AviationKenneth WebbJuly 14, 2025RAF 51, Sir Arthur Harris, Bomber Harris, RAFA Royal Crescent Cheltenham, Plaque, Portal, Tedder, ChurchillComment

RAF 85 Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris ~ An Introduction

AviationKenneth WebbJuly 14, 2025RAF 51, Sir Arthur Harris, Bomber Harris, RAFA Royal Crescent Cheltenham, Plaque, Portal, Tedder, ChurchillComment

AVIATION

RAF 85 Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris (1892-1984)

An Introduction

July 2025

Part I

This paper is prompted by a chance meeting I had one Sunday afternoon in September 1982 at the Royal Air Forces Association in Cheltenham, more than 42 years ago. I had attended the unveiling of a plaque by Arthur Harris on Sunday 19 September 1982 at 3 Queens Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, commemorating his birthplace.

A large gathering, no detractors, no sheep either, simply what thirty years later became known as the Greatest Generation.

Harris gave a short address from the top step outside the front door of his former home. We then regathered in the comfort of the Royal Air Forces Association in Royal Crescent Cheltenham.

I was in uniform. So was Sir Arthur Harris.

After a while, the usual diplomatic circulating as a squadron commander, I found myself in the most unlikely and unintended scenario that I could have imagined. A RAF VR junior officer (just two thick rings on the arm) standing with the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force, both of us in Number One Dress, both holding cups of tea in the regulation white Ministry of Defence cups and saucers.

I respectfully introduced myself.

Then followed a most remarkable and uplifting conversation. I was aware of the controversy that surrounded Sir Arthur Harris, and I certainly was not going to be raising that.

I mentioned that my interest lay in two operations involving my parents’ brothers in 1943 and 1945 which claimed their lives. Sir Arthur Harris asked me which operations, and I explained that the 1943 operation was against the Skoda Works in Pilzň in what was then, Czechoslovakia. The 1945 operation was against the synthetic oil plants in Zeitz, Germany. I explained how, in 1943, the Halifax was intercepted crossing Germany on its return flight and was shot down in dense woodland. I explained that, in 1945, the Pathfinder Avro Lancaster had been shot down. History sometimes moves at a glacial pace. Another thirty years would pass before discovering that the Lancaster had not been ‘shot down’ but had been in a mid-air collision with another Avro Lancaster when fully laden.

It is not for me to relay Sir Arthur’s observations other than to say that they were meticulous and precise, coupled with very genuine sorrow. The kindness he expressed to me was of great comfort to my parents when I outlined the brief conversation to them later that day.

Every military commander is feted and slated in equal measure, on all sides. Some pay the ultimate price, rightly so. I have less patience with the desktop historians, trolling through reams of data, grasping little of the reality, allowing only their emotions to have the upper hand.

Part II

My well-read copy of Arthur Travers Harris's Strategic Air Offensive, published in 1947, offers a direct account of his perspectives. The subsequent re-examinations of his biography by historians can be seen as part of the ongoing effort to understand complex historical events from various angles. Similarly, a politician's historical narrative, such as Winston Churchill's History of the Second World War, reflects their own significant role and viewpoint, which naturally contributes to the broader historical record. These different interpretations highlight the inherent complexities in historical analysis.

That day in 1982 reinforced a valuable lesson my father often shared: "Ken, always be careful because you never know who you're talking to." This continues to resonate.

The next two papers will explore the perspective of Arthur Harris, a viewpoint I believe offers crucial insights for understanding this period. I find myself drawn to the work of established historians across generations, whose counsel I value in navigating these rich and sometimes challenging historical narratives.