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

Author: Mackay, Ron

United Kingdom, Great Britain

Published on 21 October 2021 by Fonthill Media Ltd in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 556 pages, 410 black and white photographs, 14 colour photographs, 18 colour profiles
256 x 181 x 39 | 1538g

The concept of strategic assault of a Nation's industrial and military base by air was heralded by Britain as far back as the immediate period before the start of WWI. However, 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 on the Field of Battle and the means to do so.

The initial three years of WWII left the Command very weak in both human and material terms. The navigational means with which to accurately guide the bombers to targets was almost completely lacking during this period, while the enemy defensive network inflicted serious casualty rates. The punishment handed out was accordingly minimal in effect.

The resurgence of the Command's fortunes coincided with the appointment of Sir Arthur Harris as C-in-C. The advent of the more efficient Lancaster and Halifax designs ensured a greatly increased bomb tonnage could be delivered. Electronic aids such as 'Gee', 'Oboe' and 'H2'S' ensured the task of locating targets was simplified. So it was that by 1944/45 the Third Reich's industrial base was virtually rendered impotent.