Sentence examples for main raid from inspiring English sources

The dive-bombers were supported by 157 Bf 109s; 70 from JG 27; 32 from JG 53 acting as close escort; and 55 from JG 2 which was to sweep the Portsmouth area in advance of the main raid independently.

Meanwhile Gerhard Schöpfel, leading III./JG 26 and Bf 109s from JG 3, 40 in total, were already crossing the Dover straights to sweep the skies clear of the main raid.

Even with bombs, the Bf 109s were expected to overhaul the bombers and attack London a few minutes before the main raids began.

The British followed the main raids and were aware of all the approaching aircraft, save for the low-altitude 9 Staffel.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 single-engine fighters were to be sent out in advance of the main raids to force the British fighter forces into large-scale air battles which, in theory, would destroy RAF aircraft in combat and deplete British defences.

Consequently, hunger and drought were identified as the main motives for raiding.

No. 450 Squadron's main roles escorting daylight raids by Douglas Boston bombers, and ground-attack missions in support of the Eighth Army were hazardous and resulted in relatively heavy losses.

The air raids also severed the main road between Beirut and the Syrian capital, Damascus.

A main objective of the raid, officials said at the time, was to gather intelligence about the Taliban's leadership.

"Whatever the direct impact of that raid, its main legacy was to vindicate Barnes Wallis as a weapons designer, establish 617 Squadron and make possible what came after.

Several minutes later, the main body of the raid reached the southern shore of Førde Fjord travelling north.