22. A Versatile Enough Bomber
The Halifax’s compartmentalized bomb bay’s inability to carry huge bombs led to its gradual replacement in operational squadrons by Avro Lancasters, starting in 1943. As Halifaxes were being withdrawn from strategic bombing, their role was gradually shifted to daylight tactical strikes to plaster enemy strong points, troop concentrations, transportation and communication hubs, and oil facilities. In the summer of 1944, V-1 missile launch sites were added to their targets.
During the war Halifaxes flew 82,000 sorties, dropping 224,000 tons of bombs, at the cost of 1883 bombers. Halifaxes were also flown by the RAF’s Coastal Command on reconnaissance, meteorological, anti-submarine missions, and mine laying. They were also used in supporting roles such as parachuting Special Operations Executive agents into occupied Europe, dropping arms and supplies to resistance groups. They were also in electronic warfare, as glider tugs, and when necessary, Halifaxes were impressed as transports to airlift fuel to stalled armies during crises when ground resupply proved insufficient.
