VIII Fighter Command FO-196 BOMBER ESCORT

5 December 1943

Description

This is the FIRST use of the P-51 Mustang to escort bombers. 36 are despatched from 9th Air Force, 354th Fighter Group (under 8th AF control). There are no losses or claims in this element.



A force of 34 P-38s from 55FG (included some from 20FG/55FS) are despatched to provide escort to bombers attacking German airfields near Paris,France. 1 aircraft of 56FG Failed to Return (FTR) 1POW. There are no claims on enemy fighters.



A combined force of 266 P-47s from 4FG; 56FG; 78FG; 352FG; 353FG; 355FG, and 356FG are despatched to provide escort for bombers attacking German airfields in France. There are no losses or claims in this element.

Mission Details

COGNAC / LA ROCHELLE / BORDEAUX

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning

Notes: 345th Fighter Group (IX Fighter Command) despatches 36 P-51s with the bomber escort. This is the first use of the P-51 as a bomber escort under VIII Fighter Command. (9th Air Force totals not included in totals).

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 34

BORDEAUX / COGNAC / LA ROCHELLE

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt

Mission Statistics

  • Prisoners of war: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 266
  • Aircraft effective: 1

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 23-Jun-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'.