The Air War in Europe

World War II #16

by Ronald H. Bailey

Highlights a look at the RAF, U.S. Army Air Forces, and Luftwaffe as they struggled for supremacy in the skies over Europe

Genres: History, War, Nonfiction, World War II, Military History, Military Fiction, Reference

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[D-day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the Time-Life series on WW2, this volume discusses the Air War over Europe.

Chapters:
1- The beginnings of the British night bombing campaign (Sep 1939 to Dec 1941)
2- The accession of Arthur (Bomber) Harris as the head of RAF's Bomber Command, the development of better British tactics and electronic warfare culminating in the massive attack on Cologne (Jan 1942 to Jun 1942)
3- The arrival of the USAAF and the beginning of American daylight bombing, the famous Dam-Busters raid by the RAF and the massive around the clock bombing of Hamburg causing a firestorm (Jul 1942 to Jul 1943)
4- The improvements in Luftwaffe tactics and technological advances leading to costly USAAF losses at Ploesti and Schweinfurt, and the costly RAF losses over Berlin (Jul 1943 Dec 1943)
5-The arrival of long range fighters for the USAAF and the switch to tactical bombing in preparation for D-Day (Jan 1944 to Jun 1944)
6- The resumption of strategic bombing resulting in the destruction of German industry and culminating in the controversial fire bombing of Dresden at almost the end of the war (Jul 1944 to Feb 1945)

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great details on the complexities of the air war in Europe during World War II. Many individuals highlighted and the advances, technological and strategic are discussed. As typical of this series, excellent photographs are included and details abound. The book ends on a sad note with the overwhelming bombing of Germany at the end of the war.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up with airplanes, it's hard to believe that there was a time when they were considered unhelpful. But in WW2, if you wanted to fly than you had to prove the plane was worth the effort.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too focused on the technical aspects of the planes and tactics. Some human interest stories, but not my favorite volume in the set so far.

[William Razavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume takes us from the interwar period all the way through to the German surrender. It's another one of those cases of "if you actually read the book you won't keep repeating the myth" here for those who have inflated the Luftwaffe into what their propaganda would have you believe they were.
On the Allied side it has a pretty solid narrative through line that covers the advancement of the aerial bombardment campaign and its strategies. Very introductory but well illustrated.
The photo essay on damaged planes that somehow made it back home is worth the price of admission here.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

his book will give you a good overview of the air war. You may read about actions, battles, or subjects that make you wish for more detail but this is hard to beat in a slim (208 pages) volume. Included are the usual Time-Life collection of hundreds of photographs, illustrations, color artwork of most aircraft, and maps that supplement clear and interesting narratives.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Time-Life book on the air war in Europe. Mainly focused on the bombing campaign of Europe, ignoring the Battle of Britain and Germany's bombing campaign. For what it is, it is a good quick read.

[Robert Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this Life Time series in the early 1980's on WWII, a volume came to the house every 2 or 3 months so I could take my reading. It was very informative and enjoyable read, I still use it for reference.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on page 80