Forgotten Blitzes

Claudia Baldoli is Senior Lecturer in Modern European History at Newcastle University, UK. Andrew Knapp is Professor of French Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Reading, UK.

A masterly, searching and judicious examination of the British and American bombing of France and Italy, which were occupied by or allied to the Third Reich and harnessed to the German war machine. It explores the ambiguities of civilian losses under "friendly fire" and the relationship of Allied bombing to resistance activity, such as escape lines for downed pilots. Military and strategic questions are dissected alongside the reactions of the Vichy and Italian governments, the effectiveness of civil defence and evacuation plans, propaganda warfare and morale, solidarity with victims, profiteering and plunder. Based on a mass of archival documentation, this is a tour de force in the comparative history of total war.

• 1 Introduction \ 2 Purpose and politics: the Allies and the bombing of France and Italy \ 3 Preparing for catastrophe, 1930-1940 \ 4 Weak fascists and strong puppets? Governments and bombing, 1940-1945 \ 5 Civilians under the bombs: propaganda, morale, and rumour \ 6 Resistance, bombs and liberation \ 7 Conclusion