world war ii question of the day number two

World War II Question of the Day

Number TwoDaniel W. BlackmonDaniel W. Blackmon

IB HL HistoryIB HL History

Coral Gables Sr. HighCoral Gables Sr. High

Essay of the Day

Choose Choose TWOTWO battles or campaigns battles or campaigns from from EITHEREITHER the First the First OROR Second Second World War, and show how they World War, and show how they affected the subsequent course and affected the subsequent course and eventual outcome of the war. (1989) eventual outcome of the war. (1989) (HL)(HL)

Procedure

The following campaigns will be The following campaigns will be selected:selected:

The Fall of France 1940The Fall of France 1940 The Battle of Britain 1940-41The Battle of Britain 1940-41 The Battle of the AtlanticThe Battle of the Atlantic Operation Barbarossa 1941Operation Barbarossa 1941 The Strategic Bombing OffensiveThe Strategic Bombing Offensive

The Procedure

What happened?What happened? What significant innovations occurred?What significant innovations occurred? Why was the battle won or lost?Why was the battle won or lost? What consequences were there for the What consequences were there for the

course of the war?course of the war?

The Fall of France:Allied Strategy Allied strategy was based entirely on Allied strategy was based entirely on

the assumption that the Germans would the assumption that the Germans would replicate the Schlieffen Plan with a replicate the Schlieffen Plan with a vast turning movement through vast turning movement through Belgium. Belgium.

The Fall of France:Allied Strategy The basic idea was to mass the best The basic idea was to mass the best

Anglo-French divisions behind Anglo-French divisions behind Belgium and then to advance into Belgium and then to advance into Belgium along the line of the Dyle Belgium along the line of the Dyle river in a meeting engagement. river in a meeting engagement.

The Fall of France:Allied Strategy Belgium, as had been proven in World Belgium, as had been proven in World

War I, is poor terrain for an attacker, War I, is poor terrain for an attacker, since it is flat, can easily be flooded, since it is flat, can easily be flooded, and cut by frequent canals and rivers. and cut by frequent canals and rivers.

The Fall of France:German Strategy Erich von Manstein conceived a bold Erich von Manstein conceived a bold

plan: The Sichelschnitt.plan: The Sichelschnitt. The plan involved an attack through The plan involved an attack through

the Ardennes Forest, difficult territory.the Ardennes Forest, difficult territory. Heinz Guderian assured Manstein that Heinz Guderian assured Manstein that

the plan was feasible, if risky.the plan was feasible, if risky.

The Fall of France:German Strategy Manstein argued that the German right Manstein argued that the German right

wing (Army Group B) should enter wing (Army Group B) should enter Belgium and Holland as a powerful Belgium and Holland as a powerful feint, drawing off the bulk of the Allied feint, drawing off the bulk of the Allied forces. forces.

The Fall of France:German Strategy Then, once they were engaged, a Then, once they were engaged, a

massive armored strike from Army massive armored strike from Army Group A should be launched through Group A should be launched through the Ardennes (Luxembourg), cross the the Ardennes (Luxembourg), cross the Meuse, and drive on the Channel coast Meuse, and drive on the Channel coast at Abbéville and Boulogne, thus at Abbéville and Boulogne, thus cutting French lines of communication cutting French lines of communication and severing their armies in two.and severing their armies in two.

The Fall of France:German Strategy The blow fell at a sector that was The blow fell at a sector that was

thought to be protected by the difficult thought to be protected by the difficult Ardennes forest--the Allies (except for Ardennes forest--the Allies (except for Liddell Hart) thought it impassible to Liddell Hart) thought it impassible to armor. armor.

The Fall of France:German Strategy In addition, the French plan meant that In addition, the French plan meant that

all mobile reserves were moved away all mobile reserves were moved away from the decisive point of the battle.from the decisive point of the battle.

The French plan could not have been The French plan could not have been better for the Germans had they drawn better for the Germans had they drawn it up for themselves.it up for themselves.

The Fall of France:German Strategy The troops defending the crucial area The troops defending the crucial area

were among the poorest in the French were among the poorest in the French army. The Germans also struck at the army. The Germans also struck at the hinge between two French armies, the hinge between two French armies, the Second and Ninth. Such hinges are Second and Ninth. Such hinges are always potential weak spots.always potential weak spots.

The Fall of France:German Strategy

Thus, the Germans had won the battle Thus, the Germans had won the battle even before it began.even before it began.

The Unfolding Campaign

Manstein’s plan unfolded as he Manstein’s plan unfolded as he foresaw.foresaw.

May 10May 10thth, Germany violated Dutch, , Germany violated Dutch, Belgian, and Luxemburg neutrality.Belgian, and Luxemburg neutrality.

The Luftwaffe destroyed the Dutch air The Luftwaffe destroyed the Dutch air force on the ground.force on the ground.


German airborne troops seize bridges German airborne troops seize bridges over the Maas and capture Fort Eben over the Maas and capture Fort Eben Emael, the cornerstone of Belgian Emael, the cornerstone of Belgian defenses.defenses.


Behind the paratroopers came a Behind the paratroopers came a German Army GroupGerman Army Group

French commander Maurice Gamelin French commander Maurice Gamelin puts his mobile forces on the road into puts his mobile forces on the road into Belgium to meet the German thrust.Belgium to meet the German thrust.


The first great armored clash of the war The first great armored clash of the war will occur when French and German will occur when French and German armored forces collide. armored forces collide.

After a day of fierce fighting, the After a day of fierce fighting, the French withdraw.French withdraw.


At the same time, Army Group A At the same time, Army Group A under Gerd von Rundstedt, with 7 under Gerd von Rundstedt, with 7 Panzer divisions, begins moving Panzer divisions, begins moving through the Ardennes Forest.through the Ardennes Forest.

Their target is Sedan on the Meuse.Their target is Sedan on the Meuse.


The sector they are attacking is a part The sector they are attacking is a part of the Maginot Line that was not of the Maginot Line that was not completed.completed.


May 13May 13thth: The Germans storm the : The Germans storm the Meuse.Meuse.

German general Erwin Rommel begins German general Erwin Rommel begins his rise to fame when his 7his rise to fame when his 7thth Panzer Panzer finds a weak spot and crosses the river finds a weak spot and crosses the river north of Sedannorth of Sedan


Blitzkrieg theorist Heinz Guderian led Blitzkrieg theorist Heinz Guderian led his Panzer Corps across the river at his Panzer Corps across the river at Sedan.Sedan.

Panic among French artillery doomed Panic among French artillery doomed the defense.the defense.


Once across the river, the Germans Once across the river, the Germans began pushing troops and equipment began pushing troops and equipment over as fast as humanly possible.over as fast as humanly possible.

After fighting off counterattacks, After fighting off counterattacks, Guderian lines up 7 Panzer divisions Guderian lines up 7 Panzer divisions across, and drives for the interior.across, and drives for the interior.


May 15May 15thth: The Germans break out, : The Germans break out, over running French defensive lines over running French defensive lines before they can be manned.before they can be manned.

French resistance began to collapse.French resistance began to collapse.


New British Prime Minister Winston New British Prime Minister Winston Churchill flew to Paris and was Churchill flew to Paris and was appalled to learn that there was no appalled to learn that there was no reserve left. He asked Gamelin, reserve left. He asked Gamelin, "When and where are you going to "When and where are you going to counter-attack the flanks of the counter-attack the flanks of the Bulge?"Bulge?"


Gamelin replied "Inferiority of Gamelin replied "Inferiority of numbers, inferiority of equipment, numbers, inferiority of equipment, inferiority of method" and shrugged.inferiority of method" and shrugged.


May 20May 20thth: Guderian reached the sea at : Guderian reached the sea at Abbéville. Abbéville.

The French army had been cut in two. The French army had been cut in two. All forces in the north, French and All forces in the north, French and British, are now severed from all British, are now severed from all supply--no further fuel, ammunition, supply--no further fuel, ammunition, food, or medicine would reach them.food, or medicine would reach them.


"[B]y 23 May, he [British commander "[B]y 23 May, he [British commander Lord Gort] knew that the French Army Lord Gort] knew that the French Army was finished and that it was his simple was finished and that it was his simple duty to save the B.E.F., to fight another duty to save the B.E.F., to fight another day on some other field. day on some other field.


““Had the B.E.F. been wiped out in northern Had the B.E.F. been wiped out in northern France, it is difficult to see how Britain France, it is difficult to see how Britain could have continued the fight; and with could have continued the fight; and with Britain out of the battle, it is even more Britain out of the battle, it is even more difficult to see what combination of difficult to see what combination of circumstances could have aligned America circumstances could have aligned America and Stalin's Russia to challenge Hitler." and Stalin's Russia to challenge Hitler." (Horne 608)(Horne 608)


May 24May 24thth: Hitler issued his : Hitler issued his controversial “Halt Order,” stopping controversial “Halt Order,” stopping the Panzers in their drive for Dunkirk.the Panzers in their drive for Dunkirk.

There is dispute over why he did so.There is dispute over why he did so.


The usual explanation is that Hermann The usual explanation is that Hermann Goering promised to destroy the BEF Goering promised to destroy the BEF by the Luftwaffe alone, and he wanted by the Luftwaffe alone, and he wanted the glory for the most Nazi of German the glory for the most Nazi of German branches of the military.branches of the military.

The Miracle of Dunkirk

Between May 26 and June 4, under Between May 26 and June 4, under cover of the RAF, the British executed cover of the RAF, the British executed thethe Miracle of Dunkirk Miracle of Dunkirk, evacuating , evacuating 227,000 British and 110,000 French 227,000 British and 110,000 French troops.troops.

End of the Campaign

France brought back Marshall France brought back Marshall Henri Petain (who was 85) to Henri Petain (who was 85) to be head of state. He be head of state. He capitulates on June 21. capitulates on June 21.

Hitler signs the papers in the Hitler signs the papers in the same railroad car used for the same railroad car used for the Armistice in 1918Armistice in 1918

The Fall of France:Why? In the aftermath of the Fall of France, In the aftermath of the Fall of France,

the Allies allowed themselves to the Allies allowed themselves to believe that they had been believe that they had been overwhelmed by superior forces. That overwhelmed by superior forces. That is simply not true. is simply not true.

The Fall of France:Why? "Hitler's armies were actually inferior "Hitler's armies were actually inferior

in numbers to those opposing them. in numbers to those opposing them. Although his tank drives proved Although his tank drives proved decisive, he had fewer and less decisive, he had fewer and less powerful tanks than his opponents powerful tanks than his opponents possessed. possessed.

The Fall of France:Why? Only in airpower, the most vital factor, Only in airpower, the most vital factor,

had he superiority. Moreover, the had he superiority. Moreover, the issue was virtually decided by a small issue was virtually decided by a small fraction of his forces Before the bulk fraction of his forces Before the bulk came into action. came into action.

The Fall of France:Why? Although French and British tanks Although French and British tanks

were actually more numerous and were actually more numerous and better than the German tanks, they better than the German tanks, they were parceled in small units.were parceled in small units.

German tanks were concentrated in the German tanks were concentrated in the Panzer divisions.Panzer divisions.

The Fall of France:Why? The Germans furthermore displayed The Germans furthermore displayed

better strategy, better tactics, and above better strategy, better tactics, and above all better leadership at every level than all better leadership at every level than did the French.did the French.

The Fall of France:Why? That decisive fraction comprised ten That decisive fraction comprised ten

armored divisions, one parachute armored divisions, one parachute division, and one air-portable division, and one air-portable division . . . out of a total of some 135 division . . . out of a total of some 135 divisions which he had assembled." divisions which he had assembled." (Liddell Hart I 66)(Liddell Hart I 66)

What Significant Innovations?

Demonstration of the power of Demonstration of the power of Blitzkrieg: combined arms divisions Blitzkrieg: combined arms divisions and corps with tanks, infantry, artillery and corps with tanks, infantry, artillery and air power working closely and air power working closely together.together.


Each German Army Group had an Air Each German Army Group had an Air Fleet assigned to it. Fleet assigned to it.

The Air Fleets were designed to allow The Air Fleets were designed to allow airfields to move forward behind the airfields to move forward behind the fighting.fighting.


Panzer divisions had a Luftwaffe Panzer divisions had a Luftwaffe liaison officer assigned to them to call liaison officer assigned to them to call down air strikes on local strong points.down air strikes on local strong points.

Luftwaffe attacks behind the lines Luftwaffe attacks behind the lines spread panic and paralysisspread panic and paralysis


Air borne troops are used for the first Air borne troops are used for the first time, achieving important objectives time, achieving important objectives with a small expenditure of men.with a small expenditure of men.

Consequences

The Fall of France was a The Fall of France was a military and psychological military and psychological disaster for the Allies.disaster for the Allies.

Consequences

Militarily, it enormously Militarily, it enormously increased the problems of increased the problems of defeating Germany. Britain defeating Germany. Britain had not necessarily lost the had not necessarily lost the war yet; but they could not win war yet; but they could not win the war without the United the war without the United States. States.

Consequences

As a continental power, Britain As a continental power, Britain was isolated; as an empire, it was isolated; as an empire, it could continue to resist; but could continue to resist; but without the financial, industrial, without the financial, industrial, and manpower resources of the and manpower resources of the U.S., Great Britain could not U.S., Great Britain could not possibly fight its way back onto possibly fight its way back onto the continent.the continent.

Consequences

Psychologically, the Fall of Psychologically, the Fall of France shook both the U.S. and France shook both the U.S. and USSR badly.USSR badly.

It marks a shift in U.S. public It marks a shift in U.S. public opinion that Hitler had to be opinion that Hitler had to be defeated and that he posed a defeated and that he posed a real threat to the U.S. real threat to the U.S.

Consequences

It is therefore a turning point It is therefore a turning point on the road to war. Stalin was on the road to war. Stalin was even more badly shaken. He even more badly shaken. He had counted on a long, bloody had counted on a long, bloody war that would fatally weaken war that would fatally weaken the capitalist powers. the capitalist powers.

Consequences

Now, he faces an immensely Now, he faces an immensely stronger Germany. His stronger Germany. His reaction is to take pains not to reaction is to take pains not to offend Germany while he offend Germany while he desperately tried to revamp his desperately tried to revamp his army, which he had himself army, which he had himself seriously weakened.seriously weakened.

Consequences

Hitler expected Britain to sue for Hitler expected Britain to sue for peace. peace. Hitler told his chief of Hitler told his chief of staff on July 21 that he staff on July 21 that he intended to tackle Russia, and intended to tackle Russia, and on July 29 Gen. Alfred Jodl told on July 29 Gen. Alfred Jodl told a fellow general that he was a fellow general that he was determined on war with determined on war with RussiaRussia. .

Consequences

The Fall of France established The Fall of France established the power and effectiveness of the power and effectiveness of BlitzkriegBlitzkrieg. . Modern European Modern European armies are trained and armies are trained and equipped to fight Blitzkrieg. equipped to fight Blitzkrieg.

Lessons

If conditions are ripe, Blitzkrieg If conditions are ripe, Blitzkrieg offers a sudden end to fighting, offers a sudden end to fighting, with the loser suffering with the loser suffering catastrophic losses. catastrophic losses.

Lessons

However, conditions are However, conditions are frequently not ripe, and in frequently not ripe, and in reality much of World War II reality much of World War II fighting resembled World War I fighting resembled World War I trench/siege warfare very much.trench/siege warfare very much. It should not be forgotten that It should not be forgotten that Blitzkrieg is not always possible.Blitzkrieg is not always possible.

The Battle of Britain

Hitler expected that the British would Hitler expected that the British would make peace after the Fall of France. make peace after the Fall of France. He had previously written in He had previously written in Mein Mein KampfKampf about a Anglo-German about a Anglo-German partnership (with Britain a junior partnership (with Britain a junior partner) based on differing interests: partner) based on differing interests: Germany as a continental power and Germany as a continental power and Britain as an empire and a sea power. Britain as an empire and a sea power.


He offered "peace" terms to Churchill He offered "peace" terms to Churchill in a speech on July 19, 1940.in a speech on July 19, 1940.


Churchill never considered any kind of Churchill never considered any kind of peace with Hitler, although members peace with Hitler, although members of his government, such as Lord of his government, such as Lord Halifax, did. It would have made sense Halifax, did. It would have made sense from a pragmatic point of view. The from a pragmatic point of view. The circumstances were desperatecircumstances were desperate

Churchill’s Defiance: May 13, 1940 ““I would say to the House [of I would say to the House [of

Commons], as I said to those who Commons], as I said to those who have joined this government: have joined this government: "I have "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.and sweat.""

Churchill’s Defiance: May 13, 1940 ““We have before us an ordeal of the We have before us an ordeal of the

most grievous kind. We have before most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. and of suffering.

Churchill’s Defiance: May 13, 1940 ““You ask, what is our policy? I can You ask, what is our policy? I can

say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. catalogue of human crime.

Churchill’s Defiance: May 13, 1940 ““That is our policy. You ask, what is That is our policy. You ask, what is

our aim? I can answer in one word: It our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. without victory, there is no survival.

Churchill’s Defiance: May 13, 1940 ““Let that be realised; no survival for Let that be realised; no survival for

the British Empire, no survival for all the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move the ages, that mankind will move forward towards its goal.”forward towards its goal.”

Churchill’s Defiance: June 4, 1940 ““Even though large tracts of Europe Even though large tracts of Europe

and many old and famous States have and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.

Churchill’s Defiance

““We shall go on to the end, we shall We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, Island, whatever the cost may be,

Churchill’s Defiance

““we shall fight on the beaches, we shall we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, surrender,

Churchill’s Defiance June 4, 1940 ““and even if, which I do not for a and even if, which I do not for a

moment believe, this Island or a large moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, part of it were subjugated and starving,

Churchill’s Defiance June 4, 1940 ““then our Empire beyond the seas, then our Empire beyond the seas,

armed and guarded by the British Fleet, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the the rescue and the liberation of the old.”old.”

Churchill’s Defiance: June 18, 1940 ““What General Weygand called the What General Weygand called the

Battle of France is over. I expect that Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. the Battle of Britain is about to begin.

Churchill’s Defiance: June 18, 1940 ““Upon this battle depends the survival Upon this battle depends the survival

of Christian civilization. Upon it of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. our Empire.

Churchill’s Defiance: June 18, 1940 ““The whole fury and might of the The whole fury and might of the

enemy must very soon be turned on us. enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. uplands.

Churchill’s Defiance: June 18, 1940 ““But if we fail, then the whole world, But if we fail, then the whole world,

including the United States, including including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. perverted science.

Churchill’s Defiance: June 18, 1940 ““Let us therefore brace ourselves to our Let us therefore brace ourselves to our

duties, and so bear ourselves that, if duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour." their finest hour."

The German Strategy

Hitler issues Führer Directive No. 16, Hitler issues Führer Directive No. 16, calling for calling for "Operation Sea Lion,""Operation Sea Lion," the invasion of the British Isles.the invasion of the British Isles.

The German Strategy

Both Army and Navy planners would Both Army and Navy planners would intensely apprehensive of the Royal intensely apprehensive of the Royal Navy. The German Navy had no Navy. The German Navy had no chance whatever of defeating the Royal chance whatever of defeating the Royal Navy in a surface engagement. The Navy in a surface engagement. The transports could easily be massacred.transports could easily be massacred.

The German Strategy

Consequently, the absolute pre-Consequently, the absolute pre-requisite for an invasion of Great requisite for an invasion of Great Britain was Luftwaffe command of the Britain was Luftwaffe command of the air space above the Channel. In the air space above the Channel. In the last analysis, last analysis, the RAF was the chief the RAF was the chief defense of the British people.defense of the British people.

The German Strategy

Had the Germans succeeded in gaining Had the Germans succeeded in gaining control of the Channel and landing, it control of the Channel and landing, it is generally assumed that they could is generally assumed that they could have conquered Britain quickly.have conquered Britain quickly.

British Defenses

At no time were the British threatened At no time were the British threatened with defeat because they did not have with defeat because they did not have sufficient fighter aircraft. sufficient fighter aircraft.

They came perilously close to defeat They came perilously close to defeat due to shortage of pilots from loss and due to shortage of pilots from loss and exhaustion.exhaustion.

British Defenses

Credit should be given to Credit should be given to Lord Lord Beaverbrook,Beaverbrook, who was put in who was put in charge of aircraft production. charge of aircraft production.

Beaverbrook made many enemies, but Beaverbrook made many enemies, but fighter production increased 250%fighter production increased 250%

. British fighter production actually . British fighter production actually exceeded Germany'sexceeded Germany's

British Defenses

British pilots were fighting over their British pilots were fighting over their own soil. Consequently, a pilot who own soil. Consequently, a pilot who bailed out could return to combat. bailed out could return to combat.

A German pilot in the same situation, A German pilot in the same situation, of course, was lost for the war.of course, was lost for the war.

British Defenses

German intelligence was miserable! German intelligence was miserable! They had no idea what British fighter They had no idea what British fighter production was; production was;

they failed to understand the nature of they failed to understand the nature of the coordinated British defense system; the coordinated British defense system;

British Defenses

Above all, Above all, they did not appreciate the they did not appreciate the significance of the British radar significance of the British radar systemsystem!!

British Defenses

Britain utilized an integrated Britain utilized an integrated command and control system to command and control system to provide early warning and to vector provide early warning and to vector fighters to meet attacks under the best fighters to meet attacks under the best possible circumstancespossible circumstances..

British Defenses

The most important component, of The most important component, of course, was course, was radarradar, , which is a British which is a British invention. invention.

British Defenses

The Home Chain line along the The Home Chain line along the English southern coast was primitive English southern coast was primitive by today's standards, and was not by today's standards, and was not always easy to interpret. always easy to interpret.

British Defenses

Particular mention should be made of Particular mention should be made of the skill and devotion of the W.A.A.F. the skill and devotion of the W.A.A.F. operators who demonstrated that operators who demonstrated that courage and coolness are not male courage and coolness are not male monopolies.monopolies.

British Defenses

Radar was backed up by a system of Radar was backed up by a system of ground observers, and telephone lines ground observers, and telephone lines of communication to the fighter fields. of communication to the fighter fields.

British Defenses

Radar is the most important reason Radar is the most important reason why Giulio Douhet's belief that "The why Giulio Douhet's belief that "The bomber will always get through" (the bomber will always get through" (the phrase is actually Stanley Baldwin's) is phrase is actually Stanley Baldwin's) is not true.not true.

British Defenses

Without this integrated air defense Without this integrated air defense system, Britain would surely have lost system, Britain would surely have lost the Battle of Britain.the Battle of Britain.

British Defenses

Air Chief Marshall of Fighter Air Chief Marshall of Fighter Command Command Hugh DowdingHugh Dowding deserves deserves the undying gratitude of the British the undying gratitude of the British people and of free people everywhere.people and of free people everywhere.

He insisted on installing the defense He insisted on installing the defense system and fought the battle itself system and fought the battle itself brilliantly.brilliantly.

Technical Issues

The main German fighter plane was The main German fighter plane was the Messerschmidt Bf 109 Ethe Messerschmidt Bf 109 E

For the Battle of Britain, the crucial For the Battle of Britain, the crucial defect of the Bf 109E was lack of defect of the Bf 109E was lack of range. range. Its combat radius was only 125 Its combat radius was only 125 miles and endurance only about 100 miles and endurance only about 100 minutesminutes. .

Technical Issues

German bombers included the Dornier German bombers included the Dornier Do 17 and Heinkel 111 medium (two Do 17 and Heinkel 111 medium (two engined) bombers.engined) bombers.

The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber and the Heinkel 110 proved so and the Heinkel 110 proved so vulnerable that they were withdrawn vulnerable that they were withdrawn from the battle.from the battle.

Technical Issues

The main British fighter was the The main British fighter was the Hawker Hurricane, which was not Hawker Hurricane, which was not quite as good as the Bf 109quite as good as the Bf 109

Technical Issues

The most famous British fighter was The most famous British fighter was the wonderful Supermarine Spitfire.the wonderful Supermarine Spitfire.

The designer was The designer was Reginald Mitchell. Reginald Mitchell.

Technical Issues

In 1932, Mitchell underwent an In 1932, Mitchell underwent an operation on a lung, and convalesced operation on a lung, and convalesced on the continent during much of 1933. on the continent during much of 1933. Conversations with German pilots Conversations with German pilots convinced him that war was coming convinced him that war was coming (note the early date!). (note the early date!).

Technical Issues

Mitchell thereafter ignored all doctors' Mitchell thereafter ignored all doctors' advice and devoted himself to advice and devoted himself to designing the Spitfire.designing the Spitfire.

Technical Issues

Performance between the Spitfire I and Performance between the Spitfire I and the Bf 109E was very very close. An the Bf 109E was very very close. An edge has to go to the German plane at edge has to go to the German plane at this time.this time.

Technical Issues

There is no doubt that the Luftwaffe There is no doubt that the Luftwaffe was superior to the RAF in training.was superior to the RAF in training.

They had perfected what the US calls They had perfected what the US calls the “finger four” formation, still in use the “finger four” formation, still in use by all air forces today.by all air forces today.

Technical Issues

The Luftwaffe was an The Luftwaffe was an outstanding tactical air force. outstanding tactical air force.

In 1940, it was easily the best In 1940, it was easily the best in the world, and at its peak in the world, and at its peak relative peak in aircraft and relative peak in aircraft and quality of air crew.quality of air crew.

Technical Issues

Its principal task was to support the Its principal task was to support the army in its operations. army in its operations.

Highly specialized air craft such as the Highly specialized air craft such as the Stuka provided swift, far ranging Stuka provided swift, far ranging artillery for the Panzers; artillery for the Panzers;

Technical Issues

Luftwaffe officers accompanied spear Luftwaffe officers accompanied spear heads to coordinate pin point attacks);heads to coordinate pin point attacks);

Rugged transports could airlift Rugged transports could airlift supplies ahead to the panzer supplies ahead to the panzer spearheads to keep them moving far spearheads to keep them moving far ahead of truck or horse borne transport.ahead of truck or horse borne transport.

Technical Issues

The Luftwaffe was not designed to The Luftwaffe was not designed to engage in strategic air combat, which is engage in strategic air combat, which is what it attempted to do in the Battle of what it attempted to do in the Battle of Britain. Britain.

Technical Issues

The error is not the structure of the The error is not the structure of the Luftwaffe, but asking it to do Luftwaffe, but asking it to do something which it was ill-equipped to something which it was ill-equipped to do.do.

Course of the Battle

The Battle of Britain falls into five phases:The Battle of Britain falls into five phases: .The Channel Battle July 3 to August 12.The Channel Battle July 3 to August 12 ."Operation Eagle" August 8 to August ."Operation Eagle" August 8 to August

1818 .The offensive against Fighter Command .The offensive against Fighter Command

August 24 to September 6August 24 to September 6


.The Battle of London September 7 .The Battle of London September 7 to September 30to September 30

.Minor raids October 1 to October 30.Minor raids October 1 to October 30.The London Blitz, the night .The London Blitz, the night

bombing of London is not properly a bombing of London is not properly a part of the Battle of Britain. part of the Battle of Britain.


Goering’s decision to shift from the Goering’s decision to shift from the offensive against Fighter Command to offensive against Fighter Command to the Battle of London marked the the Battle of London marked the turning point.turning point.


RAF pilots were nearing total physical RAF pilots were nearing total physical exhaustion.exhaustion.

Dowding had plenty of air craft but too Dowding had plenty of air craft but too few pilots.few pilots.

London’s agony saved the RAF, and, London’s agony saved the RAF, and, hence, Great Britain.hence, Great Britain.


On September 17, Hitler postponed On September 17, Hitler postponed Operation Sea Lion until further Operation Sea Lion until further noticenotice. .

At this point, Great Britain had won At this point, Great Britain had won the Battle of Britain.the Battle of Britain.


Daylight attacks on London and other Daylight attacks on London and other British cities proved too costly to British cities proved too costly to maintain.maintain.

The Germans switch to night attacks.The Germans switch to night attacks.


The night time London Blitz is a The night time London Blitz is a German admission of defeat.German admission of defeat.

Important Innovations

Radar and an integrated defense system Radar and an integrated defense system is by far the most important.is by far the most important.

Important Innovations

It was widely believed that a civil It was widely believed that a civil population would break under population would break under bombing. bombing.

The British did not break; they became The British did not break; they became more determined.more determined.

Why Did the British Win?

RadarRadar The skill and courage of RAF pilotsThe skill and courage of RAF pilots Hugh Dowding’s handling of the battleHugh Dowding’s handling of the battle

Why Did the Germans Lose?

Poor handling of the battle by Goering Poor handling of the battle by Goering and the Air Fleet commanders.and the Air Fleet commanders.

They asked the Luftwaffe to do They asked the Luftwaffe to do something for which it was not well something for which it was not well designed.designed.

Poor intelligence.Poor intelligence.

Consequences

Hitler fails to defeat Britain in 1940. Hitler fails to defeat Britain in 1940. He still has a chance to defeat Britain He still has a chance to defeat Britain at sea with U-boats, but that will take at sea with U-boats, but that will take time. time.

Consequences

He rationalizes his attack on the Soviet He rationalizes his attack on the Soviet Union with the thought that, by Union with the thought that, by defeating the one of only two potential defeating the one of only two potential allies with sufficient power to defeat allies with sufficient power to defeat Germany, Britain would give up. Germany, Britain would give up.

Consequences

This reasoning is not convincing, and it This reasoning is not convincing, and it is clear to me that the real motive is is clear to me that the real motive is Hitler's ideological hatred of the Soviet Hitler's ideological hatred of the Soviet Union. Union.

An attack on the Bolshevik empire was An attack on the Bolshevik empire was an inevitable part of Hitler's make-up.an inevitable part of Hitler's make-up.

Consequences

The failure to defeat Britain in 1940 The failure to defeat Britain in 1940 leaves a powerful base of operations leaves a powerful base of operations for the United States in his rear. for the United States in his rear. Hitler cannot win a two-front war, but Hitler cannot win a two-front war, but he is about to open up a second front he is about to open up a second front before he has settled the first. before he has settled the first.

It is a fatal blunder.It is a fatal blunder.

Consequences

John Keegan writes, "As it was, the John Keegan writes, "As it was, the pragmatism of Dowding and his pragmatism of Dowding and his Fighter Command staff, the self-Fighter Command staff, the self-sacrifice of their pilots, and the sacrifice of their pilots, and the innovation of radar inflicted on Nazi innovation of radar inflicted on Nazi Germany its first defeat. Germany its first defeat.

Consequences

““The legacy of that defeat would be The legacy of that defeat would be long delayed in its effects; but the long delayed in its effects; but the survival of an independent Britain survival of an independent Britain which it assured was the event that which it assured was the event that most certainly determined the downfall most certainly determined the downfall of Hitler's Germany." of Hitler's Germany."

Winston Churchill:

““Never before in the course of human Never before in the course of human conflict has so much been owed by so conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.”many to so few.”

world war ii question of the day number two

Documents

fall of france

french plan

german strategymanstein

german strategyerich

german strategythus

german strategythen

german thrust

german strategythe troops