Arthur Harris

Harris was appointed Commander-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command. He implemented the area bombing directive, targeting German cities to destroy civilian morale and industrial capacity, a strategy that remained controversial.

Harris directed a sustained bombing campaign against the Ruhr industrial region, using new tactics like the 'Oboe' navigation system. The campaign damaged German war production but also caused heavy bomber losses.

Harris ordered a series of raids on Hamburg that created a firestorm, killing an estimated 37,000 civilians and destroying much of the city. The operation used 'Window' (chaff) to confuse German radar, reducing bomber losses.

Harris ordered the bombing of Dresden, resulting in a firestorm that killed an estimated 25,000 civilians. The raid became a symbol of the moral controversy surrounding area bombing, though its military necessity was debated.