Quote:
Originally Posted by adonys
your WWI history seems to be a "little" bit hazy at least.. WWII one too, for one claiming he knows and understands WWII warfare..
RAF bomber command started bombing german cities way before battle of britain or london's blitz.. and in your vision, the berlin bombing night raid was a proper response justified by the criminal action of the lost ju88 who dropped his bombs to escape some british fighters' attack (it was a ju88 actually commanded by commanded by major Rudolf Hallensleben, not a he111; and it was the infuriated Hitler the one ordering Luftwaffe to start bombing London and british civilian targets, not Goering).. interesting..
"RAF Bomber Command's policy in particular would attempt to achieve victory through the destruction of civilian will, communications and industry.. Contrary to popular belief, the Luftwaffe did not have a systematic policy of what became known as "terror bombing". Evidence suggests that not until 1942 did the Luftwaffe adopt an official bombing policy in which civilians became the primary target." wiki quote..
read here.. The Blitz.. |
While I'm with you on the WWII business, I think Gerbil's assessment of WWI isn't incorrect. Germany was indeed suffering after WWI -- everyone was, but they the worst (due to reparations, immense limitations, and Europe's effect of America's Great Depression). Also, it's well documented that in both world wars there was a difference in military thinking between the Brits, French, Americans, Germans, Japanese, Italians, everyone. The Germans consistently displayed their fondness for strict discipline, complete hierarchical command, and tactical coolness (meaning that if this bad thing needed to be done in order to allow this good thing to happen, so bet it).
I'm not saying that there isn't any cross pollination between the thinking of any of the involved nations, I'm also not trying to pick a fight, I'm just saying the guy wasn't all that far off.
As for the stray Heinkel, yeah, I'm with you on that. Not how the capital city bombing campaigns started.
EDIT: I'm also coming in late to this post, so don't take this as me trying to rile anyone up, honestly. I also don't know if Gerbil was listing those reasons as "why WWII started". Oh God, please don't flame me.