Written by the renowned late historian Noble Frankland, this Official History is taken from files of the Air Ministry, where the author worked post-war.
This is not an account of every raid on Germany, but instead looks in great depth at the strategies, the thoughts & the decisions made by those at the top throughout the Second World War.
It is well known that the accuracy of the RAf's raids in the early years of the Second World War was poor.
Germany's oil production, its factories, towns & cities, & the German air force, were all targets. But having learnt that these targets were hardly being damaged, let alone destroyed, what could really be done?
This book looks at what followed & how the switch from strategic to area bombing came about.
I found it very interesting how much the German raids on Britain were examined by Bomber Command, especially following the devastating blitz on Coventry.
What type & size of bombs were thought to have been used, what the percentage of incendiary & high explosive bombs had been dropped by the Luftwaffe. All helping to provide a new Allied strategy going forward.
For many of the top brass, their jobs were made no easier by the arrival of one, Arthur Harris. Here was a man who had his own ideas, & as we know, was not always willing to change them, even when ordered!
The arrival of new navigational aids, improved bombers like the Lancaster, & the newly formed Pathfinder Force would bring a remarkable improvement in results, as well as increase the range of targets available to attack.
The US entering the war, & the daylight raids that they carried out, increased the attacks on the enemy. But pride & stubbornness, & different views on strategies, did not always reveal a kindred spirit amongst the Commanders of both Air Forces.
This book provides a deeper knowledge of what was actually known, discussed, & argued over, at the very top levels.
A really interesting read for both readers & historians alike.
Comments