Sir Arthur Harris, 1st Baronet, English air marshal (d. 1984)

Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris, 1st Baronet, a figure whose name remains inextricably linked with the strategic bombing campaigns of the Second World War, was born on 13 April 1892 and passed away on 5 April 1984. Universally known as "Bomber" Harris by the press, a moniker reflecting his unwavering commitment to the strategic bombing of enemy territory, and affectionately referred to as "Butch" Harris within the Royal Air Force, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of RAF Bomber Command. This pivotal role placed him at the helm during the Anglo-American strategic bombing offensive, which aimed to cripple Nazi Germany's industrial and military capabilities and undermine the morale of its population.

Early Life and Pioneering Aviation Years

Born in Gloucestershire, England, Harris's early life took an adventurous turn when he emigrated to Rhodesia in 1910 at the age of 17. The outbreak of the First World War saw him join the 1st Rhodesia Regiment, where he gained initial military experience fighting in South Africa and German South West Africa (modern-day Namibia). By 1915, the war's demands brought him back to England, where his path diverged towards the nascent field of military aviation. He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the precursor to the RAF, a decision that would define his distinguished career. He remained with the RFC until its transformation into the Royal Air Force in 1918, becoming one of its founding members.

Interwar Service and Global Experience

Through the interwar years of the 1920s and 1930s, Harris continued his dedicated service within the newly formed Royal Air Force. This period saw him gain extensive operational experience across the vast expanse of the British Empire, with postings in crucial regions such as India, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Persia (Iran), Egypt, and Palestine. These diverse roles, often involving air policing and the suppression of local unrest, exposed him to the practical application of air power in various challenging environments. This hands-on experience undoubtedly shaped his strategic thinking and his belief in the decisive capabilities of air forces.

Leading RAF Bomber Command in World War II

When the Second World War erupted in 1939, Arthur Harris was already a seasoned airman. He initially took command of No. 5 Group RAF in England, one of the principal operational formations of Bomber Command. However, it was his appointment in February 1942 as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command that cemented his historical significance. He held this demanding position for the remainder of the war, overseeing a dramatic escalation in the air campaign against Germany.

Crucially, 1942 also marked a turning point in British bombing strategy. Facing limitations in precision targeting capabilities, particularly at night, and under immense pressure to strike directly at the German war effort, the British Cabinet formally agreed to a policy of "area bombing" – targeting broad urban areas rather than specific industrial sites. Harris was given the monumental task of implementing this controversial policy, often referred to as "de-housing," which aimed to destroy German cities, industrial capacity, and civilian morale. He became a staunch proponent of this strategy, diligently supporting the development of new tactics and technological advancements, such as navigation aids and increasingly powerful bombs, to execute the task more effectively. Working closely with the British Chief of the Air Staff, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Charles Portal, Harris directed some of the United Kingdom's most devastating attacks against the German infrastructure and population. These operations included the infamous Bombing of Dresden in February 1945, which remains one of the most contentious events of the air war due to the immense destruction and loss of life it caused.

Post-War Life and Baronetcy

Following the Allied victory in 1945, Harris opted for a life away from the immediate post-war political and military debates in Britain. He relocated to South Africa, where he transitioned into civilian life, managing the South African Marine Corporation, a significant shipping company. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding his wartime command, his contributions were formally recognised in 1953 when he was created a baronet, taking the title 1st Baronet of Chipping Wycombe.

Legacy and Enduring Controversy

Sir Arthur Harris's legacy is undeniably complex and remains a subject of intense historical and ethical debate. His steadfast preference for area bombing over more precise targeting methods continues to draw criticism and scrutiny. This controversy stems from multiple facets: firstly, many senior Allied air commanders, including some within the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), held reservations, often believing that precision targeting of specific military and industrial objectives would be more strategically effective and resource-efficient. Secondly, and more profoundly, the sheer scale of civilian casualties and the widespread destruction wrought upon countless cities across Continental Europe by the area bombing campaign led to profound moral questions that persist to this day. The human cost and the long-term impact on urban landscapes and populations ensure that the "Bomber" Harris era remains one of the most difficult chapters in the history of aerial warfare to reconcile.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Arthur Harris

Why was Sir Arthur Harris known as "Bomber" Harris?

He earned the moniker "Bomber" Harris from the press and public due to his unwavering and sometimes controversial commitment to the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany during World War II. As the head of RAF Bomber Command, he was the chief architect and implementer of these operations, making the nickname a direct reflection of his wartime role.

What was "area bombing" and why was it adopted?

Area bombing, also known as saturation bombing, was a strategic approach that involved targeting broad urban areas, aiming to destroy a city's industrial capacity, infrastructure, and civilian morale. It was adopted by the British in 1942 primarily due to the technological limitations of the time, which made accurate precision bombing at night extremely difficult. The objective was to overwhelm the enemy's ability to wage war by disrupting their societal and economic fabric.

Did other Allied commanders agree with Harris's area bombing strategy?

No, not universally. While the British Cabinet officially sanctioned area bombing, there were significant reservations among some senior Allied air commanders, particularly within the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Many believed that precision targeting of specific military and industrial sites, often conducted in daylight, would be more effective in weakening the German war machine. The debate over the efficacy and ethics of area bombing continued throughout the war and beyond.

What was Harris's involvement in the Bombing of Dresden?

As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command, Sir Arthur Harris was responsible for directing the air offensive, which included the Bombing of Dresden in February 1945. This raid, conducted jointly by the RAF and USAAF, remains one of the most controversial attacks of the war due to the extensive destruction of the city and the high number of civilian casualties.

How was Sir Arthur Harris recognized after World War II?

Despite the controversies, Harris was recognized for his wartime service, being created a baronet in 1953. However, his methods and strategy remained contentious, leading to him being conspicuously absent from official victory celebrations and receiving less public acclaim than some other wartime leaders.

What did Sir Arthur Harris do after the war?

After the conclusion of World War II, Sir Arthur Harris moved to South Africa. There, he took on a new professional challenge, managing the South African Marine Corporation, a significant shipping enterprise, effectively transitioning from military command to a career in the private sector.