Operation Bellicose Lancaster Raid Deep Into Germany

In late June 1943, 60 Avro Lancaster Bombers left England heading for a target deep inside southern Germany. To achieve their aim the large formation of heavy bombers would have to fly 800 miles over enemy territory in total darkness to destroy a target that was critical to Germanys war effort. With the short summer nights, however, they would not be able to return to England. A top secret manufacturing facility was found to be located inside a former Zeppelin Shed at Friedrichshafen Airfield on the shore of Lake Constance. The facility s output was critical to Germany s war effort as it provided radar equipment that would be used to counter allied air forces. A large fleet of Avro Lancaster heavy bombers was despatched deep into the heart of Germany s south to destroy this facility.