World War II From Above

July 1, 2014

Harwood's (head of history and general reference publishing, Reader's Digest, UK; Dictionary of Battles) thesis is that superior photo-reconnaissance and a better understanding of the strategic use of air power was crucial to Allied victory in World War II. The Germans and Japanese showed tactical competence in aerial warfare but did not understand how air power could be used strategically to win the war. In addition, the Axis powers did not appreciate fully the value of having up-to-date photographic intelligence on Allied-held territory and military positions. As a result, Anglo-American air forces were able to cripple Axis industry, interrupt transportation, and terrorize civilian populations. Harwood makes the case that these actions significantly shortened the war and saved the lives of Allied soldiers. One hundred black-and-white photographs with captions make this book easily browsed. The prose is arranged chronologically by theater and gives fascinating details about the people who worked behind the lines to interpret aerial photography and exploit the intelligence it provided. VERDICT Harwood focuses almost entirely upon Anglo-American air forces; more attention to Soviet photographic intelligence would have been helpful. However, this book will appeal to fans of other pictorial histories of the war such as Richard Holmes's World War II: The Definitive Visual History.--Michael Farrell, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL

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