In a declassified memo dated 28 March 1945, Churchill writes of his concerns regarding the “wanton destruction” and “increasing terror” of the firebombing of Germany. The destruction and terror was not his concern though—he found that to be “impressive”—his concern was that if they continued they would come into possession of a land so completely ruined there would be nothing left in Germany for the Allies to pillage. He goes on to acknowledge the annihilation of Dresden six weeks earlier only so much as its potential for reputational damage. Even at this late stage he thinks that they should continue bombing the shit out of Germany, but instead shift focus to now bomb military installations rather than the "impressive" civilian targets.
> In a declassified memo dated 28 March 1945, Churchill writes of his concerns regarding the “wanton destruction” and “increasing terror” of the firebombing of Germany. The destruction and terror was not his concern though—he found that to be “impressive”—his concern was that if they continued they would come into possession of a land so completely ruined there would be nothing left in Germany for the Allies to pillage. He goes on to acknowledge the annihilation of Dresden six weeks earlier only so much as its potential for reputational damage. Even at this late stage he thinks that they should continue bombing the shit out of Germany, but instead shift focus to now bomb military installations rather than the "impressive" civilian targets.
(post is archived)