Table of Contents
How much of Germany was destroyed in WWII?
300,000 Germans are thought to have been killed as a result of the raids, and 800,000 were wounded. Berlin was 70\% destroyed by bombing; Dresden 75\% destroyed. BUT – were the wrong targets chosen? From 1939 to 1943, German cities were targeted and attacked.
What was the air war over Europe?
As part of Operation Argument and what would become known as “Big Week,” the Allies wage a six-day air campaign over Western Europe that targets aircraft manufacturing plants in an attempt to cripple Germany’s aircraft industry. The Allies bomb Berlin with 12,000 airmen, dropping thousands of tons of explosives.
What were the civilian casualty numbers for the bombing of key German and Japanese cities?
The civilian death toll in Japan from Allied bombing was between 330,000 and 900,000 with an additional 112,000 killed from the atomic bombs. To undertake Allied raids on German and Japanese cities, more than 46,250 Royal Air Force bomber crewmen were lost, and more than 161,000 U.S. Army Air Force crewmen were killed.
Why was air superiority important in WW2?
Air superiority facilitates combat power by enhancing combined arms operations and the maneuverability and firepower of one’s forces. Combined arms operations use two or more weapons systems in such a way that it is difficult for an adversary to defend itself from both.
How did air power affect WW2?
More than other nations, the United States and Great Britain built their pre-war air power strategy around strategic bombing theory. The militaries believed that with airplanes, they could win a war with a single massive bombing mission, saving the lives of their soldiers. …
How is the casualty list arranged in WW2?
The casualties are arranged chronologically and then alphabetical under the unit. The name, service number, rank or rate, casualty code, and date of casualty is included. There is a two fiche set list of officers and enlisted prisoners of war as of 25 September 1945.
What was the role of Bomber Command in WW2?
Bomber Command participated in two areas of attack – the strategic bombing campaign against German war production, and the less well known mining of coastal waters off Germany (known as Gardening) to contain its naval operations and prevent the U-boats from freely operating against Allied shipping.
How effective was strategic bombing before 1939?
Before 1939, all sides operated under largely theoretical models of air warfare. Italian theorist Giulio Douhet in the 1920s summarised the faith that airmen during and after World War I developed in the efficacy of strategic bombing. Many said it alone could win wars, as “the bomber will always get through”.
What was the significance of air warfare in WW2?
The air warfare of World War II was a major component in all theaters and, together with anti-aircraft warfare, consumed a large fraction of the industrial output of the major powers.