RAF Bomber Command at War 1939-45

During World War II, the Royal Air Force heavily relied on its force of bombers, Bomber Command, for strategic attacks. However, the belief in unescorted daylight formations led to heavy losses. In 1941, Bomber Command was in crisis and a new commander, Sir Arthur Harris, was appointed. He implemented new strategies, including the area bombing strategy, which focused on enemy-held towns and cities. This period saw both victories and defeats, including precision attacks on V-Weapons sites. The book focuses on the experiences of those who took part in the raids and on public attitudes towards the campaign in Britain. It seeks to shed light on untold stories from Bomber Command's war using accounts from national and local archives, newspapers, and existing historiography.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 184 pages
\n Publication date: 28 February 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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The Royal Air Force (RAF) placed immense trust in its formidable force of bombers, known as Bomber Command, in the event of a future conflict. This belief in the ability of daylight formations of bombers to protect themselves from enemy fighter attacks shaped early tactics, but it also resulted in devastating losses. By late 1941, Bomber Command faced a crisis due to government restrictions on targets and the escalating war situation. As a result, a new and assertive commander, Sir Arthur Harris, was appointed, and innovative strategies were implemented to expand Bomber Command's attacks, despite some opposition. The outcome was the area bombing strategy, which focused on attacking enemy-held towns and cities. This period, known as the Main Offensive, lasted from 1943 to 1944 and witnessed both victories and defeats. It was also notable for a limited number of precision attacks, such as those on Augsburg, Peenemunde, and, most famously, the Ruhr dams. In addition to its offensive role, Bomber Command provided crucial tactical and strategic support for the invasion of Europe and the subsequent push inland. New technological developments, such as the ability to hit V-Weapons sites and focus on precision bombing, were made available to Bomber Command. However, Harris remained steadfast in his determination to strike German towns and cities whenever possible, while the Command's growing power allowed it to unleash devastation upon its targets, culminating in the devastating bombing of Dresden. While much has been written about Bomber Command, this book primarily focuses on the individuals who participated in the raids and on public attitudes towards the campaign in Britain. By utilizing accounts from national and local archives, newspapers, and existing historiography, the book aims to shed light on untold stories from Bomber Command's wartime endeavors.

\n Weight: 494g\n
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526700513\n \n