Restrained Policy and Careless Execution: Allied Strategic Bombing on the Netherlands in the Second World War
AbstractThis article examines the nature of Allied strategic bombing on the Netherlands in the Second World War. It discusses the endless controversy on strategic bombing, and adds the policy of bombing occupied countries, especially the Dutch involvement in bombing policy development, a quantitative analysis of bombing on the Netherlands, and three case studies to the existing narrative. The paper concludes that Allied bombing policy towards the Netherlands sought to maintain a balance between the usefulness of bombing and the risk of collateral damage. Further, it reveals the absolute magnitude of the bombing campaign in the Netherlands, which contrasts with existing history. This article concludes that the nature of strategic bombing on the Netherlands, notwithstanding the fact of sincere intentions and restrained policies, was that the execution of the bombardments regu- larly failed to attain the defined bombing goals. These failures caused extensive collateral damage, as illustrated by three case st...
Restraint In Urban Warfare: The Canadian Attack On Groningen, Netherlands, 13-16 April 1945
Abstract : Urban terrain presents significant tactical challenges to attacking armies, limiting weapons effects and mobility while disrupting formations and command and control. The human terrain in cities creates a tactical dilemma, placing large civilian populations in close proximity to the fighting. The issue of restraint in urban warfare has been described as a modern phenomenon, with urban warfare in World War II characterized as unlimited. In April 1945, however, the Canadian Army limited its firepower while attacking the city of Groningen, Netherlands to limit damage and civilian casualties. This thesis examines the reasons for these restraints and the methods used to balance those restraints with accomplishment of the mission. The Canadians limited their use of force for political reasons based on intent from the British. They accomplished their mission due to intelligence gained from the friendly population, local fire superiority gained by tanks and flamethrowers, and the ineffectiveness of the poorly organized and equipped German defense. This thesis provides a historical case study of the reasons for restraint in urban warfare and the tactical challenges associated with such limitations.
Industry and Air Power: The Expansion of British Aircraft Production, 1935-1941
American Aviation Historical Society - "This is an in depth study of the economic and industrial foundation of World War Two British air power... this book belongs in you library." The British Army Review - "highly recommended to anyone who is interested in the interaction between defence and industry, and the implications for the wider aspects of defence planning. Its lessons are entirely relevant to today, and are not limited to the aerospace field" Aeromilitaria - "...a comprehensive guide to the problems and eventual achievements of aircraft production." Business History - "This is an excellent piece of origionl research, the conclusions of which are articulated in a detailed and convincing style." Military History - "Sebastian Ritchie is to be commended for a fine, thought-provoking, and readable study of what many might feel is a dry and uninspiring" Aeroplane Monthly - "The result is a scholarly and valuable study that will surely be a standard reference for many years.