Nijmegen Bombardment On 22 February 1944: A Faux Pas Or The Price Of Liberation?

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book Nijmegen Bombardment On 22 February 1944: A Faux Pas Or The Price Of Liberation? by Joris A. C. van Esch, Lucknow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Joris A. C. van Esch ISBN: 9781786250407
Publisher: Lucknow Books Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books Language: English
Author: Joris A. C. van Esch
ISBN: 9781786250407
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books
Language: English

A steadfast misbelief in precision bombing evolved into the leading concept for US Army Air Force during the Second World War. This concept envisioned the destruction of the German industrial and economic system as the swiftest path to victory. However, the belief in survivability of bombers through self defense proved incorrect, and the Allies realized that the Luftwaffe had to be defeated first, by attacking the German aircraft industry. On 22 February 1944, Eighth Air Force conducted a mission as part of this offensive. During this mission, the bombers were recalled because of severe weather. On the return trip, the airmen decided not to abandon the mission outright, but to attack targets of opportunity. Because of navigational errors a section of 446 Bombardment Group misidentified the Dutch city Nijmegen as in Germany, and bombed it. Due to aiming errors, the greater part of the bombs missed the designated marshalling yards by a kilometer, and hit the city center instead. The bombardment caused chaos on the ground. It surprised the citizens, ignorant by earlier faulty alarms, and damage caused great difficulties for the provision of aid relief. As a result, the bombardment killed about 800 citizens and destroyed the historic city center.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A steadfast misbelief in precision bombing evolved into the leading concept for US Army Air Force during the Second World War. This concept envisioned the destruction of the German industrial and economic system as the swiftest path to victory. However, the belief in survivability of bombers through self defense proved incorrect, and the Allies realized that the Luftwaffe had to be defeated first, by attacking the German aircraft industry. On 22 February 1944, Eighth Air Force conducted a mission as part of this offensive. During this mission, the bombers were recalled because of severe weather. On the return trip, the airmen decided not to abandon the mission outright, but to attack targets of opportunity. Because of navigational errors a section of 446 Bombardment Group misidentified the Dutch city Nijmegen as in Germany, and bombed it. Due to aiming errors, the greater part of the bombs missed the designated marshalling yards by a kilometer, and hit the city center instead. The bombardment caused chaos on the ground. It surprised the citizens, ignorant by earlier faulty alarms, and damage caused great difficulties for the provision of aid relief. As a result, the bombardment killed about 800 citizens and destroyed the historic city center.

More books from Lucknow Books

Cover of the book With The Zionists In Gallipoli by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book History Of The Third Infantry Division In World War II, Vol. I by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book A Diary Of My Work Overseas by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book War Diaries And Other Papers – Vol. II by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Memoirs of Franz von Papen by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book With The Fleet In The Dardanelles, Some Impressions Of Naval Men And Incidents During The Campaign In The Spring Of 1915 by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Surprise And Deception In The Early War Years, 1940-1942 by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Nimitz And Goleman: Study Of A Civilian Leadership Model by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Triumph in the Atlantic: The Naval Struggle Against the Axis by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book 'Are We Beasts' Churchill And The Moral Question Of World War II 'Area Bombing' by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Letters And Diary Of Alan Seeger by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Irregulars, Partisans, Guerrillas by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book UTAH BEACH TO CHERBOURG - 6-27 JUNE 1944 [Illustrated Edition] by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Eisenhower’s Six Great Decisions: Europe, 1944–1945 by Joris A. C. van Esch
Cover of the book Ambulance No. 10. Personal Letters Of A Driver At The Front [Illustrated Edition] by Joris A. C. van Esch
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy