Description
Book SynopsisThis illustrated study explores, in detail, the RAF''s first concentrated air campaign of World War II against one of the hardest and most important targets in Germany the industrial heartland of the Ruhr that kept Hitler''s war machine running.
Between March and July 1943, RAF Bomber Command undertook its first concentrated bombing campaign, the Battle of the Ruhr, whose aim was nothing less than the complete destruction of the industry that powered the German war machine. Often overshadowed by the famous ''Dambusters'' single-raid attack on the Ruhr dams, the Battle of the Ruhr proved much larger and much more complex. The mighty, industrial Ruhr region contained not only some of the most famous and important arms makers, such as the gunmakers Krupp of Essen, but also many other industries that the German war economy relied on, from steelmakers to synthetic oil plants. Being such a valuable target, the Ruhr was one of the most heavily defended regions in Europe.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES Preparing for the ‘Main Offensive’ Navigation aids Aircraft Pathfinders (PFF) DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES The rise, fall and rise of Germany’s air defences Night fighters and the Kammhuber Line Flak CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES The Reich’s industrial heartland and its workers The Ruhr cities, towns and industries Industrial workers and morale Dams, waterways and marshalling yards Synthetic oil plants The Rhineland cities THE CAMPAIGN The bomber battle in ‘Happy Valley’ Precursor: the ‘experimental’ Ruhr attacks and ‘diversions’, December 1942–February 1943 The main battle begins: Essen and Duisburg, March–April Supporting the main battle ‘Maximum effort’ at Dortmund and the ‘real catastrophe’ of Wuppertal, May 1943 The bitter battles of June Endgame: the attacks of July AFTERMATH AND ANALYSIS FURTHER READING INDEX
