Stuka ATTACK

It has often been said that the Junkers 87 was a failure during the Battle of Britain and that it had to be withdrawn due to unacceptable losses. But is either statement true? Andy Saundersexamines the evidence.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

During the campaigns in Poland, the Low Countries and France, the Stuka was a formidable weapon. However, its success was curbed during the Battle of Britain. (ART BY ADAM TOOBY)

The Stuka offensive against the British Isles during 1940 had not really taken a particularly heavy loss rate up until 16 August; indeed, some attacks got through entirely unhindered or without sustaining a single loss. And, in attacks on shipping in the Channel up until 8 August 1940, the Stuka had also shown its worth and taken a heavy toll on ships singled out for attention.

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