German Flak Defences vs Allied Heavy Bombers

Since the end of World War II, the strategic bombing of Germany has inspired numerous studies, countless books, and several documentary films, which is unsurprising. With more than one million tons of bombs dropped, close to 300,000 civilians killed, 700,000 wounded, and over 3,500,000 industrial and residential structures destroyed, the Allied bomber offensive represented industrial war on a grand scale.

The air battle over Germany is often described as a conflict between Allied and German fighters. However, what historians frequently overlook is the impact of German anti-aircraft defences, known as flak. Though often dismissed as ineffective and a waste of valuable resources, the German flak arm significantly contributed to the defence of the Third Reich. At least half of the American aircraft shot down over Germany fell to flak, and according to the RAF Official History, flak accounted for 1,229 of the 3,302 aircraft lost by Bomber Command between 1942 and April 1945.

Additionally, the strategic role of flak extended beyond simply shooting down aircraft. Its more important task was to force bombers to drop their ordnance sooner or from a higher altitude, thus reducing bombing accuracy.

Both these roles are explored in depth in Donald Nijboer's detailed study, German Flak Defences vs Allied Heavy Bombers. This comprehensive guide examines the German flak defences and their adversaries, the Allied heavy bombers. It contains full-colour illustrations, including cockpit scenes and armament views, providing a definitive guide to the much-overlooked conflict between Allied planes and German anti-aircraft defences.