Target map for Hamburg, 1943

This target map of Hamburg was issued in 1943. Maps like this were prepared for many German cities and were used to help RAF bomber crews identify particular targets during their attacks as part of the strategic air offensive in the Second World War. On this map shipyards and submarine slips are clearly marked.

Hamburg was a major target for the RAF throughout the war. It contained a high number of targets supporting the German war effort and was relatively easy for navigators to find - particularly after the RAF switched to night bombing. The RAF first targeted the city in September 1939, dropping leaflets. It wasn't until May 1940 that the city was bombed. The largest raids, however, came during the last week of July 1943. Beginning on the night of 24/25 July, the RAF launched Operation GOMORRAH, with 3 night-time raids of nearly 800 RAF aircraft attacking the city. At the same time the United States Army Air Forces conducted day-time raids. The sustained bombing resulted in a ferocious firestorm, which killed an estimated 37,000 civilians and wounding 180,000 more in Hamburg, and virtually destroying most of the city.