SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Bilow who wrote (7217)10/25/2001 8:19:09 PM
From: maceng2  Read Replies (1) of 281500
 
Bilow,

Re: justification of WW2 strategic bombing campaign.

Thanks for the search tip. I have spent some time looking around the military sites. The only appropriate data on the web I have found is this. (It's a pdf file).

"The Luftwaffa and its war of attrition"

au.af.mil

In it you will see that Germany had an Air force that was precisely a tactical air force for fighting a ground war. It was a crucial part of the German "blitz" method of warfare.

When the USA plus Allies started strategic bombing it was gradually realized by the German High Command it's "tactical only" strategy had to change. With all the muddling and bombs falling, the Luftwaffa was crushed.

Throughout the document you can see that the time value was of overall importance. The Russian war went on for longer then expected. The air losses were high. Air superiority was lost. The Russians also gained air superiority. Battles were lost. The war was lost.

A crucial domino holding the Nazi machine together fell.

I would like to see what percentage of Luftwaffa forces were engaged fighting the Allied bombing campaign.

Regarding the percentage of USA/Allied fighters to bombers. I expect hindsight shows that the percentage of fighters manufactured should have been higher. Long range fighters should have been developed earlier. These problems were recognised and acted upon, although at a high casualty cost.

The fact remains that the air force component on the Russian campaign was relieved in a timely manner as possible given the resources available. The Russian casualties were of course also high indeed.

I wonder how many at the time expected the Russian campaign (and WW2 by implication) was winnable for the Allies?
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News