VIII Fighter Command, Field Order 163, bomber escort

20 October 1943

Description

This mission was composed of two fighter elements. The first element was a force of 39 P-38s from 55FG despatched to escort B-17 formations attacking at Duren, Germany. There wer no losses or claims.



The second element was a combined force of 321 P-47s from 4FG; 56FG; 78FG; 325FG; 353FG; 355FG; and 356FG despatched to escort B-17 formations attacking at Duren, Germany. 2 aircraft were damaged. The fighters in this element claimed 6-0-5 of attacking German aircraft.

Mission Details

DUREN

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 39

DUREN

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt

Notes: With 8 Fighter Groups now active from the UK, the 8th Air Force is able to put up large formations of fighters as bomber escorts. In addition IX Fighter Command will lend significant fighter support. It is finally beginning to sink in with 8th Air Force Command that destroying the Luftwaffe can only be accomplished by using the bombers as "bait" to bring the German fighters into the air where 8th Air Force fighters can engage and destroy them. However, the "little friends" will make a substantial difference in lessening the casualty rates of the bomber crews.

Mission Statistics

  • Enemy aircraft destroyed by fighter: 6
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by fighter: 5
  • Aircraft sent: 321
  • Aircraft damaged: 2

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Changed title to sentence case

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Added fighter claims on enemy aircraft tot statistics of the P-47 element per "the Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.