Why Did Germany Stop Bombing England During World War II?

During World War II, Germany's strategy involved significant bombings of the United Kingdom, particularly the air raids known as The Blitz. However, a series of factors led Germany to shift its focus away from England and towards the Soviet Union. This article explores the reasons behind Germany's decision to stop bombing England and its strategic shift to invading Russia.

The Transition from The Blitz to Operation Barbarossa

The Blitz, a prolonged and intense bombing campaign, lasted from September 1940 to May 1941. During this period, the Luftwaffe (German air force) targeted various English cities, including London, Birmingham, and Liverpool. However, frequent losses of bombers and aircrew, combined with the need to reposition strategic forces elsewhere, resulted in a significant shift in Germany's war strategy.

Adolf Hitler's original plan was to test various military options for ending the war swiftly. This led him to order the preparation for the invasion of Britain, codenamed Operation 'Sealion.' However, to make this invasion successful, the German air force (Luftwaffe) needed to secure control of the skies over southern England and eliminate the threat posed by the RAF (Royal Air Force).

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was a crucial aerial conflict, primarily a confrontation between theLuftwaffe

and the RAF. The RAF had been evolving as an independent branch of the British armed forces since 1918, and it had a strong air defence network, including radar technology, operation rooms, and strategically organized sectors. This network, led by Air Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, played a significant role in the outcome of the battle.

RAF Fighter Command, under the leadership of British commanders, organized the defence of Britain into four geographical areas called 'Groups,' which were further divided into sectors. Each sector had a main fighter airfield, equipped with radar and operations centers that coordinated the deployment of fighter aircraft. The Battle of Britain started in July 1940 and lasted until October of the same year. Initially, the Germans targeted coastal airfields and shipping in the English Channel. However, as the battle intensified, they concentrated on airfields and communications centers in the south-east of England.

Challenges and Drawbacks

Despite the intense fighting and significant losses, the RAF managed to resist the German attacks. The situation reached a critical phase during the last week of August and the first week of September, where German efforts to destroy Fighter Command intensified. Although some airfields were damaged, most remained operational. The RAF, an international force, consisted of men from the British Commonwealth and occupied Europe, including New Zealand, India, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. Even some United States and Irish pilots participated in the battle.

The German losses, both in terms of aircraft and aircrew, were significant. The RAF, with its vast network of support services such as riggers, fitters, armourers, and repair teams, was better equipped to manage the demands of the battle. Thousands of workers in aircraft factories and the Observer Corps, which tracked incoming raids, also played crucial roles.

Failure of Operation Sealion and Redeployment

In the face of the RAF's resistance and the significant losses of German forces, Adolf Hitler eventually abandoned Operation 'Sealion.' The Battle of Britain had proven too much of a challenge, and the Luftwaffe, which was primarily focused on supporting ground troops, struggled to maintain air supremacy over Britain.

As a result, the decision was made to redeploy the Luftwaffe to assist in the invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa. However, the fact remains that the bombing of England did not stop; it merely shifted focus to other areas after the Falkenhorst incident in 1941, when an invasion of Great Britain was attempted but failed.

Ultimately, Germany's inability to control the skies over Britain and the continuous resistance offered by the RAF forced Germany to reconsider its strategy. The bombing of England did not stop until the launch sites for V1 and V2 missiles became the primary targets, signaling the shift to new technologies and tactics.

The Battle of Britain and its outcome were significant in the course of World War II, demonstrating the importance of air power and the determination of the RAF and its international allies.