V1 flying bomb over Piccadilly, London, UK ,1945

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V1 flying bomb (centre right) descending over Piccadilly, London, UK, during the Second World War (1939-1945). These flying bombs, and the later V2 rockets, were developed and used by Nazi Germany to bomb the south-east of the UK in the later stages of the war. The V1 was powered by a pulse-jet engine that produced a very recognisable sound, leading to its nicknames of doodlebug or buzz bomb. The V1 was launched from a steam-powered catapult ramp and flew on a straight flight path until its fuel ran out. In many ways it can be considered the first effective cruise missile. The first V1 hit London on 13 June 1944. Around 2400 hit London in total over the next three months, killing over 6000 people. Photograph taken circa 6th July 1944.

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Size: 3680px × 2637px
Location:
Photo credit: © NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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