Focke Wulfs vs. Thunderbolts - 21st Oct. 1944

[John Manrho]

Just adding a few thoughts. It seems clear that the height advantage was the main reason for the success. This is seen in many combats in the August-December 1944 timeframe as the critical success factor. I have studied several engagements in the August-December 1944 timeframe for my Bodenplatte book and also for the ongoing JG 6 project. Only then when JG 6 had an height advantage, for instance on 12.9.44 or 7.10.44, some results could be achieved. The fact that often 9th AF units operated in squadron formation and having the individual squadrons at different heights made combat with them very tricky. Sometimes Gruppe formations of II./JG 6 jumped on a specific squadron using their height advantage but after a few minutes became the hunted themselves when other squadrons joined the fight. Furthermore you have to realize that the superiority of JG 2 had declined very much by the terrible losses in June - August 1944. Both I. and III./JG 2 were still flying the Fw 190A-8 and had to wait until December 1944 to get the more capable D-9.