Target for Tonight  (Harry Watt, 1941)

Made by the Crown Film Unit for the RAF and widely regarded as one of the greatest British aviation films of the Second World War, Target for Tonight recreates an early Wellington bomber raid on Nazi Germany, concentrating on one aircraft in particular – F for Freddie. No actors were used. Instead genuine Wellington pilots and crew (including then Squadron Leader Charles Pickard) recreate the mission for the cameras intercut with actual flight footage. Scripted and directed by Harry Watt, the film went on to win an honorary Academy Award in 1942 and was voted ‘Best Documentary’ by the National Board of Review in 1941.

Memphis Bell  (William Wyler, 1943)

The film made to reassure the American public about day-time heavy bombing missions over Germany, follows the 25th (last) mission of the crew of 'Memphis Belle', of 324 Squadron, 91st Heavy Bombardment Group, 8th Army Air Force, based at Bassingbourn outside Cambridge. The aircraft are loaded up, the crews briefed and blessed by the Chaplain. The group takes off and a detailed explanation with maps is provided of the day's raid on the submarine bases at Wilhelmshafen with major diversions over Hanover. The Flying Fortresses flying at about 30,000' cross the German coast and encounter heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks. There is excellent air-to-air combat Footage. The bombs are dropped and the bombers turn for home where the groundcrews are seen waiting for them and counting the returning aircraft - only 30 out of 36 return. The Memphis Belle returns late but the crew can now return to the States to train new crews. The film ends with each member of the crew being awarded the DFC and official visits by the King and Queen and senior generals.