glasses on, go out to the airplane, start up, taxi out.
How many planes did the RAF lost in ww2?
8,325 aircraft
In total 364,514 operational sorties were flown and 8,325 aircraft lost in action.
Why was the RAF important in WW2?
The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) bombing offensive against Nazi Germany was one of the longest, most expensive and controversial of the Allied campaigns during the Second World War. Its aim was to severely weaken Germany’s ability to fight, which was central to the Allies’ strategy for winning the war.
How many fighters did the RAF have in WW2?
At the height of the Battle of Britain, the RAF had only 749 fighter aircraft available, against 2,550 Luftwaffe aircraft.
Why does the Royal Air Force (RAF) have wings?
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has used various ‘wings’ brevets as identifying symbols for aircrew since its formation, with hotly-contested political debates within the service over their symbolic value dating back to the time of their introduction by the Royal Flying Corps. [1]
Why did the RAF stop using the 50 inch roundels?
The 50 inch upper and lower Type A wing roundels however, were not outlined in white. With the Expansion Scheme for the modernisation of the RAF’s frontline fighters came the decision to do away with the interwar heraldic schemes and move towards a disruptiv
Why does the RAF have a yellow ring around its aircraft?
With the Expansion Scheme for the modernisation of the RAF’s frontline fighters came the decision to do away with the interwar heraldic schemes and move towards a disruptiv All upper surface roundels initially had the yellow ring around them, it wasn’t just the fuselage.
How are planes cut down for disposal?
Interior items of the aircraft such as radios, oxygen equipment, handguns, manuals, life rafts, fire extinguishers and instruments were removed. The main aircraft airframe was then sliced into major pieces using a guillotine. Some hand cutting of smaller parts was also done.