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Re: A and B Groups for the 9th AF
Hi, Ron
9th AF airmen usually flew in squadron strength, 8th AF in groups.
Another difference was that tactical units flying at closer range, may fly 2-3 times a day, while 8th AF groups will fly once (and so dividing them into A and B allowed them to fly twice, but each pilot usually only flew once)
A and B groups flew more AC than 21. Here is the strength for two 1944 8th AF mission:
30 April 1944:
78th 'A' FG 32 P-47 Thunderbolt
78th 'B' FG 17 P-47 Thunderbolt
56th 'B' FG 24 P-47 Thunderbolt
And the 21 May 1944:
78th 'A' FG 31 P-47 Thunderbolt
78th 'B' FG 16 P-47 Thunderbolt
56th 'A' FG 24 P-47 Thunderbolt
56th 'B' FG 24 P-47 Thunderbolt
So, at least in spring 1944, 'A' and 'B' groups combined had about 47-50 aircraft flying, roughly the same strength as the other FG flying as a whole unit.
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