The first one thousand - A radio impression of the raid on Cologne, May 30-31, 1942

Incomplete dramatised account of the first thousand bomber raid, on Cologne in May 1942. The recording covers planning at Bomber Command headquarters, preparations on one station and the raid itself.

ACM Sir Arthur Harris comments, preparations are made at Bomber Command Headquarters and on a Bomber Command airfield. Technical and personnel problems are dealt with, a concert takes place, aircrews are briefed and Halifaxes depart. Aircrews are heard in their aircraft, Cologne is described from the air. The history of Cologne, the strategic significance of Bomber Command's offensive, German responses to the raid and Winston Churchill are also covered.