[LS]

It's little appreciated and for obvious reasons not much discussed that the bombing campaign was 100% effective but in ways nobody expected. The goal was to destroy production os the Luftwaffe ON THE GROUND by taking out manufacturing, ball bearing lands, and fuel refineries. That was only partially successful. Speer increased production from 1943-1944.

Instead,our bombers became bait to lure up the Luftwaffe where it was destroyed by tight bomber formations (not as well) and then long range fighter escorts (devastatingly). In June 1944, Germany was using one-third of its entire military production vs. western bombers! This was when they desperately needed air support in the east.

In 1879, Lord Chelmsford used his column, marching in the open, to do the same thing with the Zulus, who were slaughtered when they attacked compact British lines of volley fire and Gatling guns.

And, in Iraq, quite by accident, we found that our troops on the ground acted as the same lure to pull in Al-Qaeda from all over the world Zaqwari was a Jordanian). I call it the roach motel technique: put the hotel out and the roaches will come.

[BroJoeK]

LS: "In June 1944, Germany was using one-third of its entire military production vs. western bombers! This was when they desperately needed air support in the east....
"I call it the roach motel technique: put the hotel out and the roaches will come."

Thanks for that great analysis!

Turns out, our "Air Farce" was actually a force to be reckoned with.