RAF at the Crossroads: The Second Front and Strategic Bombing Debate, 1942-1943

1942 was a pivotal year in the history of British air power, as it began to shift away from the theory of long-range bombing to focus on armies and their supporting tactical air forces. This led to the development of new warplanes and the questioning of British policy.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 264 pages
\n Publication date: 30 March 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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The events of 1942 marked a pivotal year in the history of British air power, as the theory that long-range bombing could win wars had dominated British defense policy for over two decades. However, evidence began to mount in 1941 that British policy was wrong, with the RAF's bomber offensive against Germany achieving very little. Meanwhile, the wars raging in Europe, Africa, and Asia were being decided not by heavy bombers, but by armies and their supporting tactical air forces. Britain had never had the resources to build a large army as well as a strategic bomber fleet, and it had always had to make a choice. Now, it seemed the country might have made the wrong choice.

For the first time since 1918, Britain began thinking seriously about a different way of fighting wars. Was it too late to change? Was a strategic bombing campaign the only option open to Britain? Could the United Kingdom help its Soviet ally more by invading France as Stalin so vehemently demanded? Could this be done in 1942? Looking further ahead, was it time to begin the development of an entirely new generation of warplanes to support the Army? Should the RAF have specialist ground attack aircraft and air superiority fighters?

These questions were all explored here by aviation historian Greg Baughen, who helped shape the development of British air power for decades to come. The events of 1942 marked a turning point in the history of British air power, as the country began to consider alternative strategies for waging war. The development of new warplanes, such as the Lancaster bomber and the Spitfire fighter, was crucial in the defeat of **** Germany and the liberation of Europe. The RAF also played a significant role in the Pacific War, with the Battle of Britain being a defining moment in the conflict.

In conclusion, the events of 1942 marked a pivotal year in the history of British air power, as the country began to question the effectiveness of long-range bombing and the role of conventional armies and air forces in waging war. The development of new warplanes and the adoption of alternative strategies helped shape the development of British air power for decades to come, and the legacy of these events continues to be felt today.

\n Weight: 762g\n
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 41 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526795342\n \n