Lectures of the Air Corps Tactical School and American Strategic Bombing in World War II

Brief Summary

Lectures of the Air Corps Tactical School and American Strategic Bombing in World War II by Phil Haun is a compelling exploration of the development and execution of the American strategy of high-altitude daylight precision bombing (HADPB) during World War II. The book brings together a collection of nine lecture transcripts from the US Army Air Corps Tactical School, preserved as delivered to those who would lead the US Army Air Forces in the war. It provides a unique lens into the formative theories of air power that helped shape the strategic bombing campaigns against Germany, contrasting these theoretical foundations with the operational realities faced during the conflict.

Main Themes and Topics

The book centers on the theme of strategic air power development within the American military framework during the interwar period and World War II. It explores the evolution of air power theory, particularly focusing on the concept of high-altitude daylight precision bombing. This approach was seen as a means to strike effectively at enemy industrial sites, minimizing collateral damage and avoiding the trench warfare seen in World War I. The lectures provide insights into how these strategic concepts were taught and how they influenced airmen's understanding and planning of military operations. Moreover, it delves into the dissonance between theoretical expectations and combat realities, offering a critical examination of the HADPB theory's applicability and effectiveness during the war.

Writing Style and Tone

Phil Haun's editorial approach is scholarly yet accessible, offering a detailed introduction to each lecture that situates it within the broader context of military studies and World War II history. The tone is informative and analytical, aimed at both military historians and readers with a keen interest in air power doctrine and its practical applications. Haun provides context and commentary that bridge the theoretical underpinnings presented in the lectures with the subsequent impact these ideas had during the wartime period.

Criticism

While the book is a valuable resource for understanding American strategic bombing doctrine, some readers might find the lecture format a bit dense or academic, especially those without a background in military theory or history. The reliance on lecture transcripts means that the material is sometimes repetitive and may lack the narrative flow found in narrative historical accounts. Nevertheless, this format offers an authentic glimpse into the education and mindset that shaped a pivotal aspect of World War II aerial warfare.