A and B Groups for the 9th AF

[HARD_Sarge]

Hello Sirs
I been reading some of the post here and many are very interesting and the answers are very good

so was hoping you could fill me in on this question

background

I know in Nov of 43 a order came down from higher HQ for the Squadrons in the 8th AF to enlarge, which in the end allowed the 8th to start flying with A and B (sometimes C) groups

over all, I have not been able to find out if the order was only for the 8th, or if it was a AAF order to all forces ?

I see and find where the BG's in the 9th did become over large, as well as in the 15th (I have found were a PPF Squadron of B-26s (A-26s ?) at the end of the war had 36 planes and crews on hand

so it does look like all the forces were enlarged, but I have no proof that the 9th FGs flew A and B groups ?

anybody have any info or idea on where I can look to find this ?

thanks in advance if anyone knows

Ron

[DavidIsby]

Eighth Air Force "A" and "B" groups in heavy bomber groups were organized so that each could put up a 21-aircraft box formation at two-day intervals, allowing each group to generate 21 sorties a day on a sustained basis.

I do not know whether Ninth Air Force bombers followed this practice, as they could generate more sorties per aircraft.

[HARD_Sarge]

Hi and thanks

but I am looking for info on the Fighter Groups of the IXth, your reply looks like it may be pointed towards the use of the Bomb Groups ?

I am looking to see if the Fighter Groups in the IXth (which would follow that the 12th and 15th also did so) enlarged there numbers to the same standard that the VIIIth did

I believe that would be going from a 24 plane squadron to a 36 plane squadron

(or a 72 to a 106 plane FG)

[Laurent Rizzotti]

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.