"First Strike" (Première Frappe)

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The Farman 223-4 was the first Allied aircraft to bomb Berlin in World War II. It was initially designed as a transatlantic postal aircraft for Air France, but three aircraft were acquired by the French navy.

One of these, nicknamed the “Jules Verne”, was modified in April 1940 as a makeshift strategic bomber under the direction of Capitaine de Corvette Henri Daillière. The fuselage was modified as a giant fuel tank, while improvised bomb shacks were installed under the aircraft's belly. The sole defensive armament was a 7.5 mm machine gun added to the starboard access door.

The “Jules Verne” was assigned to Escadrille B.5 on May 10, 1940, and used for night bombing. Despite Daillière's efforts, an attack against Berlin wasn't authorized until June 7.

Taking off at 5:00 PM, the “Jules Verne” flew over the Channel and the North Sea, went around occupied Holland, cut through Denmark towards the Baltic Sea before heading southwards to Berlin. The aircraft was supposed to land back in Lanvéoc-Poulmic.

Having reached Berlin without encountering any opposition, the crew bombed the German capital. One of the crew decided to personally contribute to the bombload by throwing his shoes overboard as well ! The return leg was uneventful but the aircraft had to land in Orly as it was low on fuel.

Although the raid was militarily insignificant, it was a great boost to morale at a time when the Allies were being badly defeated by the Germans.

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Artist: Roy Grinnell

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