9th Air Force Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Sorties
 

Can any member help me with some statistical information for the 9th US Air Force in western Europe?
I am seeking monthly statistics separating fighter from fighter bomber operations. The figures are available for aircraft by type but not by mission.
Tango Echo Dog

Re: 9th Air Force Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Sorties
 

Good evening TED !

This is a tricky field of research. I

It depends, which kind of mission was originally ordered for the Squadron on a particular day (or even more missions on the same day) by Field-Order. Many times, an originally ordered fighter-bomber mission could easiely turn into an (extra) fighter mission, when enmy a/c were encountered and engaged. Here, credits could probably be scored, which made the origional mission quiet unimportant, since claims for enemy fighters were on the table.

So my question: What is your point of interest, original fighter mission field orders for 9th AF Fighter Units, seperated from those, which had an original fighter-bomber field order ?

Best wishes !

Horst Weber

Re: 9th Air Force Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Sorties
 

Horst
Many thanks for the response.
I would like to get statistics of missions despatched and losses suffered in response to 9th Air Force fighter field-orders.
The idea is to combine the figures with RAF monthly statistics as the basis of an analysis on Allied air operations over western Europe. If it is not possible to split them then I have a Plan 'B'
There is on-line information which shows fighter sorties by aircraft type (P-38, P-47, P-51) but, as you say, a fighter mission could end up straffing an enemy airfield while a fighter bomber mission could end up in a battle with enemy fighters.
Statistics are always a useful tool, providing you remember 19th Century British politician George Canning's observation:"Statistics can tell you everything...except the truth."
Warm regards
Ted

Re: 9th Air Force Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Sorties
 

Horst
The British summary of 9th Air Force operations suggests that its fighter squadrons in western Europe did not get into action until December 1943. Is this correct and can you suggest why?
Regards
Ted

Re: 9th Air Force Fighter and Fighter-Bomber Sorties
 

Good evening Ted !

The answer is yes.

Ninth Air Force had its roots on the Africa/Middle East operations, whe it was built up 1942/43. When this theater of war came to an end in 1943, 9th AF was assigned back in England for a new built-up. Here, new tactical concepts by the experiences from Northern Africa should flow into the order of battle of a tactical, ground-troops supporting Air-Force, foreseeing an invasion of the European continent in 1944.

The 100th Fighter Wing (FW) was activated on November 24th, 1943, the 70th FW on December 6th and the 71st FW on December 31st of the year. The first combat aircraft, P-51B were received on December 11th by the 354th FG, which was credited by the first kill on December 16th.

From those December 1943 days on, the 9th AF grew to the power, which we know from D-day and the Ardennes. In the meantime, after the U.S. Iinvasion of Southern France in August 1944, some units of the Ninth were organized in the 12th (prov) AF, which supported the those forces. Later, some Free-French fighter units were added to the 12th (prov) AF.

Hope, this helps

All the best !

Horst Weber