What do you think?
Rate this book
Bomber Harris: His Life and Times: The Biography of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris, Wartime Chief of Bomber Command
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, humour and generosity.
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, humour and generosity.
400 pages, ebook
Published August 5, 2016
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 16, 2025
This book was really good. It talked about his youth and his life going into the service, his family life and his flying career in the RAF and his time as C-in-C of bomber command. Just all around a really good read and a great perspective and would recommend it’s somewhat long but well worth it!
Displaying 1 of 1 review