A and B Groups for the 9th AF

[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.