None but the brave

the long version

"None but the Brave provides a fresh look at the Allied bombing campaign against the European Axis powers during the Second World War. This bombing of the Third Reich and its allies was part of Britain's overall strategy to take the offensive to the enemy. In doing so, it created a 'second front' that bled off resources from the enemy's campaign against the Soviets, and it required massive amounts of manpower and materiel to be diverted from the primary war efforts to both confront the threat and address the damage sustained. It dealt telling blows to the Axis economic and industrial infrastructure, forcing the decentralization of its war industries. Finally, it helped pave the way, through destruction of enemy air defence assets, oil resources, and transportation networks, for a successful invasion of Germany through northwest Europe. The book is also a celebration of the aircrew experience and the essential resolve and fortitude that was demonstrated by these campaigners throughout the conflict, in the face of frequently daunting perils and odds against survival."--Back cover.