What significant event occurred during the bombing of the Schweinfurt factories on October 14, 1943?

The bombing of the Schweinfurt factories on October 14, 1943, is significant primarily due to the loss of 60 bombers during this operation. This air raid was part of a larger strategic bombing campaign aimed at crippling the German ball-bearing production, which was essential for their war machinery. The heavy losses incurred during this mission were a critical turning point that demonstrated the vulnerabilities of daylight bombing raids without adequate fighter escorts. The event emphasized the need for fighter support in future bombing missions, which ultimately led to the introduction of escort fighters in subsequent operations. This operation revealed the high cost of engaging well-defended enemy targets and was pivotal in shaping air strategy for the remainder of World War II.