The development of RAF strategic bombing doctrine, 1919-1939
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The development of RAF strategic bombing doctrine, 1919-1939
(Praeger studies in diplomacy and strategic thought)
Praeger, 1995
Available at 2 libraries
  Aomori
  Iwate
  Miyagi
  Akita
  Yamagata
  Fukushima
  Ibaraki
  Tochigi
  Gunma
  Saitama
  Chiba
  Tokyo
  Kanagawa
  Niigata
  Toyama
  Ishikawa
  Fukui
  Yamanashi
  Nagano
  Gifu
  Shizuoka
  Aichi
  Mie
  Shiga
  Kyoto
  Osaka
  Hyogo
  Nara
  Wakayama
  Tottori
  Shimane
  Okayama
  Hiroshima
  Yamaguchi
  Tokushima
  Kagawa
  Ehime
  Kochi
  Fukuoka
  Saga
  Nagasaki
  Kumamoto
  Oita
  Miyazaki
  Kagoshima
  Okinawa
  Korea
  China
  Thailand
  United Kingdom
  Germany
  Switzerland
  France
  Belgium
  Netherlands
  Sweden
  Norway
  United States of America
Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. [175]-184) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
The history of strategic bombing is inextricably intertwined with the history of the Royal Air Force. This book explores the question of doctrinal development in the RAF. It employs a neo-Clausewitzian analysis to reveal that the RAF based the preparation of its strategic bombing force on supposition and hypothesis. Rather than review the evidence of the First World War objectively to determine the fundamental principles of strategic bombing, the RAF adopted a subjective approach. The failure to develop a realistic theory of strategic bombing and to test it through a dialectical process resulted in a lack of attention to the equally necessary element of doctrine. Bomber Command was incapable of carrying out a strategic bombing campaign because it failed in peace to develop the necessary doctrine.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
Strategic Bombing as an Idea: The Relationship of Theory and Strategy
The Role of Theory
Early Experience with "Strategic" Air Power
The Foundations of Independent Air Power
The Theory of the Strategic Offensive and the Battles in Whitehall
The Development of Doctrine in the RAF
Equipment Policy and Aircraft Development
Equipping the Bomber Aircraft
Formulating and Testing Strategic Doctrine
Doctrinal Considerations and Tactical Problems
The Planning Process and Operations
Conclusion
Appendix
Bibliography
Index
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