Ep 12. Whirlwind: Bombing Germany September 1939 - April 1944

The World At War season 1 episode 12 is titled Whirlwind: Bombing Germany September 1939 - April 1944. The episode chronicles the bombing campaigns carried out by the Allied forces against Germany during the early years of World War II. It delves into the strategies involved in the bombing campaigns, the technology used, and the impact that the bombing had on the German population and infrastructure.

The episode begins by tracing the initial stages of the bombing campaign, which started in 1939 with air raids on small German cities. It showcases the gradual progression of the bombing campaign and how it intensified over time. The viewer gets to see the transformation of the campaign from modest attacks to massive bombings of German cities.

The episode also takes a look at the technological advancements that enabled the Allies to carry out the bombing campaign. It showcases the role played by planes such as the B-17 and B-24 bombers, which were capable of carrying large payloads and flying at higher altitudes. The episode also highlights the role played by the British in the development of radar, which helped in detecting incoming enemy planes and guiding the Allied bombers to their targets.

In addition, the episode provides interesting insights into the planning and execution of the bombing campaigns. It showcases the debates and arguments that took place among the Allied leaders regarding the strategy to be adopted for the bombing campaign. The viewer gets to see the dilemmas faced by the Allied leaders in terms of choosing between precision bombing of military targets and saturation bombing of civilian areas.

The episode also explores the impact that the bombing had on the German population and infrastructure. It highlights the devastation caused by the bombing and the high number of casualties incurred. It discusses the psychological impact of the bombing, with interviews of German civilians who recount their experiences of living through the terror of continuous bombing raids.

In addition, the episode shines a light on the effects of the bombing on the German war effort. It showcases the damaging effects of the bombing on Germany's industrial capacity and the challenges faced by the German military in trying to counter the Allied bombing raids.

Overall, Whirlwind: Bombing Germany September 1939 - April 1944 is a fascinating episode that provides valuable insights into the bombing campaigns carried out by the Allied forces during World War II. It details the strategies, technology, and impact of the bombing campaigns while also exploring the dilemmas faced by the leaders in carrying out this form of warfare.