RAF Bomber Command: 'Strike Hard, Strike Sure' 1936-1945

RAF Bomber Command: 'Strike Hard, Strike Sure' 1936-1945
Author: Ron Mackay
Publisher: Fonthill Media
Total Pages: 716
Release: 2022-03-31
Genre: History
ISBN:

-> Historically rich in detail with previously unpublished photographs from private archives -> Researched and written by an aviation and military historian renowned author -> Essential for military/historians, modellers, flight-sim enthusiasts (War Thunder, IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles and DCS) and those interested in the complexities of aircraft design and production during the Second World War ‘They sowed the wind and now they are going to reap the whirlwind.’ Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris The concept of an aerial campaign on a nation’s industrial and military might was advocated by Britain before the start of the First World War; however, a stringent post-war economy ensured that the creation of Bomber Command in 1936 witnessed a daunting disparity between the aim of striking at an adversary’s ability to sustain itself and the means to do so. From 1939 to 1942, Bomber Command was very weak in terms of human and material losses. The navigational means with which to accurately guide bombers to targets was almost completely lacking while the enemy defensive network inflicted serious casualties. Consequently, the punishment handed out was minimal. The resurgence of Bomber Command’s fortunes coincided with the appointment of Sir Arthur Harris. The advent of four-engine designs such as the Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax ensured that a greatly increased bomb tonnage could be delivered. Also, electronic aids such as Gee, Oboe and H2S simplified the task in finding targets. Therefore, by 1944-1945, the RAF’s bombers pulverised Hitler’s Third Reich. Although flak and night-fighters took a heavy toll on the bombers, the RAF’s nocturnal offensive in conjunction with the USAAF’s daylight assaults crippled Germany’s ability to fight back.

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War
Author: W. R. Chorley
Publisher: Midland
Total Pages: 500
Release: 1992
Genre: History
ISBN:

This is the fourth volume in the series which deals with the losses sustained by the RAF Bomber Command during the 2nd World War. It has already found favour with historians, and those friends and relatives affected by the loss.

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: Aircraft and crew losses 1944

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: Aircraft and crew losses 1944
Author: W. R. Chorley
Publisher: Crecy Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1992
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780904597912

This series has been of enduring interest over many years, and is still highly sought after. Apart from the obvious interest to aviation historians, many people researching family history find these books invaluable, as so many families had someone in an RAF bomber squadron, who failed to return from active service. With the interest in family history increasing all the time and with many now seeking detailed information about wartime careers of relatives, the series will continue to be used by those seeking to find out more about fathers, grandfathers and other relatives who flew with, and died in the service of Bomber Command during World War 2.

Bomber Offensive

Bomber Offensive
Author: Arthur Harris
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2005-03-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1844152103

Sir Arthur Harris - Bomber Harris - remains the target of criticism and vilification by many, while others believe the contribution he and his men made to victory is grossly undervalued. He led the men of Bomber Command in the face of appalling casualties, had fierce disagreements with higher authority and enjoyed a complicated relationship with Winston Churchill. Written soon after the close of World War 2, this collection of Sir Arthur Harris's memoirs reveals the man behind the Allied bombing offensive that culminated in the destruction of the Nazi war machine but also many beautiful cities, including Dresden.

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses

Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses
Author: W. R. Chorley
Publisher: Crecy Publishing
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2002
Genre: History
ISBN:

This is the seventh volume in Midland's highly respected series detailing the losses suffered by the RAF's Bomber Command during, and in the case of this volume, in the years immediately after, the Second World War. The OTUs were the units in which aircrew got to grips with the heavy bombers they were to fly in combat. It is perhaps not surprising that the number of men who came to grief whilst training was very high. This volume, in common with the other books in the series, identifies the units involved in each incident as well as the aircraft and the individual members of the crew concerned. A brief description of the circumstances behind each loss is also given. In total, this book provides information on almost 2,400 losses. This is the penultimate volume in the the Bomber Command Losses series. An eighth book, is in preparation. This will be a role of honour, listing all the aircrew who perished in the service of Bomber Command during the conflict.