BOMBER COMMAND Meaning and
Definition
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Bomber Command refers to a military division or organization responsible for the strategic bombing operations carried out during World War II, particularly by the British Royal Air Force (RAF). It was the primary and largest operational command within the RAF dedicated to the employment of heavy bombers in warfare.
The role of Bomber Command was to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale aerial attacks on enemy targets, mainly in Germany and occupied territories. These attacks were aimed at disrupting enemy military operations, damaging infrastructure, and demoralizing civilian populations. The bombers employed by Bomber Command included iconic aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, Handley Page Halifax, and the Short Stirling.
Bomber Command played a crucial role in the Allies' overall strategic bombing campaign against Axis powers. It operated throughout the war, launching countless bombing raids, including the infamous area bombing attacks on industrial cities like Hamburg and Dresden. These raids often involved large numbers of bombers flying in formation, protected by fighter escorts, and were executed at night to maximize their effectiveness.
The command was headed by various notable figures, including Sir Arthur Harris, commonly known as "Bomber Harris." Under his leadership, Bomber Command developed a doctrine that emphasized the saturation bombing of enemy targets, resulting in controversial debates about the morality and effectiveness of such operations.
Bomber Command significantly contributed to the eventual Allied victory by weakening the enemy's infrastructure, disrupting their production capabilities, and forcing diversion of resources from the war effort to counter the aerial threat. However, its operations were not without significant casualties, with many aircrews paying the ultimate price for their service in the dangerous skies over enemy territory.
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Etymology of BOMBER COMMAND
The term "Bomber Command" has its etymology rooted in the military context of World War II.
The word "bomber" originates from the verb "bomb", which can be traced back to the Middle English word "bombe" and the Old French word "bomber". Both of these words ultimately stem from the Latin word "bombus", meaning "a booming or humming sound". The usage of "bomb" as a noun to refer to an explosive device dates back to the early 18th century.
The term "Bomber Command" specifically refers to the operational command structure within the Royal Air Force (RAF) responsible for organizing and directing strategic bombing missions during World War II. It was established in 1936 and played a significant role in the Allied air campaign against Germany. The word "command" refers to the authority or control exercised by this specific branch of the RAF.
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