The first named air battle of World War Two

On Monday 18th December 1939 a joint formation of 24 bombers took off from RAF Mildenhall, Honington and Feltwell. A chilly, bright morning during the coldest winter for 45 years. Visibility was clear at over 50 miles. The order was to attack German warships at sea off Wilhelmshaven. On reaching the target area they encountered a potent force of Luftwaffe fighters. In little more than 30 minutes the damage inflicted on the RAF resulted in the loss of 12 Wellingtons and 57 airmen, an absolute disaster so early in the war. The Luftwaffe lost two pilots. This outcome influenced Bomber Command's decision to switch from daylight raids to night-time operations. Winston Churchill had yet to take over as Prime Minister. 'The Fall of France' and 'The Battle of Britain' were some months off.