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This is Volume One of The Army Air Forces in World War II, titled Plans and Early Operations, January 1939 to August 1942, edited by Wesley Frank Craven and James Lea Cate. The University of Chicago Press first published it in 1948, and the Office of Air Force History reprinted it in 1983. The front matter explains how the AAF historical program was set up during the war. The index covers Pacific, Atlantic and European operations, and nothing in the text concerns unidentified aerial phenomena.
“The Invaders”15 pages
T H E A R M Y A I R F O R C E S I N W O R L D W A R I 1 support initially. Essential agreement as to policy in this respect was reached by zo*August, three days after the VIII Bomber Command had flown its first mission. The document, which reached its final form on 8 September, is worth quoting in full: Joint AmericanlBritish Directif On Day Bomber Operations Involving Fighter Co-operation A I M Britain is to achieve continuity in the bombing offensive against the Axis. ALLOCATlON OF RESPONSlBlLlTY 2 . The primary instrument for night air bombardment is the British Bomber Command. Day bombardment will be the primary responsibility of the 8th Air Force. I . The aim of the day bombardment by Allied Air Forces based in Great METHODS OF ACHlEVlNG T H E A I M 3. Night bombardment methods will remain as defined in present Air Ministry directifs to the British Bomber Command. The method of achiev- ing the aim of day bombardment is by the destruction and damage of precise targets vital to the Axis war effort. DEVELOPMENT OF DAY OFFENSIVE phases:- 4. The day bomber offensive is to be developed in the following three (a) Phase I American day bomber forces under British fighter protection rein- forced by American fighter forces are to attack suitable objectives within the radius of action of British fighter cover. (b) Phase t American day bomber forces under British and American fighter protection are to attack suitable objectives within the radius of action of British and American fighter types. In this phase, the direct protection of the bomber forces is to be provided by American fighter forces. British fighter forces are to be used principally for diversionary sweeps and with- drawal cover. During this phase the range characteristic of the American type fighter aircraft is to be exploited to increase the depth of penetration of the bomber force and also to widen the frontage of attack. It will be the responsibility of the 8th Air Force to develop the tactics of deep penetration of the enemy day fighter defence. (c) Phase 3 The 8th Air Force will develop its full day bomber offensive re- ceiving such support and co-operation as may be required from the British short-range fighter force. 608
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