Bomber Command: Men, Machines and Missions: 1936-68

A comprehensive and richly illustrated account of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command from its inception prior to World War Two in 1936 to its final years during the Cold War. The book covers: - The reasons for Bomber Command and the personnel that guided its formation. The philosophy and politics of the change from strategic bombing to area bombing, with the ensuing fallout. - The Bomber Command organisation and how it functioned from the Headquarters down to the various Groups and the many Squadrons. Famous and specialised squadrons and the war honours awarded to them. - The geographical context with the location of the many bases and their connection to the local area. A bomber base had a large financial and social impact on the local economy and many lasting war-time bonds were established. - The operational aircraft that spearheaded the might of Bomber Command and brought the bombs to the enemy shore, focusing on famous aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, Handley Page Halifax and unique Fighter-Bomber de Havilland Mosquito, explaining their construction and performance. The importance of training aircraft and, unfortunately, the high training losses. - Major target raids and the aircraft and squadrons taking part. Some raids were ill conceived, and others were brilliant in their execution. - Some of the famous people and crews that made up Bomber Command and those that were awarded Britain's highest medal of honour, the Victoria Cross. This puts the 'human face' on Bomber Command and all its failings and accomplishments. - The transition during the Cold War period to its new role with nuclear weapons until superseded by the missile age. - A synopsis of the wartime bombing campaign statistics to help interpret the accomplishments of Bomber Command. - Complemented visually with a range of images of memorials, statues, famous and important personnel, headquarters, emblems and logos, bases and stations, Bombing Command aircraft, pedestal and museum aircraft, aircraft engines, and manufacturer's factories.