Britain's First Military Action by Bomber Command

Britain's first military action during the conflict involved the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command, which deployed 27 aircraft with the intent to target the Kriegsmarine. However, the mission did not achieve its objective as the planes turned back without locating any targets. This initial operation marked the beginning of Britain's aerial engagements in the war. In addition to this, a series of nighttime operations known as 'nickel raids' commenced, where ten Whitley bombers dropped propaganda leaflets over key German cities including Bremen, Hamburg, and the Ruhr. These raids were designed to undermine German morale and convey messages to the civilian population. The use of propaganda was a strategic component of Britain's military approach, aiming to influence public sentiment and support for the war effort. The Bomber Command's early actions set the stage for subsequent aerial campaigns, which would evolve in scale and intensity as the conflict progressed. Over time, the role of Bomber Command expanded significantly, leading to more complex operations that included both strategic bombing and direct military engagements against enemy forces.