Bombers join US land battle

24th July 1944: Heavy and Medium bombers devastate the German lines as Omar Bradley prepares to break out from Normandy

There was little to stop the B-17 heavy bombers - but making a precise attack proved to be complicated.

B-26 Marauders had already made a significant contribution to the battle, ranging far and wide to disrupt German supply lines.

After many delays, mainly caused by inclement weather which restricted flying, the Allies were now poised for a breakout in Normandy. The British in the east continued to engage the bulk of the Panzers, while the Germans were making every effort to transfer some armour across to face the Americans, where they anticipated new threats.

Now Omar Bradley decided that he needed the extra support of the heavy bombers to blast apart the German lines facing his sector. He flew to England to confer with the Allied Air commanders over their direct intervention on the battlefield. A plan was developed for 1,500 heavy bombers and 350 medium bombers, supported by 350 fighter bombers to pulverise 5 square miles of countryside.