Wilde Sau

Wilde Sau (Lit. wild sow; generally known in English as "Wild Boar"[1][2]) was the term given by the Luftwaffe to the tactic used from 1943 to 1944 during World War II by which British night bombers were engaged by single-seat day-fighter aircraft flying in the Defence of the Reich.

It was adopted when the Allies had the advantage over German radar controlled interception. The fighters had to engage the British bombers freely as they were illuminated by searchlight batteries, while avoiding their own anti-aircraft fire. After some initial successes, rising losses and deteriorating weather conditions led to the abandonment of the tactic.

  1. ^ John O’Connell (2007) The Effectiveness of Airpower in the 20th Century Pt 2 p.53 ISBN 9780595457243
  2. ^ Craig Armstrong (2021) RAF Bomber Command at War 1939-1945 Pen & Sword p.122 ISBN 9781526700544