Posted By Kevin M. Pearson on February 19, 2008 at 06:46:49:
In Reply to: Percent of aircraft shot down by flack in 1943 VS.1944 posted by Bill Toombs on February 14, 2008 at 13:34:50:
Bill: When were you in the ETO - from when to when? And what was your position?
Just like Sam, I have interviewed hundreds of air crew, and most hated flak more because there was nothing you could do about it except take it, especially on the bomb run. Sam is also right that many air crew never saw a fighter during their tours in late 44 and 45, but the Luftwaffe was out there. The first time the 8th Heavies went to Belin, the bomber stream was 90 miles long, a mile wide and 1/4 mile high. I can't imagine later in the war when we were putting up over 2,000 a/c per mission. But the Luftwaffe was out there, lurking, and waiting for the Squadron or Group that spread out because of prop wash or got separated on a turn, and then they pounced very effectively. I have researched one mission of the 91st BG on 16.8.44 when six Fortresses of the 324th BS were shot down over 40 seconds when IV.(Sturm)/JG3 noticed they were not holding a tight formation because of prop wash and a turn. Luftwaffe tactics became hit and run, especially with the jet menace, but the Luftwaffe was there. Just read Freeman's Mighty Eighth War Diary for late 44 and early 45 to see claims made by our Fighter Groups.
One of the more amazing and less known stats from the bombing campaign is that one in seven 8th AF Heavy losses was due to Assembly accidents or returning after a mission. Collisions were a major threat.
Kevin