Description
Book SynopsisThis is the history of how the mighty Gothic Line was defeated by American air power, in one of the most pivotal but least-known air campaigns of World War II.By late 1944, the Italian Campaign was secondary to the campaigns in France, and Allied forces were not strong enough to break the Germans' mighty Gothic Line. These fortifications were supplied by rail through the Alps, with trains arriving hourly and delivering 600,000 tons of supplies a month, enough to keep the German Army going forever. But in the bitter winter of 194445, the mighty Gothic Line would be defeated by American air power in one of the most pivotal but least-known air campaigns of World War II. It would not be a direct assault; instead Operation
Bingo would ruthlessly cut the Germans' supply lines and leave them starved. However, it would not be easy. The rail routes were defended by a formidable array of heavy flak, and every raid was expected. Conditions were freezing, and even in electric flying
Trade ReviewIt is well illustrated with photographs from the 57th Bomb Wing archives and the usual high quality Osprey artwork. -- Susan Wilson * Army Rumour Service *
Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION Germany decides to defend in Italy The Allies invade The battle of attrition General Clark’s mistake The Germans escape to the Gothic Line Operation
Strangle “The Bridgebusters” ATTACKER’S CAPABILITIES Air power against the Alps The B-25s in Italy The fighter-bomber war The morale problem in the 57th Bomb Wing Bombing accuracy SHORAN: the system that defeated the weather Fighting the cold An ally: the Italian resistance DEFENDER’S CAPABILITIES Flak, smoke, and fighters Air defense Smoke generation Antiaircraft artillery Weather: a USAAF enemy CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES Endgame in the north of Italy The Gothic Line The failure of Operation
Olive Starving the Gothic Line with air power The importance of the Brenner bridges The targets of Operation
Bingo THE CAMPAIGN The hard last winter of the war First missions Winter closes in A change of command helps Allied fortunes The hard winter of 1945 The defenses are strengthened The German experience Air combat with the ANR The campaign crescendos The final month The final Allied offensive Victory in Italy AFTERMATH FURTHER READING INDEX
