Night bombing of Germany, World War II
Night bombing of Germany, World War II. Aerial footage from an Allied aircraft of a night bombing raid over Germany during World War II (1939-1945). The strategic bombing of Germany during World War II involved the targeting of industrial and civilian targets by British and US bombers. Area bombing of Germany from 1942 onwards was carried out under the direction of RAF Bomber Command and the US Air Force. Thousands of bombers were used and hundreds of raids carried out. The campaign caused huge amounts of destruction in German cities, though the impact on the German war effort was less than expected. It is thought between 300,000 and 600,000 civilians were killed, and around 160,000 airmen lost.