Me 262 should have been used as a bomber?

[tcolvin]

Originally Posted by Graham Boak

No-one who has studied the campaign has come with any contrary description, none of the contemporary reports rubbish the role of the fighter-bomber: quite the opposite. Though in many ground unit histories it is so taken for granted as to be omitted as part of the background – until the rare time it fails to turn up, whereupon the Air Forces are slated for their incompetence!

Given the destruction of the Jagdwaffe in the Normandy campaign, it is certainly arguable that dive-bombers could have done an even better job. Considering that the only types available were the Brewster Bermuda and Vultee Vengeance, there has to be some doubt. However, dive-bombers only survive in the lack of enemy fighters and accurate flak. Much work went into reducing the Jagdwaffe, but although planned for, its collapse could not be relied upon. German flak remained menacing throughout. Two trained men die in every dive-bomber shot down.

Graham.

1. It is true the ground units cheered the Typhoons and Spitfires giving the semblance of close air support. No one on either side could believe then , and some still cannot believe today, that all that sound and fury signifieth nothing - or not very much. Time and again I have checked 2 TAF claims that their sorties were "very successful" only to find they had missed completely.
2. The Hillman strongpoint, which had no Flak, held up 3 British Infantry Division on D-Day for hours and was one of the major reasons why Caen was not taken on the first day. 2 TAF provided no help. The aircraft that could have given the crucial assistance, the Vultee Vengeance, were being used to tow target tugs in Devon on that day. The Vengeance proved its worth in the Far East - it's all on the record.
3. Hindsight is 50/50. The Army should have had its own air corps. The Army Air Corps should have had Vengeance dive bombers and Hurricane IIC tank-busters. The RAF's role would have been to gain and keep aerial superiority and ensure the LW was kept away from the battlefield.