Post-War Criticism of Bombing War

Although the bombing campaign had received very positive publicity during the war, post-war the tide of public opinion began to turn against the campaign. By extension, this would meant that the aircrew themselves became the subject of criticism.

German ruins, photographed on a Cook’s Tour taken by Horace Bennett, 635 Squadron, in May 1945.

RPA/H635/Aircrew/Bennett, Horace

Perhaps one of the earliest public mentions of what is often called the ‘betrayal of Bomber Command’, meaning the way in which the public and the politicians turned against the aircrew, can be read in Hansard, in the 12 March 1946 debate in the House of Commons on the future of the RAF. This is a very long debate, and some of it is of little interest now except academically. However, two speakers made very interesting references to their own wartime experiences in the RAF. Wing Commander Millington’s contribution to the debate is particularly impassioned.

12 March 1946 Debate on the RAF, Part I

12 March 1946 Debate on the RAF, Part II