Preamble tomswarbirds
Air warfare during World War II was a major component in all theatres and, together with Anti-aircraft warfare, consumed a large fraction of the industrial output of the major powers. Germany and Japan depended on air forces that were closely integrated with land and naval forces; they downplayed the advantage of fleets of strategic bombers and were late in appreciating the need to defend against Allied strategic bombing. By contrast, Britain and the United States took an approach that greatly emphasized strategic bombing, and to a lesser degree, tactical control of the battlefield by air, and adequate air defenses. They both built a strategic force of large, long-range bombers that could carry the air war to the enemy's homeland. Simultaneously, they built tactical air forces that could win air superiority over the battlefields, thereby giving vital assistance to ground troops. They both built a powerful naval-air component based on aircraft carriers, as did Japan; these played the central role in the war at sea. R.J. Overy, The Air War: 1939–1945 (1980) ch 1
Our Mission
We trust you will find tomswarbirds.com alluring, drawing you back to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and the WWII timeline that followed. We focus on the types of aircraft used extensively by the allies in European, Pacific and North Atlantic Theaters of operations. One heavy bomber is notably mentioned: 1st bomber to survive 25 missions in 1943, B-17 Memphis Belle Story. You can see her in combat, return home, restoration and read about her on tomswarbirds.com. We provide Starter Tools to aid your investigation into "Greatest Generation", the battles that ensured and the servicemen and women who fought in WWII.
Our Site contains approximately 8,600 photographic images, 100 WWII related videos and 170 links to external WWII sources. We are continuously adding new content to all media.
Classic Cars?
Many air shows, museums, and reenactments feature classic cars displays. We have provided approx 1,600 photographic images (eye candy) for the classic, antique and muscle car enthusiasts as well.