United States Army Forces in the British Isles

General James E Chaney had been posted to the UK to act as a Special Observer during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, he also oversaw preparations for the possible establishment and employment of US Ground and Air Forces in the UK in 1941.



The Special Army Observation Group (SPOBS), led by Chaney, became United States Army Forces in the British Isles (USAFBI) on 8 January 1942. Chaney was appointed Commanding General.



USAFBI became the command organization for potential US Forces in the UK, and also brought in MAGNET (US Forces for Northern Ireland) under the command of Major General Edmund Leo Daley.



General Ira Eaker joined USAFBI in February 1942, following the establishment of VIII Bomber Command. He was instructed to proceed to RAF Bomber Command Headquarters to study bombing operations, and to make recommendations of certain airfields and submit plans for reception and assignment of Army Air Force Units.



In April 1942 the War Department determined that the Eighth Air Force would be established in the UK under the command of USAFBI. Following a recommendation by General Spaatz that the Eighth Air Force, which had been slated for service in North Africa, could be assigned there.



On 8 June 1942, the US War Department established ETOUSA in the place of USAFBI. Its mission was to conduct planning for the eventual retaking of Europe and to exercise administrative and operational control over US Forces.

Commanding Officers

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Special Army Observers Group United States Army Forces in the British Isles
  • Highest Rank: Major General
  • Role/Job: Special Army Observer, Theatre Commander

Connections

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Unit stations

Station Location Date

Established

London 8 January 1942

Previously was

Encompassing

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Special Army Observers Group United States Army Forces in the British Isles
  • Highest Rank: Major General
  • Role/Job: Special Army Observer, Theatre Commander
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Headquarters Squadron (VIII Bomber Command) Headquarters (Eighth Air Force) United States Army Forces in the British Isles
  • Service Numbers: O-7478
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant General
  • Role/Job: Commanding General, 8th Air Force

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Craven and Cate, The Army Air Forces in World War II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Theater_of_Operations,_United_St…