During the Second World War, 125,000 aircrew served in RAF Bomber Command, of whom a staggering 55,573 were killed—about 44% of those who joined its ranks. Despite these odds, aircrews climbed into their aircraft night after night, facing near-certain death. How did they maintain morale in the face of such peril? RAF High Command recognized the importance of morale but struggled to define it. Their efforts focused on discipline, providing reliable equipment, and strong leadership. However, the intrinsic qualities of the aircrews were also vital. The crews, composed of young, patriotic men,...