Bomber Doctrine

[AngrySwan]

Bombers in this war are mostly used as close air support, assisted by forward observers from ground units.

In a typical attack on a strongly fortified position the enemy is first weakened by artillery and the first wave of infantry. Then an airstrike follows and the second wave - which may include tanks - finish him off.

Normally airstrikes are made in one wave but sometimes a group of bombers is sent to the battle before the attack starts; then the first group bombs the target and returns to base, followed by another group.

Bf 110s are used to finish off weaker enemy units and sometimes, once the air superiority has been secured, even fighters strike ground targets.

Stuka is a special weapon. Although hopelessly outdated by now, it still is a lethal weapon in the right hands. Its main targets are tanks and artillery although they can attack infantry as the second wave of bombers.

A special mission, not so common and rather dangerous, is bomber attack on enemy air defenses. For example, you need to take out enemy planes on an airfield protected by AD guns. An airstrike on the AD guns is followed by a fighter attack. These airstrikes always have several waves since there are no forward observers on the ground and the AD guns are firing back.

Even less common is support to airbornes. These units need to be used carefully, as they will receive no ground support as soon as they have landed, so they can only get assistance from bombers. There are very few instances where you would even plan to use them, like quickly taking an important bridge or attacking a target so deep behind the lines that no one else can reach it on time. Since airbornes are not so many (a regiment size unit is all you get) they will need air support if attacking anything more than a battalion size unit.

Blowing enemy bridges by airstrikes can sometimes happen although in 1941 you would rather capture a bridge than bomb it, unless it is completely useless for you.