The Journey of Flight.pdf - Valkyrie Cadet

In fact, the lessons learned in North Africa are so important they are still used today in the United
States Air Force. One of the key principles of air power today is the centralized control of air assets.
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At the beginning of World War II, there were several theories on how to use air power. Before the
United States entered the war, planners thought about how to best use America’s air power. One theory
came from the book called Command of the Air, written by Italian Air Marshal Giulio Douhet. Another
theory was that of Sir Hugh Trenchard from England. Other theories were advocated by General Billy
Mitchell and Captain Claire Chennault, both Americans.
Air Marshal Douhet wrote about gaining air supremacy with a massive first strike. This strike was
supposed to be a surprise attack on the enemy’s aircraft that were still on the ground. With little to no
enemy opposition, one could then fly over the enemy’s fielded forces and attack their population
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The Lancaster, one of
England’s greatest
WWII bombers.
(EAA)
at home. This would wear down the enemy’s will to resist, and they would eventually give in. Douhet
believed that the strength of air power was so great, a large ground war would not be necessary.
Trenchard, who is considered to be the “Father of the RAF,” also believed in long-range bombing.
He thought that a proper force mix was about two-thirds bomber aircraft and one-third fighter. He
differed a little with Douhet in what targets to hit.