Description

A combined force of 960 fighters of types: P-38; P-47 ad P-51 are despatched to provide escort to heavy bombers attacking 11 German airfields and air depots in France. 243 of the 960 are frunished by IX Fighter Command. The P-51 element also attacks German airfields in strafing attacks. Decspatch summary follows:



A combined force of 132 P-38s from: 20FG; 55FG and 364FG are despatched. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 2POW. 1 aircraft is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in a crash upon return - 1RTD. There are no other losses, casualties or claims in this element.



A combined force of 706 P-47 from: 8th Air Force: 56Fg; 78FG; 352FG; 353FG; 356FG; 359FG and 361FG. These are joined by others from IX Fighter Command: 363FG; 365FG; 366FG; and 368FG. Three of the IX FC units fly two missions: one for penetrations support and one for withdrawl support. 5 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) (8th AF units) - 2KIA 2POW 1EVD. 3 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in crashes upon return - 3RTD. 4 aircraft are damaged. 1 airman in a returning aircraft is WIA. The fighters in this element claim 6-0-2 of attacking German aircraft. There are no other losses, casulaties or claims in this element.



A combined force of 122 P-51s are despatched. 8th Air Force: 4FG; 355FG; and 357FG. These are joined by other form IX Fighter Command: 354FG. 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1KIA 2POW. 1 aircraft is damaged. The fighters in this element claim 2-0-3 of attacking German aircraft in the air and another 30-1-11 on the ground in strafing attacks. There are no other losses, casualties or claims in this element.