Operation Steinbock: The Luftwaffe's Disastrous Final Blitz on Britain
Operation Steinbock, which marked Hitler's final significant bombing campaign against Great Britain, took place from January to May 1944. This operation ended in failure for the Luftwaffe, ceasing its strategic bombing efforts for the remainder of World War II. Initiated by Hitler as a response to Allied airstrikes, the first attack occurred on January 21-22, 1944, and was referred to as the 'Baby Blitz,' focusing on London. Commanded by Generalleutnant Josef Kammhuber and involving Hermann Göring, the Luftwaffe deployed nearly 500 aircraft, primarily targeting Greater London and key industrial hubs. British defenses caused substantial losses, prompting the reassignment of some squadrons by March. By May 1944, the Luftwaffe had lost 329 planes, severely weakening its bomber capabilities and concluding extensive operations.
Key facts
- Operation Steinbock was a Luftwaffe bombing campaign against Great Britain from January to May 1944.
- Hitler ordered the operation in retaliation for Allied bombing raids on German cities.
- The first raid occurred on the night of January 21-22, 1944, with 229 bombers attacking London.
- Generalleutnant Josef Kammhuber commanded the campaign.
- The Luftwaffe assembled nearly 500 aircraft from at least six Kampfgeschwaders.
- Targets included London, Bristol, Sandwich, and Hull.
- British radar-guided anti-aircraft guns inflicted heavy losses on the Luftwaffe.
- By May 1944, the Luftwaffe had lost 329 planes, 70% of its operational strength, and no further large-scale bomber campaigns were attempted.
Entities
Artists
- Adolf Hitler
- Hermann Göring
- Josef Kammhuber
- Albert Speer
Institutions
- Luftwaffe
- Wehrmacht
Locations
- Germany
- Great Britain
- England
- London
- Bristol
- Sandwich
- Hull
- France
- Normandy
- Eastern Front