Bomber Harris: His Life and Times: The Biography of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris, Wartime Chief of Bomber Command

by Henry Probert

This is the definitive biography of one of the most controversial figures of the Second World War. Sir Arthur Harris remains the target of criticism and vilification by many, while others believe that the contribution he and his men made to the Allied victory is grossly undervalued. Harris has been condemned, in particular, for his Area Bombing tactics which saw civilians and their homes become legitimate targets along with industrial and military installations. This is explored by the author and placed fully within its context, and just as importantly, within the instructions he received from Churchill s administration.Henry Probert s critical but highly sympathetic account draws on wide-ranging research and, for the first time, all of Harris own papers, to give an outstanding insight into a man who combined leadership, professionalism and decisiveness with kindness, humor and generosity."

Genres: Biography, World War II, History

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Mark Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable account of the life of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris. A controversial figure in some eyes who commanded Bomber Command during World War Two with it seems a rod of iron. He thought Germany could be bombed into submission and his quote of the Germans 'Sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind' is quite chilling. he had an incredibly difficult job and carried it out. Like many people, be they Politician's, military leaders or entertainers who get to the very pinnacle of their profession they can sometimes be abit odd but they are always driven.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Respectful, careful and comprehensive account of the Air Marshal 's life and work. While not a hagiography it leaves the more stubborn, idiosyncratic and single-minded aspects of the person somewhat unexplored.

Perhaps the greatest critique is the lack of willingness to reflect more deeply on the human costs of the Bomber Offensive (German and Allied).

[Rick Brindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call me a monster if you like, but I've always been a fan of Bert. Say what you like about the bloke, but he always told it straight. And let's face it, was he really in charge of the country? Are we really to believe that he told Churchill how the war was going to be fought? No. No more than Goring or Rommel did. And at least, unlike his masters, he never hid the real aims of the bombing campaign.
Anyway, rant over. This is a very detailed history of the man, of course concentrating on the Bomber Command years, but would we expect anything else? There is a lot of build up, so we have a clearer idea about what brought him to his wartime role. It's sympathetic, but honest, and we're left with a very clear idea of the man's strengths, and his more human failings.
An excellent history, which may make many re-evaluate their views, if not of the bomber offensive itself, but perhaps of the man himself.