Eighth Air Force: The American Bomber Crews in Britain

by miller-donald-l

The Bomber War in World War II was waged by two the Lancasters and Halifaxes of the RAF’s Bomber Command, and the Flying fortresses and Liberators of the American Eighth Air Force. Thousands of young Americans flew hundreds of raids over Germany, bombing by day in huge formations, attacking industrial plants, oil refineries and cities. These were desperately dangerous missions from which many would not return. Nonetheless, for the three years between the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the Normandy landings of 1944, fleets of bomber crews were the only way the Allies could take the war directly to Germany in Europe, making every town and factory the frontline. Donald Miller’s magnificent Eighth Air Force has deservedly been praised in the same breath as Patrick Bishop’s modern classic, Bomber Boys. Miller offers a comprehensive history of this crucial phase of the Allies’ military strategy. Across 17 chapters, with 16 pages of photographs, he covers the individual destinies of the American bomber crews; the notorious raids of Schweinfurt-Regensburg and Dresden; the social transformation of sleepy East Anglian villages by a ubiquitous military presence; and the fierce controversy surrounding the ethics of area and terror bombing.

Genres: Military History, World War II, History, American History

688 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2007

Reviews

[John Lomnicki, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done massive undertaking resulting in a readable well-researched narrative. Reading was enjoyable and engaging. I particularly liked the thorough review of the effacacy of the use of men and material in its use in war. Strategy was explained from many perspectives as well a motivations and understanding of the actual jobs. This is not a book I could read in just a week, it required a bit of reflection as well as discussion with a number of people.

I was motivated to read this version because it was mentioned as the volume used by the screenwriters in the Apple+ docuseries, Masters of the Air. It was out of print, so I had to use eBay to get my hard copy. I began reading after viewing part 2 and finished after viewing part 6. Another book by the author is titled after the docuseries, but I required the original.

I knew a a smattering of information, but nothing like this and its look from all the different perspectives that I really appreciated. I recommend this as a great read.

[Jeff Slipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite bookk on the topic.

Detail and great story telling mesh perfectly.

Recommended with out reservation.

[Patrick Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the best piece of military aviation history ever written.

[Kieran Lear · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourites!

[MR J P SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought home the sacrifices made by these brave combatants.

This book is all I could have hoped for in describing the personal wars experienced or endured by American servicemen in England in WW2. The lurid and vivid descriptions recall the conditions these airmen had to get through each and every time they flew, as well as being moved to a foreign country to prosecute the war. As a near neighbour to the 384th Bomb Group at Grafton Underwood it was very special to read about this and other Groups contributions to the war effort.
Highly recommended.

[Nick Boldrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable account mixing overall strategy with personal recollections