INCREDIBLE footage of World War 2 pilots carrying out bombing raids across Germany reveals the horrors of life flying the front line.

Scenes shot during combat missions in 1943 chronicle the heroic efforts of the US Eighth Air Force as they steer B-17 bombers over Europe.

15 A member of the US Eighth Air Force in 1943. Documentary footage of the legendary pilots who helped clear a path for the Allied Invasion of German-occupied Europe hits UK cinemas next month Credit: The Cold Blue

The video is part of World War II documentary The Cold Blue, which uses restored footage captured by brave film director William Wyler.

Wyler and his cameraman Harold Tannenbaum – who died in combat while filming – clambered onto bombers flown by the the Eighth Air Force and filmed the carnage below.

Footage recorded by the pair was recently found in the National Archives and has been meticulously colourised by experts.

"This project was a labour of love that has been three years in the making, from the discovery of William Wyler’s original footage to working closely with the National Archives to restore it frame by frame,” said The Cold Blue director Erik Nelson.

15 Footage has been meticulously colourised by a team of experts. Pictured are B-17 bombers as seen through the hatch of an Eighth Air Force plane in 1943 Credit: The Cold Blue

15 Eighth Air Force bombs strike targets below Credit: The Cold Blue

15 The Eighth Air Force lost 26,000 men during World War 2 – half of all Air Force casualties Credit: The Cold Blue

The US Eighth Air Force in WW2 Here's everything you need to know... The Eighth Air Force played a big part in the battle for Europe in World War 2.

Pilots were sent to England in 1943 to begin a bombing campaign in preparation for a huge Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe.

They were tasked with taking over the skies and clearing a path for invading forces, which were prepping for D Day the following year.

But the skill of the Luftwaffe pilots and German anti-aircraft crews they faced proved devastating.

Throughout the summer of 1943, American bomber crews sustained heavy casualties. Losses of 30 or more aircraft—300 men—were not uncommon throughout the summer.

In total, 26,000 members of the Eighth Air Force died during World War 2 – about half the US Air Force’s total casualties.

A popular saying at the time was that "to fly in the Eighth Air Force is like holding a ticket to a funeral —your own."

15 Machine-gunner firing aboard a B-17 aircraft Credit: The Cold Blue

15 The video is part of World War II documentary The Cold Blue, which uses restored footage captured by brave film director William Wyler Credit: The Cold Blue

"We’re excited to finally share this special project with audiences and to celebrate the last of the best — the men who risked their lives to save the world 75 years ago."

When they arrived in England in 1943, the Eight Air Force were tasked with taking control of the skies over Europe and clearing a path for an Allied land invasion.

But the skill of the Luftwaffe pilots and German anti-aircraft crews they faced proved devastating.

Half of the Air Force's casualties in World War II were suffered by the Eighth, with more than 26,000 dead by the War's end.

The Cold Blue documentary restores stunning footage of WW2 bombing runs

15 Cameraman Harold Tannenbaum – who died in combat while filming Credit: The Cold Blue

15 US Air Force B-17 plane downed during dogfight Credit: The Cold Blue

15 Footage was recorded in the summer of 1943

15 Pilots often painted the sides of their aircraft Credit: The Cold Blue

A popular saying at the time was that "to fly in the Eighth Air Force is like holding a ticket to a funeral — your own."

The film features interviews with nine surviving veterans, whose voices narrate the harrowing world that Wyler and his cameramen captured in the summer of 1943.

As part of the work, the team flew in restored World War 2 bombers to capture the noise of flight that was later added to the restored silent film.

Wyler survived filming and went on to win three Academy Awards for Best Director for various films across the 1940s and '50s.

15 The Eight Air Force were tasked with taking control of the skies over Europe Credit: The Cold Blue

15 The Eighth flew the famous B-17 bomber Credit: The Cold Blue

15 As part of the work, the team flew in restored World War 2 bombers to capture the noise of flight that was later added to the restored silent film Credit: The Cold Blue

15 A machine gun pokes out of a restored bomber recorded by the film crew Credit: The Cold Blue

His daughter, Catherine, is an executive producer on the new flick.

"My father would be amazed and delighted that the aerial footage he and his camera crew shot in such terrifying conditions is having a new life and new audiences 75 years later,” Catherine said.

"Erik Nelson’s new work captures the danger and the courage required of our airmen in the battle over Europe."

The Cold Blue was produced by Vulcan Productions and Creative Differences and hits UK cinemas for one night only on July 4, 2019.

15 Throughout the summer of 1943, American bomber crews sustained heavy casualties Credit: The Cold Blue

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