Description
Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the little-known history of the failed Allied bombing campaign designed to shatter German defenses on D-Day. D-Day is one of the most written-about events in military history. One aspect of the invasion, however, continues to be ignored: the massive pre-assault bombardment by the Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF), reinforced by RAF Bomber Command and the US Eighth Air Force on June 6 which sought to neutralize the German defenses along the Atlantic Wall. Unfortunately, this failed series of attacks resulted in death or injury to hundreds of soldiers, and killed many French civilians. Despite an initial successful attack performed by the Allied forces, the most crucial phase of the operation, which was the assault from the Eighth Air Force against the defenses along the Calvados coast, was disastrous. The bombers missed almost all of their targets, inflicting little damage to the German defenses, which resulted in a high number of casualties among the
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES - The Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF) - RAF Bomber Command - RAF Second Tactical Air Force and other British commands - US Ninth Air Force - US Eighth Air Force - Ordnance - Navigation and targeting DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES - Fortifications on the French coast - Passive air defense - Active air defense CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES - The vital beachhead - The Joint Fire Plan - The “air force” problem THE CAMPAIGN - The invasion begins - Operation
Flashlamp - Crisbecq Battery - Eighth Air Force’s tactical assault - Change of plans - Omaha Beach (2nd Bomb Division) - Gold and Juno Beach (1st Bomb Division) - 3rd Bomb Division - Ninth Air Force ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FURTHER READING INDEX
