Target in sight

As dawn breaks over northern Norway on 12 November 1944 RAF Avro Lancasters in a loose 'gaggle', each carrying a 12,000lb 'Tallboy' bomb, sight their target from 20 miles out: the German battleship Admiral von Tirpitz in Tromso fjord. The aircraft, from 617 Squadron and 9 Squadron, had been modified with their mid-upper gun turrets removed to save weight, and extra fuel tanks installed, to make the long trip from Scotland. Two bombs hit the ship and others exploded nearby: it rolled over and settled in the shallow water, drowning almost 1,000 men.

Note: those familiar with the mountain topography of northern Norway will not recognise the exact location, which owes more than a little to artistic licence.