The RAF's Road to D-Day
by Greg Baughen
"The Struggle to Exploit Air Superiority, 1943–1944"
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The RAF's Road to D-Day by Greg Baughen
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Bombers
Military Unit:
Royal Air Force
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
Europe
Page Count:
413
Published Date:
2023
ISBN13:
9781399051828
Description
Main Themes and Topics
The RAF's Road to D-Day by Greg Baughen delves into the critical period of World War II between 1943 and early 1944, focusing on the strategic debates and decisions within the Allied forces, particularly regarding air and land operations. The book explores the pivotal role of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Allied strategy and examines the internal conflicts between air and army commanders over the most effective way to prosecute the war. Key themes include the evaluation of strategic bombing versus integrated ground and air operations, the state of army air support, and the analysis of tactical air support in subsequent campaigns. The author also investigates the implications of RAF independence and questions the effectiveness of the British defense strategies of the time.
Writing Style and Tone
Greg Baughen employs a detailed and analytical style in The RAF's Road to D-Day, drawing heavily on archival documents and contemporary accounts, which lends the narrative a sense of depth and authenticity. His tone is scholarly and investigative, as he systematically evaluates the decisions, strategies, and outcomes of allied air operations leading up to D-Day and beyond. Baughen's methodical approach is marked by a clear exposition of complex military strategies and an objective assessment of the period's key military leaders and their decisions.
Brief Summary
The book charts a comprehensive narrative of the RAF's strategy in the years leading up to D-Day, focusing on the strategic and tactical decisions that shaped the air operations during World War II. Baughen examines the successes and challenges of the bomber offensive, the evolving nature of army air support, and the subsequent revival of tactical air operations. He analyzes whether the strategic decisions made by the RAF and its commanders were beneficial or detrimental to the overall Allied efforts and raises crucial questions regarding the effectiveness of British defense policies and their adaptation to modern warfare tactics.
