Big Week - WW2 Timeline (February 20th

It became apparent to the Allied leaders that the invasion of the European mainland was not possible until the German Luftwaffe could be held in check. The Luftwaffe was at strength and as experienced as ever and any such invasion plan would surely be compromised without complete air superiority. As such, a plan was devised between Britain and the United States to strike at the heart of the German War Machine - the industrial sector that kept the Luftwaffe aloft.

Targets of priority would be aircraft production facilities, development stations, and supply centers. Not only would Allied bomber crews have to contend with deadly fighters but also highly effective FlaK defenses surrounding key German areas. The bombers were helped somewhat by escort fighters - namely Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, and North American P-51 Mustangs - which now sported fuel drop tanks for increased range. They could accompany bomber formations to and from targets within Germany while applying local defense above target areas. The United States Army Air Force (USAAF) would be charged with brazen daylight raids while the British Royal Air Force (RAF) would utilize their radar expertise while continuing air raids at night. Losses were imminent but the demise of the Luftwaffe was an important matter to ensure complete victory in Europe.

Weather delayed the initial operation for a time but on the night of February 19th, RAF bombers went airborne in an 823-strong formation to attack a target in Leipzig. 78 of these attackers were lost to the German defense that still included its all-important night-fighter wing. The Americans followed suit with a 1,008-strong showing, comprised of B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators, against multiple target areas across Germany. The German defense lived up to its billing and fought a relentless counter-campaign in return. The loss of one Allied bomber not only meant loss of a very valuable aircraft, but up to as many as 10 to 12 airmen. This held a devastating morale effect to squadrons and families and proved a tremendous logistical loss elsewhere.

Attacks of this grand magnitude continued for the week, resulting in the name of 'The Big Week' being applied to the period in February. At the end of it all, the Allied assault netted some 3,300 sorties resulting in the loss of 226 bombers as well as 28 escort fighters. The Germans lost 290 fighters of their own - many of these with experienced pilots at the helm - and lost a further 90 to damage. Additionally, German fighter production was disrupted for a time (though not wholly destroyed) as anticipated. Regardless, the Allies made some headway in their liberation of Europe for their numbers and bravado were growing with each passing success. The German Luftwaffe, on the other hand, was staring into the face of fate for their once invulnerable Luftwaffe had suffered one of many deathblows to come. Complete Allied air superiority was had by 1945, the final year of the war.

There are a total of (17) Big Week - WW2 Timeline (February 20th - 25th, 1944) events in the SecondWorldWarHistory.com database. Entries are listed below by date-of-occurrence ascending (first-to-last). Other leading and trailing events may also be included for perspective.

Day-by-Day Timeline of Events

Tuesday, November 30th, 1943

The British and Americans devise Operation Argument to counter the Luftwaffe threat through a round-the-clock bombing offensive; bad weather postpones any action.

Saturday, January 1st, 1944

A message to subordinates by US Army Air Force commanding general General H.H. Hap Arnold calls for the destruction of the German Luftwaffe before Allied landings can begin.

Monday, February 14th, 1944

The offensive is detailed further, taking the latest developments into account.

Monday, February 14th, 1944

American bombers strike the production facilities at Schweinfurt.

Saturday, February 19th, 1944

Better weather finally arrives allowing the RAF to send up its first 823-strong heavy bomber force. The target is Leipzig and 78 bombers are lost to the German defense.

Sunday, February 20th, 1944

American bombers and fighters take to the skies in force in support of the new bombing campaign. They number over 1,000 bombers and 660 fighters in escort. Twelve industrial target locations across Germany are hit. 21 American aircraft are lost.

Sunday, February 20th, 1944

Some 598 RAF bombers are sent airborne towards German targets.

Monday, February 21st, 1944

The Americans respond with another wave of 861 bombers with escorts. The target is the Luftwaffe production center in Brunswick.

Tuesday, February 22nd, 1944

Bad weather forces many-an-inflight accident for US bomber groups. Some 41 aircraft are lost. Nijmegen is accidentally bombed, causing over 200 civilian deaths.

Tuesday, February 22nd, 1944

American bomber groups begin medium bombing operations against German targets from bases within Italy.

Wednesday, February 23rd, 1944

Bad weather postpones any further bombing actions for the time being. The Allies take this time to regroup, repair, and restock.

Thursday, February 24th, 1944

With weather clearing, operations of Big Week continue. 266 American bombers strike Schweinfurt.

Thursday, February 24th, 1944

Over 900 American bombers are sent airborne to bomb aircraft-producing factories including Schweinfurt.

Thursday, February 24th, 1944

733 RAF bombers strike at Schweinfurt in a night time raid. 33 aircraft are lost.

Friday, February 25th, 1944

The final American air raid of Big Week is launched with 900 bombers against Regensburg, Augsburg and Forth.

Friday, February 25th, 1944

RAF bombers hit Augsburg with 594 aircraft in a night time raid.

Friday, February 25th, 1944

By the end of it all, 3,300 Allied sorties are launched in the offensive and 226 bombers are lost. 290 German fighters are destroyed and another further 90 are damaged.

Big Week - WW2 Timeline (February 20th - 25th, 1944)

The Allies took one week in February of 1944 to launch thousands of bombers against the industrial backbone of the German War Machine.