Having accomplished the rescue, the boat runs into an enemy minefield during its return and is attacked by German air and sea forces.

I had a particular affinity for this subject as I had the dubious distinction of being born (a little later) during a German air raid.

Around 68 per cent of the German air strength was operational.

The next day began again with German air and artillery bombardments in preparation for an attack.

Both ships were damaged by German air and artillery attacks, but were repaired during the war.

In 1951 restrictions for German air travellers were lifted and civil air traffic started to grow again.

The flotilla, under continual German air and artillery attack, included many fishing boats and pleasure craft.

During the operation, heavy German air and submarine attacks took a toll of three Allied ships.

Among the main targets for the German air force and artillery were churches, hospitals, water plant and power plants.