SZ/AEAF/7/1/28 - The Use of delayed action bombs in the attack of rail centres, 4/5/44

SZ/AEAF/7/1/28

Item

The Use of delayed action bombs in the attack of rail centres, 4/5/44

1944

2 leaves

Great Britain. Air Ministry. Bomber Operations. Director.

The paper sets out the advantages and disadvantages of using delayed action bombs in air attacks on rail centres in support of Operation Overlord in the light of "accusations to the effect that the Allies are employing ruthless and inhumane methods". The accusations had arisen from reports that delayed action bombs had caused the deaths of personnel assisting the victims of air attacks or had delayed assistance from emergency service personnel. The paper concludes that "In attacks on railway centres considerable political and operational advantages would be obtained if all bombs could be fused long delay" but acknowledges that supplies are insufficient to allow their exclusive use.

Annotated in MS "Paper by DB Ops. for CAS to hand to PM, 7/5/44".