aRTICLES and bOOKS By Aviation Author Helena P. Schrader
The Berlin Airlift
Strategic Bombing Offensive
Strategic Bombing Offensive
The Berlin Airlift was a dramatic and successful non-violent response to Russian aggression. It transformed enemies into allies and brought about a fundamental change in the ideological orientation of post-war Germany. It thereby contributed materially to the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany, NATO and ultimately the European Union. It also came very close to failing. Find out more about this dramatic historical event in a series of articles by historian and Berlin Airlift expert Helena P. Schrader
Strategic Bombing Offensive
Strategic Bombing Offensive
Strategic Bombing Offensive
For four long years, the bombing offensive against Germany was Britain's sole means of taking the war to Hitler. The unrelenting attacks on Germany's industrial and military might demonstrated Britain's determination to continue the fight until victory. Despite post-war doubts about the efficacy of the campaign, the evidence suggests that while the bombing of Germany's industrial and military capacity was not sufficient to defeat the Nazis, the bombing offensive contributed materially to the shortening of the war. Find out more about the aircraft involved and some of the more important operations in a series of articles.
Battle of Britain
Strategic Bombing Offensive
Battle of Britain
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In the summer of 1940, Winston Churchill famously said that "the fate of Western civilization hung in the balance."
If, in the wake of Hitler's sweeping victories on the continent, the British had sued for peace or succumbed to an invasion, America would never have entered the war in Europe. Furthermore, without Western aid, the Soviet Union might have been overwhelmed .
In short, the Battle of Britain was the imperative first step toward Allied victory. It brought Hitler’s aggression to a halt for the first time. Yet it is often forgotten nowadays that it was a near-run thing. The outcome teetered in the balance day after day. Find out more about this crucial battle in a series of articles.
Bomber Boys
Women in Aviation
Battle of Britain
For most of the war, the young men flying with Bomber Command were the only men taking the war to Hitler. Their chances of survival were less than 50%. Their average age was 21. Helena P. Schrader looks at their training, trades and characteristics in a series of articles intended as a tribute to these young men who fought for freedom.
Women in Aviation
Women in Aviation
Women in Aviation
During the Second World War, a few carefully selected women in both the U.S. and the U.K. were given the unprecedented opportunity to fly military aircraft. Although they did not fly combat missions in either country, still they filled important support roles for their respective air forces. The story of these women is both exciting and intriguing. Find out more in articles about their organizations and activities.
Malta's Air War
Women in Aviation
Women in Aviation
Allied control of Malta was vital to control of the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal and thereby access to Near Eastern oil. The decision to defend Malta was militarily astute, and the nearly three year struggle that ensued was marked by courage and audacity. Indeed, the courage and fortitude of the civilian population under intense attack earned the island the only collective George Cross in history. Yet Malta's main role was offensive.