RAF mining attacks on the Kiel Canal

Were there wartime attempts to shut down the Kiel Canal?

Yes; the RAF regularly sent bombers to lay mines in the canal.

The RAF made repeated efforts to interfere with the Kiel Canal. Bombers laid mines in the waterway rather than relying only on direct attacks against its banks or locks. Mines could threaten traffic and force clearance work while using the canal's confined geography against German movement. Air-delivered naval mines could turn an inland shipping route into a continuing operational burden.