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The Schweinfurt-Regensburg Mission
A detailed and elaborately researched investigation into the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission, the first large US airforce bombing raid. This was the first test of the American theory that bomber formations could fly deep into Germany and adequately defend themselves.
363 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 1990
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177 people want to read
About the author
Martin Middlebrook
42 books62 followersMartin Middlebrook was a British military historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Appointed Knight of the Order of the Belgian Crown in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 19, 2017
I read the electronic version of this book and it seems to be a reissue of The Schweinfurt Regensburg Mission. I was impressed with the author’s research and writing skills. In this volume, Mr. Middlebrook looks at the combination raid on Regensburg/Schweinfurt that occurred on 17 Aug 1943. The author looks at the raid from all view points, the American aircrew, the German pilots that opposed them and even the civilians on the ground that lived through the bombing.
In looking at the raid, the author looks at the reasons for selecting the targets, the planning for the raid, and of course its execution. One thing the author brings out is when originally planning the raids, the USAAF planner thought the RAF would follow up with a night raids on both Regensburg and especially Schweinfurt. The RAF didn’t bomb Schweinfurt until the following year. The author makes clear that the RAF Bomber Command leader – Arthur Harris, didn’t think it was worth the effort and basically slow rolled the 8th AF.
In telling the story of the bomb raids, the author really brings what it must have been like to be in those airplanes, 25,000 feet above Germany. He looks at the tactics the German interceptors used, mainly the head on attacks the Americans were ill prepared for, as well the Germans using night fighters against the bombers and their unpreparedness for the massive firepower of the bomber formations. In telling the story of the battle, the author also comments on the fact that if the raid had happened as little as 2 weeks earlier, the Germans would have been totally unprepared for a deep penetration raid. Almost all the German single engine fighters were based in a belt close to the English Channel and would have had problems attacking the bombers so far inland. As it happed, two staffels (the author prefers not to translate unit types) of single engine interceptors were activated in Germany just before the raid occurred and were in perfect position to press the attacks on the bomber stream as they proceeded deep in the Germany. His use of first person accounts is excellent and really brings to life the fear that the bomber crews experienced as they watched their fellows fall. He also looks at the over claiming of enemy planes by the bomber crew. He states that the Americans were credited with 288 fighters shot down, with 60 more probables. Mr. Middlebrook states that according the German records appox 300 aircraft total took part in the battle and 47 were shot down. The German claims were much more accurate.
Mr. Middlebrook also looks at the effects the bombings had on the people living in the two cities. He is quite thorough in telling their stories. One of the facts in brings out is how unprepared the civilians were for bombings raids. Regensburg was particularly unprepared. Regensburg had the first air raid drill the day before the raid. Also it was defended by only one battery of high altitude antiaircraft guns, captured 85 mm guns that had been rebored to accept the standard 88mm ammunition, with no radar control.
All in all, this is an excellent account of air combat in World War II and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the topic. I would rate in 4.25 stars if GR allowed.
In looking at the raid, the author looks at the reasons for selecting the targets, the planning for the raid, and of course its execution. One thing the author brings out is when originally planning the raids, the USAAF planner thought the RAF would follow up with a night raids on both Regensburg and especially Schweinfurt. The RAF didn’t bomb Schweinfurt until the following year. The author makes clear that the RAF Bomber Command leader – Arthur Harris, didn’t think it was worth the effort and basically slow rolled the 8th AF.
In telling the story of the bomb raids, the author really brings what it must have been like to be in those airplanes, 25,000 feet above Germany. He looks at the tactics the German interceptors used, mainly the head on attacks the Americans were ill prepared for, as well the Germans using night fighters against the bombers and their unpreparedness for the massive firepower of the bomber formations. In telling the story of the battle, the author also comments on the fact that if the raid had happened as little as 2 weeks earlier, the Germans would have been totally unprepared for a deep penetration raid. Almost all the German single engine fighters were based in a belt close to the English Channel and would have had problems attacking the bombers so far inland. As it happed, two staffels (the author prefers not to translate unit types) of single engine interceptors were activated in Germany just before the raid occurred and were in perfect position to press the attacks on the bomber stream as they proceeded deep in the Germany. His use of first person accounts is excellent and really brings to life the fear that the bomber crews experienced as they watched their fellows fall. He also looks at the over claiming of enemy planes by the bomber crew. He states that the Americans were credited with 288 fighters shot down, with 60 more probables. Mr. Middlebrook states that according the German records appox 300 aircraft total took part in the battle and 47 were shot down. The German claims were much more accurate.
Mr. Middlebrook also looks at the effects the bombings had on the people living in the two cities. He is quite thorough in telling their stories. One of the facts in brings out is how unprepared the civilians were for bombings raids. Regensburg was particularly unprepared. Regensburg had the first air raid drill the day before the raid. Also it was defended by only one battery of high altitude antiaircraft guns, captured 85 mm guns that had been rebored to accept the standard 88mm ammunition, with no radar control.
All in all, this is an excellent account of air combat in World War II and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the topic. I would rate in 4.25 stars if GR allowed.
December 11, 2017
On August 17, 1943, the U.S. 8th Air Force was celebrating its first anniversary of flying heavy bombing missions against Nazi-occupied Europe. On this day, they decided to stage their most ambitious and daring mission yet: a dual strike at the Schweinfurt ball-bearing factories and the Messerschmitt airplane factory at Regensburg. The original plan called for two separate forces to fly within minutes of each other in order for the Germans to have less time to mount their defenses, and then split up after completing their bombing runs and going on different paths to further confuse the Germans. Well, there's an old adage about no plan ever surviving contact with the enemy and that was true on this day. However, the enemy wasn't the Germans, it was the weather. A major weather system caused the two forces to take off several hours apart, thus losing the benefit of overwhelming the German defenses and allowing them to regroup and attack each force in strength. Since the bombers were unescorted by fighter cover for over half an hour leading to their targets, what followed was the bloodiest day the 8th had ever faced, and which caused some to doubt if the U.S. strategy of daylight precision bombing should continue.
Martin Middlebrook has done an excellent job in this book with setting up the mission on all sides, and then providing a running narrative of the events as they unfolded. The American and German forces are described in good, but not overwhelming, detail. The targets themselves are analyzed, along with their defenses, as well as how each one fit into the grand operational strategy of the American bombing campaign. Ball-bearings were looked upon as a vital cog in multiple parts of the German war machine, and the destruction of their main production facility was believed to be something which could help shorten the war. The Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg turned out hundreds of Messerschmitt 109 fighters each month--fighters which made up the backbone of most fighter units in the Luftwaffe. The destruction of this factory was foreseen as having a ripple effect across all combat theatres as the supply of replacement planes was diminished.
Middlebrook uses lots of personal recollections from dozens of American and German pilots and aircrew who flew on this deadly day, along with some members of the RAF who provided early escort and/or flew diversionary missions. Those who were on the ground as the bombs came down also get to tell their story: German civilians and soldiers in both Schweinfurt and Regensburg, along with foreign laborers describe what it was like to be on the receiving end of a bombing raid.
The book concludes with an assessment of the mission itself and provides a fair judgment of all sides. While the mission didn't bring about the desired results, it ended up having some special consequences for both sides. Much as he did in his book on Hamburg, Middlebrook's analysis of the mission lays both blame and praise where due and is fairly done without any one side getting roasted or lauded more than appropriate. He does inject a little personal bias into a few comments here and there, but this doesn't detract from the analysis nor lessen its credibility. This was a truly excellent book and I would daresay should be required reading by any and all who want to know more about the 8th Air Force in World War II.
Martin Middlebrook has done an excellent job in this book with setting up the mission on all sides, and then providing a running narrative of the events as they unfolded. The American and German forces are described in good, but not overwhelming, detail. The targets themselves are analyzed, along with their defenses, as well as how each one fit into the grand operational strategy of the American bombing campaign. Ball-bearings were looked upon as a vital cog in multiple parts of the German war machine, and the destruction of their main production facility was believed to be something which could help shorten the war. The Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg turned out hundreds of Messerschmitt 109 fighters each month--fighters which made up the backbone of most fighter units in the Luftwaffe. The destruction of this factory was foreseen as having a ripple effect across all combat theatres as the supply of replacement planes was diminished.
Middlebrook uses lots of personal recollections from dozens of American and German pilots and aircrew who flew on this deadly day, along with some members of the RAF who provided early escort and/or flew diversionary missions. Those who were on the ground as the bombs came down also get to tell their story: German civilians and soldiers in both Schweinfurt and Regensburg, along with foreign laborers describe what it was like to be on the receiving end of a bombing raid.
The book concludes with an assessment of the mission itself and provides a fair judgment of all sides. While the mission didn't bring about the desired results, it ended up having some special consequences for both sides. Much as he did in his book on Hamburg, Middlebrook's analysis of the mission lays both blame and praise where due and is fairly done without any one side getting roasted or lauded more than appropriate. He does inject a little personal bias into a few comments here and there, but this doesn't detract from the analysis nor lessen its credibility. This was a truly excellent book and I would daresay should be required reading by any and all who want to know more about the 8th Air Force in World War II.
August 16, 2021
Classic Middlebrook. If you like meticulously researched narrative oral histories of famous aerial battles (which I do), they don't really come much better than this.
September 27, 2024
A fantastic read for those interested in the American bomber force over Europe.
Martin Middlebrook write in depth about the importance of the raid against the ball bearing factories in Schweinfurt and the Messerschmidt factories in Regensburg by the American 8th Airforce.
He compiles a great amount of veteran accounts from all aspects, bomber crews, luftwaffe, workers, flak crew and civilians to create a great narrative of what occurred on that fateful raid on the 17th of August 1943.
An amazing read and would recommend those interested in this history, or willing to better understand the importance of deep penetration missions into Germany during daylight.
Martin Middlebrook write in depth about the importance of the raid against the ball bearing factories in Schweinfurt and the Messerschmidt factories in Regensburg by the American 8th Airforce.
He compiles a great amount of veteran accounts from all aspects, bomber crews, luftwaffe, workers, flak crew and civilians to create a great narrative of what occurred on that fateful raid on the 17th of August 1943.
An amazing read and would recommend those interested in this history, or willing to better understand the importance of deep penetration missions into Germany during daylight.
May 12, 2019
A taut, informative narrative of a massive air mission gone awry. Gives great insight into what the young Americans on long range heavy bombers faced flying into Germany before receiving full fighter escorts.
May 4, 2025
Martin Middlebrook has written what must be the definitive history of the Epic raid on these two industrial cities .They were the deepest penetration into Germany by American bombers attempted, and was to demonstrate the fallacy of daylight long range strategic bombing missions without air cover.
Mr. Middlebrook has deeply sourced the book from both official Allied and German sources for bomb loads delivered, casualties, etc., but it is the stories of the men who flew the missions that are such compelling reading. He also includes the reminiscences of those people on the ground in the target cities, most of whom had never been bombed before.
I read this 500 page book in two days- it was, to use the overused cliche “ hard to put down”. The remembrances of surviving crewmen under hours of unceasing attack by skilled Luftwaffe pilots, and their memories, and by the civilian workers seeing sheltering in bunkers as hell rained down on them were riveting. One learns again that heroism doesn’t wear only one uniform and that heroism is the story of men ( and women) conquering fear.
I sincerely recommend this book to all devotees of WW2 history, and especially those, who, like me recall sitting alongside a relative veteran who every once in a while telling very sanitized war stories would drift off recalling a memory and say “ It was rough” and change the subject.
Highly recommended.
I read the kindle edition of the book, which has all the maps, photos, and charts of the print editionso kindle readers miss nothing.
Mr. Middlebrook has deeply sourced the book from both official Allied and German sources for bomb loads delivered, casualties, etc., but it is the stories of the men who flew the missions that are such compelling reading. He also includes the reminiscences of those people on the ground in the target cities, most of whom had never been bombed before.
I read this 500 page book in two days- it was, to use the overused cliche “ hard to put down”. The remembrances of surviving crewmen under hours of unceasing attack by skilled Luftwaffe pilots, and their memories, and by the civilian workers seeing sheltering in bunkers as hell rained down on them were riveting. One learns again that heroism doesn’t wear only one uniform and that heroism is the story of men ( and women) conquering fear.
I sincerely recommend this book to all devotees of WW2 history, and especially those, who, like me recall sitting alongside a relative veteran who every once in a while telling very sanitized war stories would drift off recalling a memory and say “ It was rough” and change the subject.
Highly recommended.
I read the kindle edition of the book, which has all the maps, photos, and charts of the print editionso kindle readers miss nothing.
October 23, 2019
There were two places I can't imagine being during WWII; in a U-Boat, or in a bomber over Germany. Middlebrook's excellent narrative and analysis of the raids on Schweinfurt and Regensburg confirms my thoughts on that. Middlebrook uses many of the voices of the American flyers, their German opponents, and those on the ground under the bombing, to weave an evocative story that makes you wonder how any of them got through this mission intact. I have a bugbear about historians injecting themselves into their histories but other than that this is a first-class and gripping account of the air war over Europe. 9/10
August 25, 2019
Martin Middlebrook has written many book of this nature, each telling the tale of a particular mission during WW2. This mission was one of the largest and costliest raids undertaken by the USAAF bombers. Middlebrook does a good job of conveying the horror and trepidation suffered by both the bomber crews and the people being bombed. This is mechanised war at its most frightening and a great tribute to the aircrews who didn't judge the morality of their mission but just got on with winning the war.
December 20, 2017
I read this book because my father served in the 8th Air Force during 1943 as a waist gunner in a B-17. Though I don't believe he was on this raid (he was hospitalized with frostbite), I found this to be the best book I have read in some time about the air war in Europe. I enjoyed the first hand accounts of the participants in this mission from aircrews to fighter pilots and bombing survivors. The overview of both American and German operational procedures makes it especially interesting.
August 3, 2022
WWII buff or not, a great exposition
A Story told before but not like this! The book is arranged and the story's researched facts laid out for the reader's understanding of a complex, moving pair of raids. Facts and factors... B-17 pilots and gunners, ME 109 pilots, to the philosophy of strategic bombing by self defending bomber formations all are combined in a clear short easy read history.
A Story told before but not like this! The book is arranged and the story's researched facts laid out for the reader's understanding of a complex, moving pair of raids. Facts and factors... B-17 pilots and gunners, ME 109 pilots, to the philosophy of strategic bombing by self defending bomber formations all are combined in a clear short easy read history.
October 5, 2022
A well researched book
To devote more detail in specific areas would require a book of double this size. While the author included good amount of personal perspective from those who actually participated in those raids, I wou!d have liked a little more. It might change the overall balance of the book ; but as it stands, it's a great read and one I would recommend to any fan of WWII USAAF.
To devote more detail in specific areas would require a book of double this size. While the author included good amount of personal perspective from those who actually participated in those raids, I wou!d have liked a little more. It might change the overall balance of the book ; but as it stands, it's a great read and one I would recommend to any fan of WWII USAAF.
September 1, 2024
Excellent accounting of the mission
Having gotten into an interest of the WW2 air war saga via Masters of the Air, this detailed according of Schweinfurt Regensburg drives home a couple of things: the incredible amount of bravery these 20-ish young men had, and how blindingly stupid the top leadership was in continuing to perpetuate the idea of the B-17's utility as a standalone aerial platform.
Having gotten into an interest of the WW2 air war saga via Masters of the Air, this detailed according of Schweinfurt Regensburg drives home a couple of things: the incredible amount of bravery these 20-ish young men had, and how blindingly stupid the top leadership was in continuing to perpetuate the idea of the B-17's utility as a standalone aerial platform.
February 5, 2024
ww2 Americans and their British allies bomb the german homeland.
A difficult read as the author has written a comprehensive book on Americans trying to end the war by bombing Germainys war making capabilities. The author has immortalized the men , who died, by virtue of this book and I highly recommend.
A difficult read as the author has written a comprehensive book on Americans trying to end the war by bombing Germainys war making capabilities. The author has immortalized the men , who died, by virtue of this book and I highly recommend.
November 3, 2025
Highly detailed story of the bombing of a Messerschmidt aircraft plant and a ball-bearing factory, by American heavy bombers deep inside Nazi Germany in 1943. A the time, it was hoped that these types of attacks would lame German arms industry and create discouragement among civilians. However, there was a high price to be paid.
September 11, 2021
Highly detailed & well researched
The courage and determination these air crews showed flying to & from their targets is inspirational. Realizing German records are few wanted more on fighter response and the manufacturing sites.
The courage and determination these air crews showed flying to & from their targets is inspirational. Realizing German records are few wanted more on fighter response and the manufacturing sites.
July 20, 2021
Not his best work.
February 23, 2022
Long and short, a great book that was thoroughly researched. I would definitely recommend it if you’re interested in the air war in Europe.
April 19, 2024
sobering
Tremendous dive into what was believed to be sound strategy,but all based on the failed notion that a bomber bristling with guns could effectively defend itself.
Tremendous dive into what was believed to be sound strategy,but all based on the failed notion that a bomber bristling with guns could effectively defend itself.
May 27, 2025
A very good read
This was well researched and we'll written. The detail and narrative were excellent. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to others in the series.
This was well researched and we'll written. The detail and narrative were excellent. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to others in the series.
December 17, 2025
I found this to be one of the perfect combat histories written about a battle. Mr. Middlebrook takes the reader thru the mission planning, the plan changes, and what occurs on take-off. Then he has the people who lived thru the mission tell their stories. This includes bomber crews flying the mission; the Luftwaffe fighter pilots and flak crews who opposed them; and the people who were on the receiving end of the bombs. Their stores weave into a fast-paced and exciting tale.
I look forward to reading Mr. Middlebrook's other books on bombing raids. If they follow this books organization and research they will be primo reads.
I look forward to reading Mr. Middlebrook's other books on bombing raids. If they follow this books organization and research they will be primo reads.
June 19, 2010
A detailed description of massive American daylight bombing raids on two targets in August 1943.
Americans realized that their long held plans to do unescorted bomber runs in daylight over Germany were impractical.
Well researched and written.
Americans realized that their long held plans to do unescorted bomber runs in daylight over Germany were impractical.
Well researched and written.
June 28, 2011
Similar to Edward Jablonski's Double Strike. See my review there.
September 17, 2014
A very well researched and written book. A great insight to a raid over 70 years ago.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews