The Luftwaffe's Last Bomber Offensive

Operation Steinbock epitomized the Luftwaffe's failed last major air offensive against the UK, revealing dwindling power, mounting losses, and the futility of offensive prowess under Allied defenses.Called by the 'Baby Blitz' by the British, Operation Steinbock was the Luftwaffe's last major air offensive against the UK launched between January and May 1944. Led by Generalmajor Dietrich Peltz, the operation sought to strike London and other English cities, the target list including places such as Bristol, Hull, and Portsmouth. Despite its ambitious goals, Steinbock was poorly timed and ill executed.By 1944, the Luftwaffe's bomber force was a shadow of its former self: it faced severe shortages of trained aircrew, fuel, and modern aircraft, while British radar, night-fighter defences, and anti-aircraft coordination had become highly sophisticated and effective. A number of Luftwaffe types were used in the attacks, from the four-engine Heinkel He 177A, through to Junkers Ju 188s,...

The cheapest new copy of The Luftwaffe's Last Bomber Offensive is £23.75 at Bookshop.org UK. Prices checked 12 Nov 2026

More by Chris Goss