NATO Inland Transport as a Potential Rear-Area Target System: Lessons from German Experience in World War II.

Abstract : Prepared as background material in support of a study of possible vulnerabilities in NATO's rear areas, this Note provides a brief analytical review of the results of World War II Allied air attacks against the German waterway and rail transportation systems. It describes the types of attacks against the waterways and railroads, summarizes their effects, and raises questions about present-day vulnerabilities to conventional air attacks. The Note is based mainly on the detailed reports of the United States Strategic Bombing Survey. (Author)