The Allied Strategy for Europe

26th May 1943: As Churchill flies back to Britain he approves a memorandum for Stalin - with the promise of the invasion of Europe in a year's time

The bombing of Germany was the central component of Allied strategy until they could invade France in 1944. A Bombardier glances outside as a formation of 96th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortresses head to base in 1943.

Winston Churchill had now concluded his conference with President Roosevelt in Washington. The detailed minutes of the Trident Conference ran to several pages and covered the ‘Overall Strategic Concept for the Prosecution of the War’. This included plans for every theatre of war around the globe, from the Pacific to Europe.

To intensify the present air offensive against the Axis Powers in Eu­rope. This is for the purpose of smashing German industry, destroying German fighter aircraft and breaking the morale of the German people.

In Russia, Stalin was waiting to hear the outcome of the meeting. He continued to press for a second front in Europe as soon as possible. He was to be disappointed.