Happy Valley

[madaroums]

Hello

The Ruhr Valley was nicknamed Happy Valley by Bomber Command crews when they had to fly over it to bomb Germany.

Could this nickname “Happy Valley” be linked to a particular fact or event in the history of the United Kingdom?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Franck

[Buckeye30]

Hi Franck. "Happy Valley" (or "Valley of no return") was an ironic term reflecting the heavy losses there; typical British humour from the aircrews who suffered it.


Nick

[madaroums]

Hello Nick

Thanks a lot. So no link with "history", just ironic term.

Franck

[Chris Goss]

Bit like calling Kent in 1940 Hellfire Corner.......