english capital the fire department recorded seventy six hits. how would churchill respond to this decision was critical britain was not in a position of strength. within twenty four hours the prime minister nevertheless ordered the r.a.f. to strike a german cities including both of them. to reach the german capital r.a.f. planes had to cross through one thousand kilometers of enemy territory. german defenses were for medical the mission almost impossible. intense anti aircraft fire forced the planes to fly higher reducing the accuracy of their bombing. the damage was insignificant but for girling it was a humiliation had he not sworn that if germany were bombed he would eat his hat.