1/72 Eighth Air Force, England 1942-45

Kits-World - 1/72 Eighth Air Force, England 1942-45. 450mm(W) x 450mm(H) 17inches(W) x 17inches(H).

The Eighth Air Force started offensive operations against German targets in July 1942 when crews of the 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light) flying Raf Douglas A-20 Bostons attacked targets in the Netherlands. The 'Mighty Eighth' commenced operations with the Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress in August of the same year, flying from Raf Grafton Underwood against the marshalling yards at Rouen-Sotteville in France. The mission was led by Paul Tibbets who in 1945 commanded the first B-29 atomic bomb mission against Hiroshima.

The main mission of the Eighth Air Force was to pave the way for the Allied invasion of Europe, and as such was heavily involved in daylight raids as part of the Combined Bomber Offensive beginning in June 1943. The USAAF, operating by day, and the Raf by night, attacked high priority targets in Germany and across Northern Europe, including Luftwaffe installations, aircraft manufacturing, submarine bases, and the industry vital to the German war effort.

By 1944, Usaaf daylight raids were in full operation, with B-17's and B-24 Liberators flying from bases across eastern England, mainly East Anglia. Losses on these missions were extremely high, and the toll taken against bombers and crews from Luftwaffe air and ground defences was terrible. With the introduction of the Packard-Merlin-powered P-51 Mustang in late 1943, the bombers at last had a fighter that had sufficient range to escort them all the way to the target and back.

By 1945, Germany had suffered irreparable damage to its war industry. On January 1st, the Luftwaffe launched Operation Bodenplatte in a final attempt to knock out Allied airfields in Northern Europe. The huge aerial assault initially achieved some of its aims, but in the event failed. Many Allied aircraft were knocked out, but were quickly replaced, a feat that by this time Germany was unable to replicate.

The last Eighth Air Force mission in Europe was flown on April 25th 1945 when B-17's attacked the Skoda factory in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, and B-24's attacked rail targets at Bad Reichenhall and Frielassing near Berchtesgaden.

Following the German surrender, elements of the Eighth were transferred to the Far East where they were re-equipped with the B-29 Superfortess.

Main aircraft operated for the period (1942-45) given:

Boeing B-17E, F & G Flying Fortress. Shown is a B-17G of the 94th Bomb Group based at Raf Bury St Edmunds in 1943.
Consolidated B-24D, E, H & J Liberator
GPS- 52º14'40.01 N 0º45'49.00 E (General location)