[Smudger Smith]

Hi,

For what it’s worth I’m in total agreement with RodM, however as per normal the contribution of the Short Stirling is forgotten.



Regarding accuracy, Bomber Command’s accuracy steadily improved throughout the war, from mid 1944 onwards Bomber Commands major contribution towards the destruction of Germany’s synthetic oil plants and railway facilities are unfortunately overlooked in favour of the attacks upon German cities. Perhaps we should have copied the Yanks with better press covered and built up our contribution in the same way they did. !



No.3 Group RAF Bomber Command in particular played a prominent role in attacking Hitler’s oil and transport targets, equipped with G-H the group carried out a number of highly effective and destructive attacks from October 1944 onwards.



I personally feel that Harris should have been replaced mid 1944, Bomber Command could have and perhaps should have played a more prominent role in attacking selective targets, Bomber Command had the men, aircraft and the bombing and navigational aids to destroy any target in Germany, the only thing it lacked was a commander willing to explore and develop a selective bombing policy. Commanders such as Cochrane (5 Group) or Bennett (8 Group) both of whom explored new bombing and target locating techniques should have been given the chance. ( I await the flak )

Of course in hindsight it is easy to have an opinion.

Regards


Smudger