The list includes combined arms operations, defensive anti-aircraft warfare , and encompasses areas within the territorial waters of belligerent European states. At am German ground forces cross the Polish border launching the invasion of Poland. The first air attacks against Warsaw start. The attack represented the first Allied bombing raid to be conducted against a target in territory within the Third Reich.
Flying a Bristol Blenheim from Squadron , his mission is to identify German maritime targets around Wilhelmshaven. Eighteen Handley Page Hampdens and nine Vickers Wellingtons are sent to attack the German warships moored at the Wilhelmshaven naval base. However poor visibility prevents the bombers from finding any targets before nightfall so they return. Fourteen Wellingtons from 9 and Squadrons attack Brunsbuttel and 15 Bristol Blenheims from and Squadrons raid Wilhelmshaven bay.
Five Blenheims and three Vickers Wellingtons are shot down through a combination of Messerschmitt Bf s and flak. They become the first British aircraft losses on the Western Front. He was captured after his Bristol Blenheim was shot down over the German coast. Three hours after the Red Army had crossed the border and started the Winter War, Helsinki is bombed. Throughout the war, the Soviet Air Force has the air superiority and several cities in Finland are targeted.
In 72 hours, it had lost half of its offensive force. Half of the 12 bombers were shot down for little damage caused. Of the 1, aircraft sent, nearly bombed the target area - the whole raid passing over in 90 minutes. All six German airmen are killed as the plane explodes and goes into the sea. The raid sustained the heaviest losses until that point in the air war.
A large number of the bombers are lost for little strategic benefit. Five Medals of Honor are awarded to American aircrew. British aircraft operate diversionary attacks. There were 83 military casualties from the poison.
