Opinions please (impact Allied fighter bombers on D-day)

[Franek Grabowski]

Bill
I cannot say anything about origin of those names. For me they were ever since. It is also a little bit lenghty subject. Nonetheless, to keep it short, such code names appeared in 1941, so no US link is possible.
Circus (ex-Sphere) was an operation, where main objective was to destroy enemy aircraft. Several Squadrons involved usually including bomber and fighter ones. Fighter Squadrons flew Sweeps, Forward & Rear Supports, High Covers, Escort Covers, Close Covers, Diversions, etc.
Ramrod was an operation where the objective was to hit a ground target, so it could have looked like Circus but also like an Armed Recce.
Roadstead was an attack against naval targets.
Rodeo (ex-Sweep) was a fighter sweep not linked to any other objectives.
Rhubarb (ex-Mosquito) was a straffing of targets of opportunity by small formations in a bad weather.
Low Free Ramrod was the same as above but with fighter escort.
Etc., etc.