[The Kohler]

Very interesting discussion!

Originally Posted by Kurfürst

After 30.06.40, what western front battlefields are you aware of until four years later..?

What’s about the war in Nord-Africa as well as the campaign against Malta? In both cases Stukas did not make a lasting or decisive impression.

Originally Posted by Kurfürst

- even elite Lanc Squadrons with Tallboys had great difficulty in hitting the Tirpitz, a static target of 250x40 meter -

But you have to admit they needed just 2 hits to sink the mighty Tirpitz hence mission accomplished!

It is possible that the 2TAF was fighting with “inferior” weapons such as Typhoons and Spits but history shows they accomplished the job! Theoretically there is a possibility that a better result could be achieved by using airplanes like Il-2 and some sort of dive-bomber, obviously not such outdated models like the JU 87 or A-31 Vengeance, a Douglas A-1 Skyraider would be ideal but this type was not available 44/45. But these types were not available hence 2TAF had to operate with available resources.

With current knowledge of the ETO outcome it is very easy to propose strategy changes but these types of suggestions are always some sort of what-if and they cannot rewrite history.

IMOH it’s not fair to blame this situation on the 2TAF commando. Fact is they made the best out of the situation und supported ground troops as best as they could.