What did Pathfinders do in ww2?

During World War II, the pathfinders were a group of volunteers selected within the Airborne units who were specially trained to operate navigation aids to guide the main airborne body to the drop zones.

What were British airmen ordered to target beginning in 1942?

From 1942 onward, the British bombing campaign against Germany became less restrictive and increasingly targeted industrial sites and the civilian manpower base essential for German war production. In total 364,514 operational sorties were flown, 1,030,500 tons of bombs were dropped and 8,325 aircraft lost in action.

How many bombers did the RAF lose in ww2?

8,325 aircraft
In total 364,514 operational sorties were flown and 8,325 aircraft lost in action. Bomber Command aircrews suffered a high casualty rate: of a total of 125,000 aircrew, 57,205 were killed (a 46 percent death rate), a further 8,403 were wounded in action and 9,838 became prisoners of war.

What bomber did the RAF use in ww2?

Bristol Blenheim The Blenheim was a light bomber which was used in daylight bombing raids in 1940. Consolidated B24 Liberator American four-engined bomber supplied to the RAF.

What does a pathfinder do?

Purpose: Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. The Pathfinders’ secondary missions include providing advice and limited aid to units planning air assault or airdrop operations.

Does the RAF use bombers?

The RAF adopted the doctrine of strategic bombing, which led to the construction of long-range bombers and became its main bombing strategy in the Second World War.

Why was RAF formed?

Specialised Force When the RFC and RNAS merged to form the Royal Air Force (RAF), concerns were raised about the loss of their specialised female workforce. This need for a separate women’s air service led to the formation of the WRAF on April 1 1918.