#RAFBomberCommand

[tmarshconnors]

RAF Bomber Command: Recognising Their Vital Role in World War Two.

After watching the documentary "World War II: From the Frontlines E3 Turning Point" on Netflix I was inspire to write this blog. The history of warfare is often marked by controversial decisions and actions, and one aspect that frequently stirs debate is the strategic bombing campaign during World War II. One such entity that played a crucial role in this campaign was the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command, which operated from 1936 to 1968. Despite the controversy surrounding their tactics, it's essential to acknowledge the vital contribution they made to the Allied victory.

Strategic Bombing as a Necessary Evil:

RAF Bomber Command, in collaboration with the United States Army Air Forces, played a central role in the strategic bombing of Germany. This campaign aimed to cripple the industrial and economic capabilities of the Nazi regime, ultimately hastening the end of the war. While the morality of strategic bombing is often questioned, it cannot be denied that such operations were deemed necessary during the desperate times of World War II.

Arthur Harris: A Controversial Leader:

At the helm of RAF Bomber Command was Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, a figure whose decisions have been met with both admiration and criticism. Harris believed in the effectiveness of area bombing as a means of destroying Germany's will to fight. His leadership, marked by the infamous bombing of Dresden in February 1945, remains a point of contention. However, it is crucial to recognise the challenges and pressures faced by military leaders during the wartime context.

The Necessity of Dresden and its Controversy:

The bombing of Dresden, a cultural and historical city, has been a subject of heated debate. While the destruction was significant, it is important to contextualize it within the broader strategy of defeating Nazi Germany. Dresden was not a random target but a legitimate military and industrial center, serving as a transportation hub and housing military facilities. The controversial decision to bomb Dresden needs to be understood in the context of the prevailing circumstances and the desperate measures deemed necessary to bring the war to a close.

RAF Bomber Command's Contribution to Victory:

Despite the controversies, RAF Bomber Command played a crucial role in weakening Germany's war machine. The strategic bombing campaign significantly disrupted German industry, transportation, and morale, contributing to the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. The sacrifices made by the bomber crews cannot be overlooked, as they faced extreme danger and often paid the ultimate price in pursuit of victory.

While history may question the morality of certain decisions made by RAF Bomber Command, it is essential to recognize their indispensable contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. The context of wartime decisions and the challenges faced by leaders like

Arthur Harris must be considered to appreciate the complex nature of strategic warfare. RAF Bomber Command, controversial as it may be, played a vital role in securing the freedom and peace we enjoy today.

[penandswordbooks]

‘To all who served’. A memorial stone to 78 Squadron, 4 Group Bomber Command, situated in the grounds of All Saints Church, Bubwith, Yorkshire. #Memorial #WW2 #SecondWorldWar #WW2History #History #Aviation #WW2Aviation #BomberCommand #RAF #RoyalAirForce #RAFBomberCommand #Breighton #Dishforth #Bubwith #Yorkshire (at All Saint's Church Bubwith) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJxnrsJa-k/?igshid=5wez4kea7x3o

[iloveahangar]

Lancaster Low Tops now ready 🤙😎. This design was a custom request based on the aircraft flown by RCAF pilot FltLt John Vere Hopgood DFC & Bar who was killed during Operation Chastise (the Dam Busters’ Raid). , On the night if the raid 21 year old Hopgood took off in the first group of aircraft alongside the raid leader Guy Gibson and Mick Martin. It was on the journey to the Mönhe that Hopgood's aircraft AJ-M (M Mother) was hit by flak while passing the airfield at Dülmen. Hopgood along with gunners George Gregory and Tony Burcher were injured but they continued the attack. There is a possibility that Gregory was killed by flak at this point. The damaged aircraft reached the dam where they attacked at 00:32, ten minutes after Gibson. However, they were struck again by anti-aircraft fire and their bomb was released too late. It bounced over the dam and exploded on a power station on the other side. The aircraft was fatally damaged at this point and Hopgood remained at the controls, gaining height to allow his crew to bail out. Rear gunner, Pilot Officer Tony Burcher, remembered hearing Hopgood say; "Get out you damn fool. If only I could get another 300 ft. I can't get any more height". John Fraser, John Minchin and Tony Burcher jumped, but the already injured Minchin did not survive. However, Fraser and Burcher survived and were made prisoners of war. AJ-M crashed in a field near Ostönnen, 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the dam. The bodies of Hopgood, Brennan, Navigator Kenneth (Ken) Earnshaw from Bridlington and Gregory were found inside.[1][4] Hopgood's body rests in the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Rheinberg War Cemetery. 😔. . www.iloveahangar.com . 🛩CUSTOM REQUESTS AVAILABLE ⚒ . www.iloveahangar.com 👍 #instagramaviation #aviationgeek #airforce #warbirds #airshow #airshows #aviation_lovers #aircraftlovers #rcaf #rafbombercommand #operationchastise #guygibson #ww2history #ww2aviation #ww2aircraft #dambusters #avrolancaster #legendsofaviation #victoriacross #greatestgeneration https://www.instagram.com/p/CBqR7Zdh5Ic/?igshid=dpaq1zrwrah4

[iloveahangar]

19 x Avro Lancaster Heavy Bombers, 100ft (30m) off the deck at night before dropping to 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) to drop a spinning bomb onto water to bounce across a dam and into the dam wall - Operation Chastise was certainly one of the most challenging missions undertaken by Bomber Command. During the mission one aircraft flew so low that their bomb clipped the ocean waves and was detached from the aircraft causing them to return to base. 19 Lancasters departed on the mission and 8 never returned with 53 of the 133 aircrew who took part being killed. Aircraft Captains as young as 20 and 21 years old flying in such formidable circumstances. . . www.iloveahangar.com . 🛩CUSTOM REQUESTS AVAILABLE ⚒ . www.iloveahangar.com 👍 #instagramaviation #aviationgeek #airforce #warbirds #airshow #airshows #aviation_lovers #aircraftlovers #rcaf #rafbombercommand #operationchastise #guygibson #ww2history #ww2aviation #ww2aircraft #dambusters #avrolancaster #legendsofaviation #victoriacross #greatestgeneration https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLVzi4BcX8/?igshid=3p2medxvaamm

[iloveahangar]

A great pic of the crew of “Black Buck One” XM607. High and Low tops now in store .🤙😎. . www.iloveahangar.com 🤙😎 . 🛩CUSTOM REQUESTS AVAILABLE ⚒ . www.iloveahangar.com 👍 #instagramaviation #aviationgeek #airforce #warbirds #airshow #airshows #operationblackbuck #avrovulcan #thelastvulcan #raf #rafbombercommand #nuclearbomber #aviation_lovers #aircraftlovers https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0F4TKBmQ0/?igshid=1dnsdgjjic6qv

[iloveahangar]

First flown only 7 years after WWII, the Avro Vulcan is an incredible aircraft that at one point accomplished the worlds longest ranged bombing mission at 6,600 nautical miles (and 16 hours) as part of Operation Black Buck. This required an extremely complex air to air refuelling strategy involving 11 tankers to refuel 2 Vulcans (1 primary, 1 reserve) and the tankers themselves. Wow 😮. I just wish I’d had the opportunity to see this one fly - awe inspiring! Standby for a Vulcan design coming soon 🤙😎. . www.iloveahangar.com 🤙😎 . 🛩CUSTOM REQUESTS AVAILABLE ⚒ . www.iloveahangar.com 👍 #aviationlovers #instagramaviation #aviationgeek #airforce #warbirds #airshow #airshows #operationblackbuck #avrovulcan #thelastvulcan #raf #rafbombercommand #nuclearbomber #aviation_lovers #aircraftlovers https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxil7TBAgf/?igshid=w23ufqrnmttq