As we approach the Battle of the Bulge’s 80th anniversary we should remember it is a massive combined arms offensive that was stopped by the superior use of combined arms by the Allies.
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One thing that we tend to forget is the Luftwaffe carried out a massive strafing operation to counter American air support during Operation Bodenplatte. It did a lot of damage but didn’t stop the Allied ability to carry out CAS and interdiction missions.
The Bulge is often considered an American battle, but the coordination of the airpower, especially 2TAF and IX TAF, which goes back to Mortain and beyond, is crucial when the weather breaks. The location of their respective ALGs is key.
By the way do you know anything about the insertion of the 6th British Airborne Division to help contain the German push? I’m not as familiar with their role but weren’t they training in the UK when they got called up? Has to be a fascinating story.
Correct. I wasn’t sure how the RAF was impacted by Bodenplatte hence my choice to state only the American perspective. Should’ve clarified my word selection there.
The RAF was impacted as much as the USAAF. 438 and 440 Sqn RCAF were taxing out when the Luftwaffe arrived. Peter Willson (far right) had just been promoted to OC 438 and was getting airborne when he was hit. He suffered a fatal stomach wound but got his Tiffy off the runway and climbed out.
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