Stormy Weather: A B-17 and the Royal Air Force Affair

Author: G. P., Jr. Birdsong
Publisher: Hambleden Pub CA
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 0-9618601-0-3
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Synopsis: G.P. Birdsong Jr.'s unique memoir chronicles an unusual chapter in Anglo-American cooperation during World War II, when American B-17 Flying Fortress bombers were temporarily operated by Royal Air Force crews as part of experimental daylight bombing operations. This fascinating account provides insights into both the technical challenges of integrating American heavy bombers into RAF operations and the cultural complexities of joint Allied air operations during the war's early years. Birdsong's narrative begins with the background of the RAF's interest in American heavy bombers, particularly following the devastating losses suffered during early daylight bombing attempts with British aircraft. The book details how a small number of B-17s were transferred to RAF Bomber Command for evaluation and operational trials, representing a significant departure from the RAF's primarily nighttime bombing strategy. The author provides extensive technical analysis of the challenges British crews faced transitioning to American aircraft, including different instrumentation, procedures, and tactical doctrines. Birdsong chronicles the intensive training process required to familiarize RAF aircrew with B-17 systems, describing both the aircraft's advantages in terms of defensive armament and altitude capability, and its limitations compared to British bombers like the Lancaster and Halifax. The narrative covers specific missions flown by RAF crews in B-17s, including daylight raids on German targets that tested both equipment and tactics under combat conditions. The book provides detailed accounts of how British and American approaches to strategic bombing differed, with the RAF traditionally favoring nighttime area bombing while the Americans insisted on daylight precision attacks. Birdsong examines the results of these experimental operations, including loss rates, bombing accuracy, and the lessons learned about daylight bombing tactics that would later influence American Eighth Air Force operations. The author addresses the diplomatic and military politics surrounding these joint operations, including tensions between advocates of different bombing strategies and concerns about sharing sensitive technical information between allies. The narrative includes personal accounts from both American and British personnel involved in these operations, providing insights into the professional relationships and cultural exchanges that occurred during joint training and combat missions. Birdsong also examines how these early experiences influenced later decisions about American bomber deployment and tactics, particularly regarding the feasibility of unescorted daylight bombing that would prove so costly in 1943. The book concludes with an assessment of this experimental program's contribution to Allied bombing effectiveness and its role in developing the close cooperation between RAF and USAAF forces that would characterize later joint operations. This unique perspective on Anglo-American air cooperation provides valuable insights into the complex process of alliance warfare and technology sharing during World War II.

Stormy Weather: A B-17 and the Royal Air Force Affair, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.