Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Schweinfurt, Augsburg, Friedrichshafen, these were some of the centres of enemy war production that had received shattering blows since the 8th U.S.A.A.F first attacked in Europe on Aug 11th 1941. High altitude flying demanded warm clothing. Men of the 8th don their electrically heated suits which plugged into the planes circuit. (1) A gunner loads ammunition belts (2). Back to England after another successful raid, one of the flyers welcomes the home ground. (4) Job done and feeling tired some of this crew can’t wait to reach their beds so decide to hit the tarmac for a well earned nap. (3) Hit by flak, a propeller of this Flying Fortress flew off and embedded itself in the wing, (5) but the bomber reached base safely.
First official raid by AAF forces was flown by 27th BG / 15th BS on Independence Day 1942. First AAF Aircraft crashed in Europe was on July 4th 1942. This was the Boston III # AL677 - MQ*P ,27th BG / 15th BS. 3 KIA, 1 POW. No MACR. search T/R number search T/R number
JIm, I noticed you referred to the 8th Air Force as the 8th AAF. I'm having a discussion about the "official" name for the 8th. I believe since the Air Force was still a branch of the Army until 1947, that the name should be 8th Army Air Force. He insists it was never named AAF, but rather *th Air Force. Who's correct? Thanks
The overarching organization under the War Department as of 9 March 1942 was the Army Air Forces, created from the Air Force Combat Command (formerly the General Headquarters Army Air Force) and the Army Air Corps (which was a logistical command). The tactical organization was an "Air Force", designated as spelled out numbers - First, Second, et cetera. The Eighth Air Force was constituted 19 January 1942 and activated on 28 January 1942 as the Headquarters, Eighth Air Force. It was redesignated the Headquarters US Strategic Air Forces in Europe on 22 February 1942 and concurrently the VIII Bomber Command (equivalent to a corps, thus designated by a Roman numeral in US Army practice) was redesignated as Headquarters Eighth Air Force.
Hi Rich, glad to see you’re still active here. Thanks for the response. I lost the bet but glad to be corrected so won’t be using the title incorrectly. Thanks again and stay well.
