The Bombing Campaign of World War Two

The bombing campaign or 'strategic bombing' during World War Two refers to the sustained aerial attack of enemy territory in a bid to weaken them, with targets including key political and industrial landmarks. Many of the areas targeted were heavily populated by civilians, with some targets chosen purely for the high civilian density to ensure as much disruption as possible.

Both Allied and Axis Powers used strategic bombing against the opposition during the war, but Britain was a key force in the Allied bombing campaign. This was particularly the case after the issue of the Area Bombing Directive in February 1942, which gave RAF Bomber Command priority over all other committments. Just one week later, Sir Arthur Harris was appointed as the new head of Bomber Command and soon began imposing his belief that air power could be the key to victory in modern warfare.

Click on the links below to find out more about some of the key moments in the history of strategic bombing during World War Two: