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It may well be that the estimated loss of 9 percent of our production capacity was amply balanced by our increased effort.
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A comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Allied strategic bombing offensive must also include a review of the need for the Luftwaffe to deploy fighter units for defense against bombers rather than for frontline operations or other air operations. For example ...
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/wwii/ce19.htm
USAF Museum: WWII Combat Europe; Target Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, was selected as a prime target for the AAF, not only for its industrial importance, but because it was believed
the Luftwaffe would react in force to defend it, suffering heavy losses in the process. The first attack was made on March 4, 1944, but only 29 bombers reached target because of weather.
Two days later, 660 AAF heavy bombers reached Berlin in the face of tremendous opposition; 69 bombers and 11 escorting fighters were lost--the AAF claimed 179 German planes destroyed. The AAF returned on March 8 and 462 bombers, escorted by 174 P-51s over the target, bombed the Erkner bearing factory; again the Luftwaffe lost heavily.
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/wwii/ce25.htm
USAF Museum: WWII Combat Europe; Normandy Beachhead
The first Allied amphibious troops hit the beaches of Normandy at 6:30 a.m. Constant air cover was flown over the vast sea armada and the assault beaches, and
only three Luftwaffe aircraft were sighted the first day. For the next several weeks while the Allies strengthened and consolidated their positions on the ground, the AAF and RAF flew close support for the beachheads, carried supplies, and bombed and strafed German supply routes to the Normandy area. Even the heavy bombers were used for tactical rather than their traditional strategic operations to carpet-bomb German front line areas.
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/wwii/ce36.htm
USAF Museum: WWII Combat Europe; AAF Aerial Supremacy
With suitable bomber targets becoming increasingly scarce, the AAF instituted a program in February for its fighters to cover Germany at low level, strafing targets of opportunity.
Because of a shortage of pilots and fuel, the Luftwaffe usually held its own fighters on the ground except for intercepting AAF bombers. Consequently, AAF fighter pilots were able to roam across Germany with almost complete freedom from attack by enemy planes. Results of this type of operation were often devastating. Every conceivable type of target, such as trains, airfields, fuel storage tanks, barges, and even individual military staff cars, were pinpointed and destroyed.
[ 28. November 2002, 05:23 AM: Message edited by: Crapgame ]