1st Air Commando

[CJE]

Hi!

Was 1st Air Commando part of 10th AF or was it an independant outfirt?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[Jim Oxley]

The Ist Air Commando was a self-contained unit outside the purview of 10th Air Force, and remained so until July 1945, when it was then incorporated into the 10th.

It was established by Hap Arnold following his meeting with Ord Wingate at the Quebec Conference in September 1943. Churchill had brought Wingate to the conference to prove that the British were hitting back at the Japanese in Burma - as a counter to 'Vinegar' Joe Stilwell's claims to the contrary.

Lt.Col Philip Cochran was put in charge, with Lt.Col John Alison as his 2IC. Cochran ran combat operations and Alison ran the supply and transport side.

For details of it's structure and aircraft complement see:
http://www.chindits.info/Thursday/AirCommando.htm

[CJE]

Thanks Jim.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Chris

Not sure if you know or not , but in 1998 R.D. van Wagner published his Any place, any time, anywhere (schiffer) which is about the 1st Air Commandos in WW 2

Cheers
Stig

[CJE]

Thanks Stig.
I know this book, though I don't have it.
I just wanted to be sure it had no direct connection with 10th AF at the very beginning.