Timing and scope of Bodenplatte

[andlug]

I am really curious about why Bodenplatte was not launched before January 1st.

Originally, the idea was to support the launch of 'Wacht am Rhein' with a massive airstrike. However, the foggy weather on December 16th did not permit that.

But later, the weather cleared FROM THE EAST, giving good conditions on 23rd December, and also giving the potential advantage to the Luftwaffe, as the Germans could see the progress of the weather front BEFORE the Allies.

A strike launched then would have had a considerable impact on the Allied tactical air support.

A related question is: why choose so many British airfields, when the main adversary was the US Army?

Most of the discussions I have seen are very specific, on individual aircraft, so I hope someone can shed light on these strategic questions,

Thanks

Andrew Dlugolecki