Harris, Arthur Travers (Oral history)

British officer served as Commander-in Chief of RAF Bomber Command in GB, 1942-1945

REEL 1: Opinion of Handley Page Hampden; opinion of Avro Manchester and problem of engine failure; memory of flying Manchester; story of re-design and conversion into Avro Lancaster; qualities of Lancaster and ability to carry heavy bomb loads including 20,000 lb 'Ten Ton Tessie' bomb; flying characteristics and reliability of Lancaster; contribution of Lancaster in winning war; opinion of Stirling bomber; role of Lancasters during Normandy landings, 6/1944; question of recognition for Bomber Command; opinion of Rommel on effectiveness of bombing during Normandy landings; effects of bombing on German morale; opinion of work of Roy Chadwick and Avro design team; question of contribution of Bomber Command to naval war; opinion of Rolls Royce engines; question of replacement of piston engine with jet engine in RAF; further comments on effects of bombing on German morale during Normandy landings, 6/1944; comparison of infantry going over the top during First World War and bomber crews. REEL 2 Continues: opinion of bomber crews; question of German recognition of effectiveness of bombing campaign; story of German general and surrender of Boulogne; role of bombers supporting ground troops; recognition of contribution of Bomber Command from Montgomery; further comments on transition from piston to jet engines in RAF .