The German Air Force's strategic bombing of the United States officially began on February 10. The heavy snow that had been falling in flurries had already stopped. According to meteorological experts' forecasts, the coming days would all be brilliantly clear. Such weather was undoubtedly favorable for German Air Force operations.
At six in the morning, while the sky was still dark, the German Air Force bases on Newfoundland, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island, and the Nova Scotia peninsula were already ablaze with lights. Fighters, dive bombers, ground-attack aircraft, as well as the Strategic Air Force's long-range fighters, medium bombers, and heavy bombers all began their preflight preparations.
Fuel had been loaded in advance, and ammunition was being fitted.
After receiving their mission briefings, the pilots already understood their assignments. Once they had breakfast, the German Air Force would sortie in full force and launch its first large-scale bombing operation.
At the same time, the Aircraft Carrier Formations of the three German Navy fleets had sailed into the waters east of the Nova Scotia peninsula. The Navy's carrier-based aircraft would also take part in this offensive.
Field Marshal Edward Milch hoped that today's bombing would completely turn the major cities of Maine into a field of ruins. That way, the German Air Force could begin bombing New Hampshire and the remaining regions tomorrow.
Time was equally short for the German Air Force. They hoped to cripple American industry before the German Army launched its large-scale offensive. That would undoubtedly give the Army a far greater advantage in the battles to come.
Just after seven in the morning, German Air Force aircraft began taking off one after another. The massive H-31 heavy bombers were the first to lift off from the air bases on Newfoundland. They were followed by H-21 heavy