This title tells the fascinating story of World War II's forgotten
strategic bombing campaign--the RAF's perilous, long-range missions,
flying from English bases against the industry, cities, and dockyards of
Mussolini's Italy.
Between June 1940 and August 1943, RAF Bomber Command undertook a
little-known strategic bombing campaign in Europe. The target was
Mussolini's Italy. This air campaign was a key part of the strategic
policy of Britain from 1940 to 1943, which aimed at securing Italy's
early surrender. However, it posed unique challenges, not least of which
was Italy's natural defenses of distance and the Alps.
The bombing campaign against Italy can be divided into a number of
phases, with each one having its own specific goals such as affecting
Italian war production or hindering the Italian Navy's war in the
Mediterranean. However, each also furthered the ultimate aim of forcing
Italy's final capitulation, demonstrating that the tactic of
area-bombing was not just about the destruction of an enemy's cities, as
it could also fulfill wider strategic and political objectives. Indeed,
the intensity and frequency of attack was greatly controlled, and the
heavy bombing of Italy was only ever sanctioned by Britain's civilian
war leaders to achieve both military and political goals. The issue of
target-selection was also subject to a similar political restriction;
cities and ports like Milan, Turin, Genoa, and La Spezia were sanctioned
under an official Directive, but other places, such as Verona, Venice,
Florence and, above all, Rome, remained off-limits.
This fascinating title from British strategic and military history
expert Dr Richard Worrall explores the political, motivational and
strategic challenges of the campaign in full. His thorough analysis and
meticulous research is supported by specially commissioned artwork,
maps, and contemporary photographs.
