Nuremberg 30-31 Mar 44
I entirely agree with the view that the bravery of the crews is a separate matter from any moral argument about the policy of area bombing.
I also agree with the view that it was essentially a political judgement by Churchill to distance himself from bomber command.
We should however remember that Churchill amongst others wanted area bombing discontinued towards the end of the war, considering it to have served its purpose, but that Harris persisted, some state in the face of direct orders to the contrary. It was the latter day raids against what was by then basically a defenceless enemy which attract the bulk of the notoriety.
Still not the fault of the crews, and they have been shamefully treated.
That said, it is hard to imagine any current politician in the current climate wanting to reopen the subject of the merits of bombing civilian targets.
I also agree with the view that it was essentially a political judgement by Churchill to distance himself from bomber command.
We should however remember that Churchill amongst others wanted area bombing discontinued towards the end of the war, considering it to have served its purpose, but that Harris persisted, some state in the face of direct orders to the contrary. It was the latter day raids against what was by then basically a defenceless enemy which attract the bulk of the notoriety.
Still not the fault of the crews, and they have been shamefully treated.
That said, it is hard to imagine any current politician in the current climate wanting to reopen the subject of the merits of bombing civilian targets.
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The crews have been recognised with the Bomber Command clasp to the 39-45 Star. This is obviously not a separate campaign medal, but it is recognition (long overdue as it was) and, given the political aspects post-war, it is as good as it’s going to get.
