The
Allied strategic bomber offensive was
meant to destroy Germany’s ability
to wage war. Therefore, most targets
were cities with military and industrial
facilities. Canada’s contribution
to this campaign was an extremely powerful
aerial striking force. Organized in January
1943 as No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) Group of Bomber
Command, it eventually included nearly
300 four-engined Halifax or Lancaster
heavy bombers, each carrying several
tons of bombs. At first, No. 6 Group
suffered heavy losses but better equipment,
training, and tactics improved the situation.
Some 9980 Canadian airmen were killed
during Bomber Command operations.
Historians
have hotly debated the morality and effectiveness
of strategic bombing.
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