David Irving's diaries and emails reveal a recurring interest in the Dresden bombing, often framed within broader discussions of military strategy, historical narratives, and perceptions of German actions during World War II. This research appears intertwined with his views on Allied actions and a critical perspective on conventional historical accounts.
Irving’s interest in the Dresden bombing seems to stem from a desire to challenge established narratives surrounding the event, particularly those that portray it as a necessary or justifiable act of war. This aligns with his broader revisionist historical perspective and his tendency to question official accounts of events. The topic frequently arises in conjunction with discussions about bomber plane production and the motivations behind Allied bombing campaigns.
* 2021: Diary entry suggests Irving viewed the demand for heavy bombers as driven by "hatred, not military strategy," and a desire for retribution ("do to England what England did to them"). He notes Hitler's preference for peace with Britain and France, and perceived French motivations. * 2022: Irving sought to obtain reports and photos from Russian archives related to U-relocations (Bergkristall, Jonastal, Kellerbau, Quarz) in 1945, implying an interest in understanding the conditions and potential impact of Allied actions in Germany. * 2022: A diary entry references Schindler's List as a "swindle," potentially reflecting a broader skepticism towards popular portrayals of the Holocaust and related historical events. * 2015: A screenplay excerpt depicts a scene in Deborah's head during a trial, featuring a glimpse of faces through a peep hole in a door, possibly intended to evoke the atmosphere of terror and panic during wartime events, including those like the Dresden bombing. The excerpt also mentions Royal Air Force bomber campaigns.
Irving's focus appears to shift from questioning the strategic rationale behind the bombing to seeking primary source materials related to German infrastructure and potential alternative narratives. The later emails (2023-2024) show a continued interest in historical events and their impact, though the direct connection to Dresden bombing research is less explicit.
* Revisionism * World War II * Bombing campaigns * Edward Bernays