Tactical Air Power

Mahross · #1 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 02:58 PM

Know any good book on the employment of tactical air power by the RAF. Cheers Ross

Martin Bull · #2 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 03:20 PM

This is a 'patchy' subject, unlike Bomber Command or the Battle of Britain. Really useful books are few and far between but one that is a classic is : -

'2 Group RAF - A Complete History ' by Michael J F Bowyer ( Faber 1974, reprinted by Crecy 1992 ). You can see it on Bookfinder but - not cheap !

Mahross · #3 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 03:22 PM

Cheers Martin knew you would suggest something. I know there are some academic studies out there like the work done by Ian Gooderson but i'm also wanting stuff about the men. Cheers.

Erich · #4 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 03:32 PM

I'm possibly confused here but was 100th special group (night) under 2nd Tac control ? I believe there were several Mossie nf squadrons attached to 2nd Tac in 45 correct ?

Martin Bull · #5 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 04:26 PM

No 100 ( Bomber Support ) Group was formed on 8th November 1943 to control the operation of radio countermeasures and to organize nightfighter protection for Bomber Command.

As such, it came under the aegis of Bomber Command and in fact used Mosquitoes 'from the word go'.

In fact, in its' early operations from November '43 to April '44, 100 Group was assisted by Mosquitoes of both 2nd TAF and 8 Group (PFF).

Martin Bull · #6 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 04:31 PM

Mahross, if you want to read about the men of TAF and some of their experiences, there are two essential classic books to seek out : -

' Typhoon Pilot ' by Desmond Scott ( Leo Cooper 1982 )
' The Day Of The Typhoon ' by John Golley ( PSL, 1986 ).

Again, both have been reprinted and really give the 'low-down' on Typhoon squadron ops in NW Europe in 1944/45.

Erich · #7 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 04:39 PM

Martin do you have a listing of the Mossie NF's from 2nd TAF handy ?

please list if possible.......

I think there was also a Czech squadron attached yes ?

~E

Martin Bull · #8 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 05:55 PM

Phew ! Here are the Mosquito Squadrons with 2 TAF as of 00.01 hrs, 6th June 1944 : -

264 , 410 , 604, 29, 409 , 488, 140, 4, 400, 107, 305, 613, 21, 464 and 487.

Not sure about the Czech question....

Erich · #9 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2003, 06:26 PM

Ok maybe I need to rephrase my question ?

First off thanks Martin ! Now the question, were these lists of squadrons serving in the Mossie NF arsenal in 1945 with 2nd TAF ?

~E

Martin Bull · #10 (**permalink**) October 23rd, 2003, 06:16 AM

( Groan !

)

You'll have to wait.... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Stevin · #11 (**permalink**) October 23rd, 2003, 07:15 AM

Afaik there was no Czech mossie sqn. there were several Heavy bomber and spitfire sqns. Maybe even a Typhoon squadrom in the "international wing"?

There were czech pilots/navigators. I know of several Dutch mossie pilots who flew with regular RAF sqns. Hardly anything is known about them, though.

Martin Bull · #12 (**permalink**) October 25th, 2003, 07:54 AM

Here's the list of Mosquito FBVI squadrons on strength of 2 Group RAF as of 1 May, 1945 : -

At Volkel : 418, 605.
At Melsbroek : 21, 305, 464, 487.
At Cambrai / Epinoy : 107, 613 & 417 ARF.

No specific nightfighters there.