P-47s in 1st TACAF

[Lagarto]

In November 1944 the needs of the southern sector of the front in Europe led to constituting the First Tactical Air Force, a Franco-American air arm created provisionally in the field. Assigned to the 1st TACAF were, among other tactical support units, four (?) P-47 fighter groups. Which ones?

thanks,
Tom

[shooshoobaby]

There were 3 Fighter Groups Assigned to 1st TAF. 50th , 371st , 358th
Cheers

[Lagarto]

Hi and thank you for the input. Yes, definitely 50th and 371st FGs but I'm puzzled over 358th FG. In Parker's "To Win The Winter Sky" it's listed among XIX TAC groups (as of December 1944) but apparently it wasn't involved in the Battle of the Bulge. A mistake in the book?

Btw, what's the correct abbreviation: 1st TAF or 1st TACAF (I've seen both in use)?

[Graham Boak]

My understanding is that Ist TAF was the replacement designation for the Desert Air Force once it had moved to Italy. Hence the designation 2nd TAF for the tactical formations intended to support the British, Commonwealth and Allied armies in their Northern European campaign. Therefore I suggest that the use of 1st TAF for a handful of US units selected from XIXth AF is an error.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Graham Boak

My understanding is that Ist TAF was the replacement designation for the Desert Air Force once it had moved to Italy. Hence the designation 2nd TAF for the tactical formations intended to support the British, Commonwealth and Allied armies in their Northern European campaign. Therefore I suggest that the use of 1st TAF for a handful of US units selected from XIXth AF is an error.

I don't know the formal position but a lot of RAF Squadrons still described themselves as belonging to "Desert Air Force" or "DAF" in Operations Record Books etc. through 1944 and into 1945.

As for 1st TAF/TACAF, the only things I can add are that it included French units alongside the Americans and that contemporary documents sometimes put "(Provisional)" after its name.

[Graham Boak]

Apologies for double posting.

Nick: Formal was what I meant. I should perhaps have added more.

[SteveB]

There is a fairly substantial book titled "First TACAF" by Victor Tannehill ISBN 1-891570-07-2 published in 1998.

The foreword states:

"From October of 1944 until May 1945...nearly 30,000 American and French airmen served and fought together in a unique organisation designated the First Tactical Air Force (Provisional). Its purpose and mission, though never officially stated was to provide air co-operation and support for the Franco-American Sixth Army Group (US 7th Army and French 1st Army)...".

Apparently the reason for "Provisional" is that the decision to form the First TACAF was made in the field and not by the War Dept or the Combined Chiefs of Staff. It was never allotted an official "Table of Organisation and Equipment" (TO&E). Units were transferred from the 12AF and 9AF.

On 9 May 1945 ORBAT included: 27FG, 50FG, 86FG, 324FG and 358FG with P-47s. The French units also flew P-47s.

Steve

[shooshoobaby]

1st TAF( provisional) is correct. 50th and 371st FGs assigned Nov 1 , 44.
358th FG assigned Nov. 15 ,44.
There was also a 1st TAF Recon Group ( Provisional) assigned.
111th TRS , 162d TRS , 34th TRS
Source: " The 9th Air Force in WW II " by Kenn Rust
Let me know if you need any more info.
Cheers,
Mike