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.
Air Commodore Probert (former director of RAF Education and the RAF Historical branch) has written what will probably become the most comprehensive biography of Arthur "Bomber" Harris. Dudley Seward's Bomber Harris (o.p.) may be more readable, but Probert gives a more complete analysis of Harris in peace and in war. As head of RAF Bomber Command, Harris became one of the most controversial figures of World War II. While most of the men he commanded respected him, Harris's tactics frequently clashed with those of Churchill and other Allied military and civilian leaders; his advocacy of saturation bombing and the infamous fire raids on Dresden and other German civilian targets caused much debate then and now. Probert uses the personal papers of Harris and other sources to detail every aspect of Harris's life, from his birth in Rhodesia to his experiences in World War I, service in the Middle East, and appointment as commander in chief of Bomber Command in 1942. Historians and scholars will find this work useful, and the numerous sources in the bibliography provide a solid base for further research. Recommended for larger public libraries, academic libraries, and military collections. David M. Alperstein, Queens Borough P.L., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
