Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War
During 1942 and 1943 the striking power of RAF Bomber Command was transformed by the arrival of heavy bombers, advanced navigation and blind bombing systems, and new tactics to concentrate the bombers over the target and swamp the German defenses. By October 1944 most of Germanys cities were in ruins, yet the bombing continued to intensify, reaching unprecedented levels in the final seven months of the air campaign. The value of further area raids was questioned during the opening months of 1945, yet the Allies destroyed the remaining cities in a bid to hasten the end of the war. The handful of German cities still largely unscathed in early February 1945 included Dresden, which was obliterated on 13 February. Ten days later, the South German city of Pforzheim was destined to suffer the same fate.

This book commemorates the efforts of the aircrew members who risked their lives, consolidating a host of intriguing first-hand accounts. It also considers Pforzheim as a representative community under National Socialist rule. The city's survivors remember the horror of the raid and its aftermath, including eventual occupation by French Colonial troops and, subsequently, American forces. Tony does an admirable job of presenting historical context when considering actions in times of extreme trauma and his narrative offers an intriguing, engaging and poignant evocation of the closing months of Bomber Commands war.
1120848112
Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War
During 1942 and 1943 the striking power of RAF Bomber Command was transformed by the arrival of heavy bombers, advanced navigation and blind bombing systems, and new tactics to concentrate the bombers over the target and swamp the German defenses. By October 1944 most of Germanys cities were in ruins, yet the bombing continued to intensify, reaching unprecedented levels in the final seven months of the air campaign. The value of further area raids was questioned during the opening months of 1945, yet the Allies destroyed the remaining cities in a bid to hasten the end of the war. The handful of German cities still largely unscathed in early February 1945 included Dresden, which was obliterated on 13 February. Ten days later, the South German city of Pforzheim was destined to suffer the same fate.

This book commemorates the efforts of the aircrew members who risked their lives, consolidating a host of intriguing first-hand accounts. It also considers Pforzheim as a representative community under National Socialist rule. The city's survivors remember the horror of the raid and its aftermath, including eventual occupation by French Colonial troops and, subsequently, American forces. Tony does an admirable job of presenting historical context when considering actions in times of extreme trauma and his narrative offers an intriguing, engaging and poignant evocation of the closing months of Bomber Commands war.
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Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War

Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War

by A C Redding
Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War

Bombing Germany: The Final Phase: The Destruction of Pforzheim and the Closing Months of Bomber Command's War

by A C Redding

Paperback

$39.95 
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Overview

During 1942 and 1943 the striking power of RAF Bomber Command was transformed by the arrival of heavy bombers, advanced navigation and blind bombing systems, and new tactics to concentrate the bombers over the target and swamp the German defenses. By October 1944 most of Germanys cities were in ruins, yet the bombing continued to intensify, reaching unprecedented levels in the final seven months of the air campaign. The value of further area raids was questioned during the opening months of 1945, yet the Allies destroyed the remaining cities in a bid to hasten the end of the war. The handful of German cities still largely unscathed in early February 1945 included Dresden, which was obliterated on 13 February. Ten days later, the South German city of Pforzheim was destined to suffer the same fate.

This book commemorates the efforts of the aircrew members who risked their lives, consolidating a host of intriguing first-hand accounts. It also considers Pforzheim as a representative community under National Socialist rule. The city's survivors remember the horror of the raid and its aftermath, including eventual occupation by French Colonial troops and, subsequently, American forces. Tony does an admirable job of presenting historical context when considering actions in times of extreme trauma and his narrative offers an intriguing, engaging and poignant evocation of the closing months of Bomber Commands war.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781399019590
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 03/23/2023
Pages: 400
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Author's Note vi

Memories vii

Acknowledgements viii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 The Whirlwind Approaches 1

Chapter 2 The Final Phase Takes Shape 29

Chapter 3 Crushing the Enemy 49

Chapter 4 Oil Plants and Railyards 67

Chapter 5 The Whirlwind Arrives 82

Chapter 6 'Avenging in the Shadows' 93

Chapter 7 Dresden Destroyed 102

Chapter 8 'Goldstadt' 121

Chapter 9 Courage and Depravity 136

Chapter 10 Obliterated 153

Chapter 11 Leaving the Cellars 179

Chapter 12 The Morning After 197

Chapter 13 The Bombing Continues 214

Chapter 14 Living in the Ruins 243

Chapter 15 Murder on the Ground 256

Chapter 16 Occupation 276

Chapter 17 The Phoenix 300

Chapter 18 Bombing Germany - Perspectives 317

Chapter 19 Reconciliation and Remembrance 333

Chapter 20 Aftermath 345

Final Words from Germany 368

Bibliography 369

Glossary 370

Index of Names 375

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