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Strategic bombing during World War II was unlike anything the world had previously witnessed. The British attack on German cities was agreed by the Cabinet in 1942 after a paper was presented by Professor Lindemann, the British government’s leading scientific adviser with a seat in the Cabinet, proposing the “dehousing” of the German workforce through area aerial bombing of German cities. Air Marshal Arthur “Bomber” Harris was appointed to carry out the task and issued a new directive. As the campaign developed, improvements in the accuracy of the RAF raids were by better crew training, electronic aid, and new tactics such as the creation of a “pathfinder” force to mark targets for the main force.

Cyril Joe Barton was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was 22 years old and a Pilot Officer in the 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War II. On March 30, 1944, in an attack on Nuremburg, Germany, 70 miles from the target PO Barton’s Halifax bomber was badly damaged by enemy aircraft. A misinterpreted signal resulted in three of the crew bailing out, and PO Barton was left with no navigator, air bomber, or wireless operator. He pressed on with the attack, however, releasing the bombs himself. On the return journey, as he crossed the English coast the fuel ran short, and with only one engine working, he crashed trying to avoid the houses of the village of Ryhope, near Sunderland, and was killed. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum.