Operation Bellicose was a significant military operation conducted by the Royal Air Force during World War II. Launched on June 20, 1943, the operation involved the use of Avro Lancaster bombers, which executed a shuttle bombing raid aimed at incapacitating the V-2 rocket production facilities located at the Zeppelin Works in Germany. This mission was particularly noteworthy as it not only targeted enemy infrastructure but also utilized the strategic advantage of refueling at an air base in Algeria, allowing for a more extensive operational reach and a demonstration of the logistical capabilities of the Royal Air Force. The V-2 rocket development program was crucial for Germany as it aimed to provide a new class of long-range weaponry that could strike at Allied cities and military installations far behind the front lines.

The operation was designed to mitigate the threat posed by the V-2 rockets, which were already showing promise as a weapon of terror and destruction in the conflict. The bombing raid inflicted damage to the facilities at the Zeppelin Works, which produced components critical to the V-2 program. By targeting these production lines, the RAF aimed not just to erode the capabilities of the German military but to also send a clear message that the Allies were willing to take the offensive deep into enemy territory. This operation signified a pivotal shift in the Allies' approach, transitioning from purely defensive strategies to proactive engagements aimed at crippling enemy production.

The success of Operation Bellicose set a precedent for future shuttle bombing raids and reinforced the importance of strategic bombing in undermining the enemy’s war capabilities. It also illustrated the increasing coordination and planning among the Allied forces, laying the groundwork for more extensive operations that would follow as the war progressed. The operation was not without its risks, both in terms of potential losses of the bombers and the emotional toll on the crews involved, but it showcased the tactical innovation that became a hallmark of the Allied bombing campaigns throughout World War II.