The Berlin Raids: R.a.F. Bomber Command Winter 1943-44: Royal Air Force Bomber Command Winter, 1943-44 (Penguin press history) - Softcover

Middlebrook, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140238174 ISBN 13: 9780140238174

Publisher: Penguin, 1994

Synopsis

The Battle of Berlin was the longest and most sustained bombing offensive against one target of World War II. 19 major raids between August 1943 and March 1944 and more than 10,000 aircraft sorties dropped over 30,000 tons of bombs on Berlin. The city was not destroyed, however, and the RAF lost over 600 aircraft and their crews. The controversy over whether the battle was a success or failure has continued to this day. The author has interviewed more than 400 people in this study in an attempt to bring together both sides of the story - the tactics of the bombing force and the experiences of ordinary people in the target city. The battle is described month by month, and tactical factors that helped first the bombers and then the night fighters are identified. The experiences of the people of Berlin are also recounted, showing how bombs destroyed homes and families, affected morale and reduced the German war effort. Martin Middlebrook is the author of many books on military history including "The First Day on the Somme", "The Bomber Command War" and "Operation Corporate", a study of the Falklands War.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0140238174
• ISBN 13: 9780140238174
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 432