[drgondog]

The A and B (and Occasionally C) Group concept eveolved as the operational strength of 8th AF Fighter Groups approached 60-70 fighters..

In mid 1944, particularly Normandy Invasion time, not only were Squadrons flying 2-4 missions per day, but the Group would put two separate forces up at the same time - each under separate leadership for separate mission objectives

For the 355th FG this operational procedure started in early Fall of 1944, then increased in frequency during 1945. In one case for the 355th there was an A, a B and a "C" Group put up at one time but in this case "C" was a section of two flights providing Security for 2nd Scout Force Mission.

In the case of A and B, there were two scenarios - one in the aforementioned situation in which a Purple and White Flight was put up by one squadron - or a flight or two from another Squadron to comprise the "A" or "B" Group. Quite frequently one or the other 'Group" would be fewer ships in number because the particular mission was not deemed requiring a maximum effort

As I recall the 355th put up a couple of missions in which 70-72 ships participated at the same time - all from 355th with augmentation from 2nd Scout Force which was 'part of' 355th at Steeple Morden. I know the 4th, 78th and 56th also had some maximum effort missions in April 1945 with that many ships.

Regards,

Bill