Was just looking at my copy of 1942 2nd ed. Does sz8 touch Northwestern Europe. This may have been addressed already, I looked and could not find if it was.
From the image you referenced, you’re playing the 1st Edition, the forum for which can be found here. OutlawUnForgiven’s comments about air unit suicide missions apply to both editions.
Hi again. Bombers can do Strategic Bombing against a Factory and damage them. This makes placing units harder or more expensive.
Battleships and Cruisers can aid in an amphibious assault; that is called a Bombardment.