265 pages
ISBN 0-7146-4692-X

Editorial preface; introduction; Harris--A German View, by Horst Boog; Aircraft, Armaments and Results of the Bomber Offensive; Air Staff Memorandum.

Appendix: Radio Aids to Navigation and Bombing; Development of Bombing Techniques; Progress of Armament; Tactics; Radio Countermeasures; Expansion and Re-equipment; Review of Training; Sea-Mining Operations and Attacks on Naval Targets; Meteorology in Bomber Command; Flying Control and the Bomber Offensive; Summary of Principal...Directives and Signals.

Originally classified and unpublished, the war Despatch of "Bomber" Harris is the controversial document of a controversial man and his controversial bomber force. The Despatch itself covers the wartime task allotted to Bomber Command and the operations by which the task was executed. This section runs some 62 pages and is followed by the original appendices to the Despatch. The appendix section covers a further 130 pages and is a goldmine of information; some of the appendices are so lengthy and detailed that they have their own table of contents and their own annexures.

While the Despatch and its appendices are full of interest and value, the publisher has vastly increased the overall impact of the book by adding several new sections to include other perspectives and to put the Desptach in its historical context. Most striking of these additions is the formerly confidential Air Staff memorandum taking issue with a variety of points made by Harris in the Despatch, notably regarding "precision" vs "area" strategic bombing.

Not to be confused with Harris' autobiography, this an an altogether separate work of considerable value.

Published in the UK by Frank Cass, the book is available in the US through its exclusive distributor: International Specialized Book Service, 5804 NE Hassalo Street, Portland, OR 97213. Thanks to ISBS for providing this copy.