Book sets the scene by describing the progressive build up and mobilization of Bomber Command from its early days to the onset of WWII, before leading the reader through the build up then into that which was to become the 'Air Battle of the Ruhr'. Describes many aspects of the life of Bomber aircrew; aborted operations, training, and the contribution Bomber Command made to the offensive against the Ruhr and German industries. Author speaks of the casualty rate and the effect on those who served. Book includes personal accounts and anecdotes as well as statistics for bombers dispatched; the number which actually reached the targets and the number which did not.