Daylight bombing raid images released

Aerial photographs from a Second World War bombing raid are now available on the NCAP website. Taken by eight different aircraft, the photographs show Blenheim bombers escorted by Spitfire fighters on 13 October 1941. On this day, RAF crews from 114 and 139 squadrons bombed Mazingarbe ammonia works in northern France.

During 1941, the RAF launched a series of daylight operations over occupied Europe. Bombers, escorted by fighters, tempted German fighters into giving combat. British bombers of the time proved to be too vulnerable to anti-aircraft artillery and enemy fighters during daylight raids. Bomber Command thereafter switched to operations at night.

View the images from this raid