France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower
A renowned airpower expert assesses the air campaign fought in France in 1940, explaining why the Luftwaffe was so effective against the French and British.

The battle for France and Belgium was one of the most significant moments in modern warfare: the first great clash of modern major powers, where both sides possessed large and capable air forces, and modern combined-arms doctrine. It was in the air that the Germans had a notable advantage in both numbers and quality. But this does not fully explain the victory of the Luftwaffe over the RAF and the French Air Force in 1940.

In this book, renowned airpower scholar James S. Corum offers an operational-level history of the air campaign, and explains comprehensively and concisely how the campaign was fought, and why the Luftwaffe made such superior use of their airpower. He overturns myths – such as that the Luftwaffe served merely as 'flying artillery' – and explores aspects of the campaign often overlooked, such as the British use of mobile radar and the effectiveness of Fighter Command, the Luftwaffe's surprising use of strategic bombing; and how impressively the Germans used their flak forces.

Researched from French, British, and German primary sources, and illustrated throughout with artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and photos, this book distils the author's decades of scholarship into an essential guide to airpower in the fall of France.

"1145317569"
France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower
A renowned airpower expert assesses the air campaign fought in France in 1940, explaining why the Luftwaffe was so effective against the French and British.

The battle for France and Belgium was one of the most significant moments in modern warfare: the first great clash of modern major powers, where both sides possessed large and capable air forces, and modern combined-arms doctrine. It was in the air that the Germans had a notable advantage in both numbers and quality. But this does not fully explain the victory of the Luftwaffe over the RAF and the French Air Force in 1940.

In this book, renowned airpower scholar James S. Corum offers an operational-level history of the air campaign, and explains comprehensively and concisely how the campaign was fought, and why the Luftwaffe made such superior use of their airpower. He overturns myths – such as that the Luftwaffe served merely as 'flying artillery' – and explores aspects of the campaign often overlooked, such as the British use of mobile radar and the effectiveness of Fighter Command, the Luftwaffe's surprising use of strategic bombing; and how impressively the Germans used their flak forces.

Researched from French, British, and German primary sources, and illustrated throughout with artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and photos, this book distils the author's decades of scholarship into an essential guide to airpower in the fall of France.

25.0 Pre Order
France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower

France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower

France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower

France 1940: The first great clash of World War II airpower

Paperback

$25.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on April 22, 2025
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Store Pickup available after publication date.

Related collections and offers


Overview

A renowned airpower expert assesses the air campaign fought in France in 1940, explaining why the Luftwaffe was so effective against the French and British.

The battle for France and Belgium was one of the most significant moments in modern warfare: the first great clash of modern major powers, where both sides possessed large and capable air forces, and modern combined-arms doctrine. It was in the air that the Germans had a notable advantage in both numbers and quality. But this does not fully explain the victory of the Luftwaffe over the RAF and the French Air Force in 1940.

In this book, renowned airpower scholar James S. Corum offers an operational-level history of the air campaign, and explains comprehensively and concisely how the campaign was fought, and why the Luftwaffe made such superior use of their airpower. He overturns myths – such as that the Luftwaffe served merely as 'flying artillery' – and explores aspects of the campaign often overlooked, such as the British use of mobile radar and the effectiveness of Fighter Command, the Luftwaffe's surprising use of strategic bombing; and how impressively the Germans used their flak forces.

Researched from French, British, and German primary sources, and illustrated throughout with artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and photos, this book distils the author's decades of scholarship into an essential guide to airpower in the fall of France.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781472864833
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: 04/22/2025
Series: Air Campaign , #53
Pages: 96
Sales rank: 312,089
Product dimensions: 7.24(w) x 9.76(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dr James S. Corum is an internationally recognized expert on military airpower and counter-insurgency. Recently retired from two decades of teaching at leading Western defense colleges, he has also served as a strategic planner and is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel with intelligence background. An award-winning author, historian and consultant, he now lives in Alabama.

Graham Turner is an award-winning historical painter and member of the Guild of Aviation Artists.

Table of Contents

(Subject to confirmation)

Introduction

Chronology

Attacker's Capabilities

Defender's Capabilities

Campaign Objectives

The Campaign

Aftermath and Analysis

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews