Bomber Harris: His Life and Times (Greenhill Military) - Softcover

Probert, Air Commodore Henry

4.06

34 ratings by Goodreads

9781853675553: Bomber Harris: His Life and Times (Greenhill Military)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853675555 ISBN 13: 9781853675553

Publisher: Greenhill Books, 2006

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This is the definitive biography of one of the most controversial figures of World War II. Sir Arthur Harris remains the target of criticism and vilification by many, while others believe the contribution he and his men made to victory is grossly undervalued. Henry Probert's critical but sympathetic new account draws on recent research and, for this first time, all of Harris's own extensive papers, to give outstanding insight into a man who combined leadership, professionalism and decisiveness with kindness, humour and generosity. Probert examines Harris's life from youth in Rhodesia to fighting in World War I, the inter-war years, his two families and his post-war years in South Africa and England. He reveals and analyses how Harris did his job in RAF Bomber Command during World War II, his leadership of his men in the face of appalling casualties, his disagreements with higher authority, his dealings with Churchill, his close links with the Americans, his role in directing the bombing raids against Germany, most notably at Dresden, and the way he was treated afterwards. Bomber Harris provides the most complete and rounded picture of one of the great high commanders of modern times and an outstanding military personality of World War II.

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Review:

WWII History Magazine, May 2007

“Author Henry Probert has shed light on the complex, multifaceted Sir Arthur in this insightful, penetrating biography...Harris comes to life on the pages through Probert’s judicious use of quotes and correspondence that demonstrate the commander’s leadership qualities, professionalism, and decisiveness mixed with kindness, humor, and generosity...Using for the first time Harris’s own extensive papers, Probert paints a complete picture of the man lauded by many and vilified by others—a portrait that both fans and detractors of Sir Arthur will find intriguing.”

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