In a longer war without deployed U.S. forces, Britain could still draw on Canadian and American production while directing more domestic engineers and planners toward its own programs. Radar, interceptors, and a British very-long-range heavy bomber aimed at German oil might then have received greater attention. Historically, hosting the U.S. Army Air Forces required expanded airfields and aviation-fuel distribution networks across Britain. Those costs were worthwhile, but an allied deployment changed the host nation's resource allocation rather than adding combat power at no domestic cost.
Notable Point · 54:38-56:39
The British infrastructure cost of hosting U.S. air power
American air power strengthened the Allied war effort, but accommodating it required Britain to expand airfields and aviation-fuel networks with engineers and resources that could otherwise support domestic programs.