Roy Conyers Nesbit (1921–2014)

Part historical study, part polemic, this book debates the merits of the bombing strategies that the RAF and USAAF used during WW2.

Like the other Axis states, Germany was unable to meet its needs for liquid fuels from internal oil sources, and after early September 1939 it was unable to import oil from overseas, though until June 1941 it was able to import oil from the USSR. The Romanian oil production at Ploesti was available for most of the war, but not able to meet more than a fraction of the need. Well before the war started, Germany starting building up production of synthetic liquid fuels from coal and brown coal to close the gap. (The UK also explored this process.) During WW2 this was the source of a large part of its fuels and of almost all of its aviation fuels. The authors, Ronald C. Cooke and Roy Conyers Nesbit, describe some of the operations aimed at this weakness of the German war effort, and argue that more should have been done.

Unfortunately their account is not a comprehensive study. There are very interesting parts on the plans to attack Soviet oil production in the Caucasus that the French and British prepared prior to May 1940, when the USSR was a major supplier to Germany. Plans that were never executed but did fall into German hands in July 1940, causing a major embarrassment to the Allies. This is a staggering what-if, that could have changed the course of history in unthinkable ways! Also the various ways in which the British tried to interfere with the production and delivery of Romanian oil are described, and part of it would make for a great movie -- a tragicomedy. Unfortunately there is no in-depth analysis of the other efforts that the Allied bombers made to target German fuel production, and of the origins of the early rather unsuccessful attacks and the later very successful "Oil Plan". There is a lengthy description of the infamous correspondence between Portal and Harris on the strategy of RAF Bomber Command, complete with quotes.

But of the actual offensive against oil, Ehler's "Targeting the Third Reich" probably offers a better description, because it is based on a more comprehensive study. The work of Cooke and Conyers Nesbit does have some interesting facts and figures, but in other aspects it is disappointingly vague and obvious gaps are filled with generalities. What weakens their work, published in 1985, most is the reliance on some dubious secondary sources for argumentation: Irving, Fuller, and Lidell-Hart.

It concludes with a lengthy polemic, in which the authors argue that the use of RAF heavy bombers to lay waste to German city centres (at a rate, as Harris wrote, of 2 1/2 cities per month) was militarily ineffective and unethical. Cooke and Conyers Nesbit wrote that the available resources should have been used for precision bombing when possible, to fight the battle of the Atlantic, and to provide tactical air support. I think this is a view with which many, perhaps most, historians today agree. Richard Overy revealed in "The Bombing War" how the Nazi state was actually able to strengthen its grip on the population not only in spite of, but because of a bombing offensive that was designed to sap its morale.

In summary, a really useful book, with some interesting information, but with some disappointing aspects. I would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could.… (plus d'informations)

On May 10, 1941, Rudolf Hess, deputy Fuehrer of the Third Reich, embarked on his flight from Augsburg to Scotland. At dusk the same day, he parachuted on to a Scottish moor and was taken into custody. His arrival provoked widespread curiosity and speculation. Why did Hess fly to Scotland? Had Hitler authorized him to attempt to negotiate peace? Was British Intelligence involved? What was his state of mind at the time? The authors focus on particular aspects of Hess's life that relate to his ability as a pilot. His preparations for the flight and the technical details of the specially modified aircraft are also examined, in order to demonstrate the inaccuracy of some of the conspiracy theories. They also paint a picture of the flight, including the RAF's efforts to shoot Hess down and the difficulties he had in bailing out. The book aims to resolve many of the riddles that still bedevil this bizarre episode of World War II.… (plus d'informations)