The Allied strategic bomber offensive was meant to destroy Germany’s ability to wage war. Therefore, most targets were cities with military and industrial facilities. Canada’s contribution to this campaign was an extremely powerful aerial striking force. Organized in January 1943 as No. 6 (R.C.A.F.) Group of Bomber Command, it eventually included nearly 300 four-engined Halifax or Lancaster heavy bombers, each carrying several tons of bombs. At first, No. 6 Group suffered heavy losses but better equipment, training, and tactics improved the situation. Some 9980 Canadian airmen were killed during Bomber Command operations.

Historians have hotly debated the morality and effectiveness of strategic bombing.

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