Naval War College

"Operation Adler" The First Strategic Air Offensive Naval War College

"Operation Adler" was the code name designated by the Luftwaffe for their air offensive against Great Britain in the summer of 1940. Many of us are more familiar with the defensive side of this operation, better known as the Battle of Britain. This offensive was part of an ambitious campaign, namely the amphibious invasion of England. The Luftwaffe bore the responsibility of neutralizing the Royal Air Force (RAF) and its capability to thwart the planned invasion. Operational planners were tasked with developing a plan to systematically destroy Great Britain's ability to wage war. This strategic air offensive was only one part of the overall campaign for the eventual invasion of England. The first step in this operation would be attaining air superiority for the invading force. Herman Goring, the Luftwaffe Commander, violated all seven "principles of war" as stated in U. S. Army Manual FM 100-5, but still came very close to defeating the RAF. The Luftwaffe's targeting of London was seen by the British as a fatal mistake.