Description

A combined force of 835 fighters of types: P-38, P-47 and P-51 is assembled and despatched to provide escort to the first BIG WEEK mission heavy bombers attacking at Leipzig and Brunswick, Germany. The combined total of all claims against enemy aircraft by the fighters of this mission is 61-7-37 (confirmed) an encourgaing validation, along with the 50-18-19 (exaggerated) claims of the bomber gunners, that the bomber despatches against high-value targets is drawing the Luftwaffe into conflicts that will ensure its destruction. Mission summary follows:



A combined force of 94 P-38s from 20FG & 55FG are despatched. 20th fighter group fails to make contact with it's assigned bomber groups due to engagement with enemy fighters. 55FG will actually fly two operations (one on penetration and one on withdrawl) in support. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1KIA.



A combined force of 688 P-47 from: VIII FIghter Command 4FG; 56FG; 78FG; 352FG; 353FG; 355FG; 356FG; 359FG; and 361FG AND IX Fighter Command 358FG and 362FG are despatched. 356FG 361FG and IX FC 362FG actually fly two operations (one on penetration and one on withdrawal) in support. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 2KIA. 2 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) - 2RTD. 4 aircraft are damaged.



A combined force of 73 P-51s from: 357FG and IX Fighter Command 354FG are despatched. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1 POW