In late August 1940, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) carried out its first raid over Berlin, marking a significant escalation in the air war during World War II. The decision to target Berlin was made by British military strategists as part of the larger strategy to weaken Nazi Germany's war effort. The raid involved around a hundred bombers which aimed at various military installations within the city, signaling a key moment in the Battle of Britain. Main targets included factories and other sites that were deemed crucial to the German war machine. Despite the dangers posed by German anti-aircraft defenses and fighter aircraft, the RAF successfully dropped their payloads, with the intent of destroying infrastructure and undermining German resolve.

The attack was not just about military success; it served as a strong propaganda message. By striking the capital of Germany, Britain aimed to demonstrate its willingness to retaliate against the Luftwaffe’s bombings of British cities. In a twist of fate, the raid inadvertently led to an increase in the German bombing campaign against Britain, notably the London Blitz, where the Luftwaffe responded with relentless air raids aimed at civilian and military targets across British cities. This heavy bombing resulted in significant destruction and loss of life.