This is the definitive biography of one of the most controversial figures of the Second World War. Sir Arthur Harris remains the target of criticism and vilification by many, while others believe that the contribution he and his men made to the Allied victory is grossly undervalued. Harris has been condemned, in particular, for his Area Bombing tactics which saw civilians and their homes become legitimate targets along with industrial and military installations. This is explored by the author and placed fully within its context, and just as importantly, within the instructions he received from Churchill's administration. Henry Probert's critical but highly sympathetic account draws on wide-ranging research and, for the first time, all of Harris' own papers, to give an outstanding insight into a man who combined leadership, professionalism and decisiveness with kindness, humour and generosity. AUTHOR: Air Commodore Henry Probert was educated at Cheadle Hume School and Sidney College, Cambridge, where he read history. He served for thirty years in the RAF Educational Branch, becoming its director and spent eleven years as Head of the Air Historical Branch. He is one of the founders of the RAF Historical Society. SELLING POINTS: ? The most detailed biography of Sir Arthur Harris that has been published. ? Vindicates fully the tactics used in the controversial Area Bombing campaign. ? Highly acclaimed as the most balanced account of Harris that has been written. Illustrated
