The concept of strategic assault of a Nation's industrial and military
base by air was heralded by Britain as far back as the immediate period
before the start of WWI. However, stringent post-War economy ensured
that the creation of Bomber Command in 1936 witnessed a daunting
disparity between the aim of striking at an adversary's ability to
sustain itself on the Field of Battle and the means to do so.
The initial three years of WWII left the Command very weak in both human
and material terms. The navigational means with which to accurately
guide the bombers to targets was almost completely lacking during this
period, while the enemy defensive network inflicted serious casualty
rates. The punishment handed out was accordingly minimal in effect.
The resurgence of the Command's fortunes coincided with the appointment
of Sir Arthur Harris as C-in-C. The advent of the more efficient
Lancaster and Halifax designs ensured a greatly increased bomb tonnage
could be delivered. Electronic aids such as 'Gee', 'Oboe' and 'H2'S'
ensured the task of locating targets was simplified. So it was that by
1944/45 the Third Reich's industrial base was virtually rendered
impotent.
