Magnetic mine being loaded into the bomb bay of a Handley Page Hampden Mk I

Minelaying operations, typically referred to as Gardening sorties, represented a considerable part of the RAF's activities throughout the Second World War. The first RAF airborne minelaying operation was completed by a Handley Page Hampden.

As early wartime bomber types became outdated, they increasingly suffered heavy casualties to enemy air defences when operating over Germany. As larger, more modern, aircraft became available, older types were increasingly used in minelaying operations. Minelaying operations also allowed Bomber Command to remain active when weather conditions precluded bombing operations against enemy targets.