The Six-Year Offensive

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{detailed description}'An extraordinary lack of sense of proportion affects outside appreciation of the meaning, extent and results of Bomber Command operations.'
The source of this remarkable statement was Arthur Harris, commander of Britain's wartime strategic bomber force — RAF Bomber Command. Immediately two vital issues of the air war are raised: that Bomber Command is still a controversial historical issue, and that its chief protagonist was a ruthless, stubborn diehard exponent of air power, condemned by history as the architect of much needless devastation and human suffering in the Second World War. The six-year offensive was one of Britain's major contributions to the total war of 1939--45: a systematic bombing campaign responsible for the immense development of the bomber both as a technological weapons system and as a strategic force; seizing the mechanically crude but effective bomber fleet of 1918 and transforming both aircraft and force into a dedicated and triumphant tool of mass destruction.
Half a century on interest remains high and hence this book. Written with the experience of the serving RAF officer, it is very much a retrospective study of that nightly war, waged by the RAF for six years in the face of a determined enemy. Skilfully blending veterans anecdotes and service records within a factual narrative, the authors chart the war record of Bomber Command: sections cover inception through dismal failure and inadequacy in the years 1939-42, expansion and re-equipment with the Lancaster at the vanguard, the 'whirlwind' of ever increasing destruction across Germany and the myriad post war criticisms, doubts and recriminations. Using newly researched material throughout, Delve and Jacobs have striven to maintain objectivity, presenting facts and highlighting strengths and weaknesses in Bomber Command's operational tactics, weapons and overall strategy in an easy to read yet informative style. To those who lived through the war there is still confusion and misunderstanding as to what the Command did and why, and for surviving personnel regret that no commemorative award or medal has ever been issued in recognition of the outstanding feat they accomplished. In this fiftieth year since Harris commanded the bombers it seems fitting to offer this tribute to that mighty force, for anyone wanting the best general illustrated history to the history and development of RAF Bomber Command. The Six Year Offensive hopefully goes some way to setting the record straight.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by Ken Delve and Peter Jacobs
published by Arms and Armour Press 1992 1st edn. 190pp profusely illustrated, index, appendices 19x25
{condition}fine, including d/j.
{delivery info}