The WW2 Bomb that Rocked a Secret Target Never Expecting It

Try InVideo AI for free and use our code DARKSKIES50 to get twice the number of video creation minutes in your first month: https://invideo.io/i/DarkSkies

In the pre-dawn darkness of December 6, 1942, a massive assembly of aircraft stood poised on airfields across Norfolk, England. Forty-eight Lockheed Venturas, thirty-six Douglas Bostons, and ten de Havilland Mosquitos – the full might of the RAF's Number 2 Group – readied for an unexpected and very special target.

Wing Commander James Pelly-Fry climbed into his Boston bomber, and at 11:15 AM, he led the first wave into the sky, igniting Operation Oyster. Within fifteen minutes, ninety-three more aircraft followed, forming a massive armada carrying with one of the most dangerous and destructive bomb types developed during the war.

Their objective: the sprawling Philips Radio Works in Eindhoven, deep in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Not only was it producing nearly one-third of the vacuum tubes used in most Nazi radio-equipment, but it also housed a secret research facility. The Allies deemed its destruction so important, that they were willing to take the extreme risk of conducting the raid in broad daylight.

Reaching Eindhoven meant flying 200 miles into the teeth of German air defenses. With no fighter escort, the bombers would be alone and vulnerable. Their only protection: a plan to fly at a mere 100 feet, skimming the waves of the North Sea to slip under German radar.

And if they actually made it to the site? They had only 10 minutes to get in and get out…

---

Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.

As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.

All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.