Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango Echo Dog
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
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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