Ep 12. Strategic Air Power Comes of Age

The Complete History of Air Combat season 1 episode 12, entitled "Strategic Air Power Comes of Age," explores the evolution of strategic bombing during World War II and its impact on the outcome of the conflict.

The episode begins by examining the early air raids carried out by the British against German cities, such as the bombing of Cologne in 1942. The effectiveness of these raids was debated, with some arguing that they were merely morale-boosting measures rather than strategic attacks.

However, later in the war, the United States entered the fray with its own army of bombers, such as the B-17 and B-29. These planes were capable of flying long distances and carrying massive payloads, making them ideal for strategic bombing missions.

The episode delves into the strategic planning behind these missions, such as the decision to target German industrial cities like Essen and Hamburg in order to cripple the Nazi war effort. The success of these missions is illustrated through statistics, which show a dramatic decrease in German war production following the bombing campaigns.

The episode also explores the moral dilemmas faced by the Allied pilots who carried out these missions. While they were essentially fighting for a noble cause, they were also responsible for bombing civilian areas and causing countless civilian casualties. The show does not shy away from the ethical questions these actions raised.

As the war progressed, the American bombing campaign in Japan escalated, culminating in the atomic bomb strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The show explores the decision-making process behind these attacks, questioning whether they were truly necessary to bring about Japan's surrender.

Overall, "Strategic Air Power Comes of Age" provides a comprehensive overview of the role of strategic bombing in World War II. It covers both the tactical planning and the larger ethical questions raised by the use of this powerful weapon. Anyone interested in the history of air combat or military strategy would find this episode to be an informative and engaging exploration of a transformative period in aviation history.