What is a “Bomber’s Moon”?

26 February 2015
 

The Short Answer (TSA) 

A World War II Era Bomber

            The “bomber” in “Bomber’s Moon” is a World War II era airplane used in bombing raids -- whether by the “Allied” or “Axis” forces.  The name “bomber’s moon” described a particularly bright full moon . . . at least it did when in common use during, and shortly after, World War II.

            The first trick to understanding the meaning of a “bomber’s moon” is to learn a bit about aviation history.  During World War I, airplanes were relatively simple.  A few could carry a very few bombs, but not enough to make mass precision bombing raids against enemy targets possible. 

            By World War II, bombers were a regular part of the air forces of both the Allied and Axis forces.  Bombers were used, in large numbers, to fly over particular locations, "enemy targets," and “deliver their payload” of bombs.  But even during World War II, navigation technology hadn’t advanced as fast as aircraft and bombing technology.  Pilots had to find their targets by sight – visual observation. 

            Living today, we hear of jet aircraft using satellite positioning with computer navigation guiding missiles by laser directly to targets.  None of these technologies existed in World War II.  Specially trained bombardiers used special sighting equipment to get a visual "fix" on their target.  Then, they attempted, as best they could, to drop the bombs at just the time and place necessary to assure that the “payload” landed on the target.   To do this well almost rose above a skill to an art. 

            Of tremendous “help” in nighttime navigation and bombing was the light of a very bright moon – "a bomber’s moon."   But that same moon on that same night had a different meaning to those manning anti-aircraft guns.  The bomber’s moon was, at best, a mixed blessing in terms of bomber crew safety.   The same moon that allowed crews to see the ground so clearly from the air also made their aircraft, the "bombers,"  clearly visible as a target for antiaircraft fire.  So, a bomber’s moon was also welcomed as one of the best times to defend against bombing raids.

            But these bright moons had a third meaning.  A bright bomber’s moon marked a night of fear and dread for civilian populations in areas regularly targeted for bombing.  At these target sites, bombing raids were most likely and most deadly on nights with those very bright "bomber's moons." 

            So, the bomber’s moon was a mixed blessing for bomber crews, a blessing for antiaircraft crews, and a curse for civilians living on the ground in areas regularly targeting for bombing.

            By the time of the Korean conflict, aircraft had been developed with much more sophisticated navigation and targeting technologies.  So, the bright light of the moon no longer mattered.  After the end of World War II, the phrase, “bomber’s moon,” gradually faded from everyday use.  Unless you were around during World War II, you may have never even heard of this full moon name. 

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