WW2 related-This is the 82nd anniversary of "Black Week"

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Given the steep losses over this period, it was quickly dubbed “Black Week,” with the second Schweinfurt raid referred to as “Black Thursday.” Morale at the air bases was at an all-time low as empty bunks in the Quonset huts stood testament to the losses. During the course of the week, the Eighth Air Force had lost 148 bombers, nearly 13 percent of its attacking aircraft, and approximately 1,500 aircrew. Despite the ample armament of the bombers, it was clear that long-range fighter escort was a requirement. The USAAF’s prewar doctrine proved deficient in the face of such stout German defenses. For the remainder of the year, the Eighth Air Force struck targets in France, coastal areas, or wherever fighter escort could cover them. For the time being, the USAAF had to suspend deep strikes and long-range operations.

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