Product Description

The first use of aircraft for military purposes was in a reconnaissance role. As early as 1789 hydrogen balloons were employed in artillery spotting during the Franco-Prussian War. In the 20th century the airplane became the primary platform for aerial reconnaissance, and the experiments of earlier years developed into sophisticated strategic operations. This book details several of the most important operations from the perspective of photo-reconnaissance, including Monte Cassino, the Normandy landings, and the hunt for and destruction of Germany's V-weapons. Illustrated with 200 b/w original air reconnaissance photographs and maps.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #708077 in Books
• Published on: 1998-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 143 pages

Customer Reviews

Impact of Photo Intelligence on Operational Planning
In the 20th century the airplane became the primary platform for aerial reconnaissance, and the experiments of earlier years developed into sophisticated strategic operations. This book details several of the most important operations in World War II from the perspective of the impact of photo-reconnaissance and imagery intelligence on operations. World War II operations covered include the Dambusters Raid, Salerno, Market Garden, Monte Cassino, the Normandy landings, the hunt for and destruction of Germany's V-weapons, and other episodes. Each operation is described in detail, with all the relevent information on how photo intelligence was (or was not) used to influence the mission. "Allied Photo Reconnaissance of World War II" provides a detailed analysis of the nexus of PHOTINT and operational planning and execution. It would serve well as a class text in teaching photo interpretation. If this volume has a major defect, it is the absence of discussion of camouflage, denial, and deception; it is recommended that this volume be read along with Roy M. Stanley II (Col, USAF, ret.), "To Fool a Glass Eye: Camouflage Versus Photoreconnaissance in World War II."
"Allied Photo Reconnaissance of World War II" identifies all the air surveillance and photo reconnaissance units associated with each operation. Illustrated with ground level photography, 200 b/w original air reconnaissance photographs and detailed operational maps, "Allied Photo Reconnaissance of World War II" is a valuable addition to the literature on aerial surveillance, intelligence operations, and the history of World War II.