Operation Pointblank
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Operation Pointblank was the code name for the Combined Bomber Offensive of the USAAF and the RAF during World War II. It ordered Arthur 'Bomber' Harris, head of RAF Bomber Command and Carl Spaatz, head of the U.S. 8th Air Force, to bomb specific targets in support of the run up to Operation Overlord in order to destroy the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) before D-Day. The techniques and specific tactics were decided upon by the commanders and subsequently followed differing bombing doctrines. The RAF mainly carried out nighttime area bombing and the USAAF carried out daytime precision attacks against small targets.[1]
In January 1943 the Casablanca Conference, with Roosevelt, Churchill, and the Combined Chiefs of Staff in attendance, decided to carry out a combined bomber offensive against Germany and other occupied territories. Their desired result was the "progressive destruction and dislocation of the German military, industrial, and economic system and undermine the morale of the German people to a point where their capability for armed resistance is fatally weakened."[2]
In response for this directive by the conference, a team led by Gen. Ira Eaker drafted a plan for the Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO).[2]
Part of the CBO plan was a list of targets. By order of priority they were:
- The German aircraft industry
- Ball bearings
- Petroleum
- Grinding wheels and crude abrasives
- etc...[2]
Around-the-clock bombing was called for, with the RAF continuing its nighttime raids, and USAAF complementing them with daylight strikes.[3]
The Eighth Air Force gradually increased its strength. Increasing the number of units in action, and testing various strategies of bomber defence.
The operation officially began on 10 June 1943.[3]
After Black Thursday, the USAAF discontinued unescorted strikes deep into Germany, until an escort was created that could follow the bombers to and from their targets.
In 1944 the bombers, now escorted by the P-51 Mustang, renewed their operation. Gen Eaker gave the order to "Destroy the enemy air force wherever you find them, in the air, on the ground and in the factories."[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Aspects of The British and American Strategic Air Offensive against Germany 1939 to 1945.. Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
- ^ a b c Hansell, Jr, Haywood S (1972). The Air Plan That Defeated Hitler. Atlanta: Higgins-McArthur/Longino and Porter, 157-. ISBN 0405121784. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
- ^ a b c Birth of the Combined Bomber Offensive. Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
[edit] See also
- Strategic bombing during World War II#The British attack
- Operation Crossbow - On July 18, 1943, Eisenhower ruled that attacks on long-range weapon targets take precedence over everything except the urgent requirements of the battle across the Channel.[1]
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