Operation Steinbock 1944

The Luftwaffe's disastrous last Blitz over England

Operation Steinbock 1944 cover

Operation Steinbock 1944

The Luftwaffe's disastrous last Blitz over England

Description

The story of Germany's disastrous last cross-Channel Blitz in early 1944, which left the Luftwaffe devastated and barely able to oppose the D-Day landings.

Operation Steinbock, or as it became known, the 'Baby Blitz' was the Luftwaffe's last sustained night bomber offensive against the United Kingdom. In this book, renowned Luftwaffe historian Chris Goss explains how and why the Luftwaffe's last cross-Channel campaign was such a contrast to the Battle of Britain and subsequent Blitz of 1940–41. In 1944, the Luftwaffe's under-trained, hard-pressed, and inexperienced bomber crews were out-thought and outfought by their opponents, who combined the latest ground-controlled radar with powerful new night fighters and advanced anti-aircraft defences, including radar-assisted guns and even anti-aircraft rockets.

Packed with dramatic original illustrations, explanatory diagrams, 2D maps of the strategic situation and 3D maps recreating key missions, this book tells the story of Operation Steinbock and its crucial consequences. The Germans' last air campaign over England ended in late May 1944, with the Luftwaffe having lost hundreds of much-needed aircraft and crews. Just days later, the Allies stormed ashore across the beaches of Normandy, and the Luftwaffe could do little to stop them.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)
Introduction
Chronology
Attacker's Capabilities
Defender's Capabilities
Campaign Objectives
The Campaign
Aftermath and Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Mar 11 2025
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472855299
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with 80 photos and 16 pages of colour illustrations
Series Air Campaign
Short code ACM 52
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Chris Goss

Chris Goss is a retired senior Royal Air Force off…

Illustrator

Adam Tooby

Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital…

Resources

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