ePub 2nd Tactical Air Force; Vol. 1: Spartan to Normandy; June 1943 to June 1944 by Christopher Shores; Chris Thomas in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Ground by the Allies on D-Day and BeyondBy John MatlockAt the beginning of World War II the Germans showed the world how a mixed arms unit of aircraft; tanks; artillery and infantry working togeather could smash anything that stood in its path. Unfortunately the British and the Americans were somewhat slow to learn such co-operation. Both the RAF and the US Army Air Force had a series of generals that believed that they could win the war without the rest of the military if only they got enough heavy bombers.During the preparation before Overlord it was only with great effort that Eisenhower got them to assist in the invasion. They insisted on deep penetration raids into Germany rather than helping the ground forces. When finally ordered by higher command to assist they did so reluctantly and poorly. The beaches at Normandie were supposed to be riddled with so many bomb craters that no Germans were supposed to be left alive. Basically they missed all the beaches. Finally they were ordered to assist in the breakout from Normandy with Operation Cobra. They were to fly along a road and bomb only to the east of the road. Instead they flew across the road and the backward creap of the bombs fell on American troops. The highest ranking American general killed in the war; Lt. Gen. Lesley McNair was killed by such "friendly fire." After that Eisenhower refused to use the heavy bombers again.Instead; Eisenhower concentrated on the use of the smaller planes of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. This book is their story.This is an absolutely beautiful book; profusely illustrated with hundreds of wartime photographs; most of which I've never seen before. Of particular interest to me were the pictures of the early Allison engined Mustang with its three bladed prop and greenhouse canopy; and of the Douglas A-20 (Boston/Havoc) bomber. Both of these were soon replaced by the Merlin engined Mustang and the A-26. But this volume of the book covers the time frame from June 1943 to June 1944; that's when these planes were in use.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another classic from Mr. ShoresBy John P. LannomChristopher Shores' books are characterized by meticulous research and surprisingly good writing; and the reworked 2nd Tactical Air Force series is no exception. The books are information-rich; and arranged in the usual day-by-day fashion.No fluff. No unsupported statements. Excellent photos and profiles. Good value for the price. Enjoy!