The fascinating story of World War II''s forgotten strategic bombing campaign the RAF''s perilous long-range missions flying from English bases against the industry cities and dockyards of Mussolini''s Italy. Between June 1940 and August 1943 RAF Bomber Command undertook a little-known strategic bombing campaign in Europe. The target was Mussolini's Italy. This air campaign was a key part of the strategic policy of Britain from 1940 to 1943 which aimed at securing Italy's early surrender. However it posed unique challenges not least of which was Italy''s natural defences of distance and the Alps. The bombing campaign against Italy can be divided into a number of phases with each one having its own specific goals such as affecting Italian war production or hindering the Italian Navy's war in the Mediterranean. However each also furthered the ultimate aim of forcing Italy's final capitulation demonstrating that the tactic of area-bombing was not just about the destruction of an enemy's cities as it could also fulfil wider strategic and political objectives. Indeed the intensity and frequency of attack was greatly controlled and the heavy bombing of Italy was only ever sanctioned by Britain's civilian war leaders to achieve both military and political goals. The issue of target-selection was also subject to a similar political restriction; cities and ports like Milan Turin Genoa and La Spezia were sanctioned under an official Directive but other places such as Verona Venice Florence and above all Rome remained off-limits. British strategic and military history expert Dr Richard Worrall explores the political motivational and strategic challenges of the campaign in full. His thorough analysis and meticulous research is supported by specially commissioned artwork maps and contemporary photographs. . Language: English