Where was the 8th Air Force stationed during WW2?
The 8th Air Force was a major component of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. Established in 1941, the 8th Air Force was responsible for conducting strategic bombing missions against enemy targets in Europe. In this article, we will explore the various bases and locations where the 8th Air Force was stationed during WW2.
Establishment and Early Years (1941-1942)
The 8th Air Force was formed at Langley Field, Virginia, on January 28, 1941. Initially, the force was composed of two bombardment groups, the 19th and 97th, which were equipped with B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. The 8th Air Force was placed under the command of Brigadier General Ira Eaker, who would go on to play a significant role in the development of the USAAF’s bombing strategy.
Stationed in the United Kingdom (1942-1945)
In May 1942, the 8th Air Force relocated to the United Kingdom (UK), where it was based at RAF Mendlesham, Suffolk, and RAF Polebrook, Huntingdonshire. This marked a significant shift in the force’s operations, as it would now be involved in long-range strategic bombing missions against enemy targets in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Main Operational Bases (1942-1945)
The 8th Air Force had several main operational bases in the UK during WW2. Some of the most significant bases include:
- RAF Mendlesham: This base was the headquarters of the 8th Air Force and was located in Suffolk, England. RAF Mendlesham was one of the largest air bases in the UK during WW2 and was home to several bomber groups, including the 92nd and 384th Bomb Groups.
- RAF Polebrook: This base was located in Huntingdonshire, England, and was home to several bomber groups, including the 91st and 493rd Bomb Groups.
- RAF Chelveston: This base was located in Bedfordshire, England, and was home to several bomber groups, including the 92nd and 384th Bomb Groups.
- RAF Bassingbourn: This base was located in Cambridgeshire, England, and was home to several bomber groups, including the 91st and 306th Bomb Groups.
Other Bases and Fields (1942-1945)
In addition to the main operational bases, the 8th Air Force had several smaller bases and fields throughout the UK. Some of the most significant of these included:
- RAF Alconbury: This base was located in Huntingdonshire, England, and was used as a satellite field for RAF Polebrook.
- RAF Kimbolton: This base was located in Cambridgeshire, England, and was used as a satellite field for RAF Bassingbourn.
- RAF Glatton: This base was located in Huntingdonshire, England, and was used as a satellite field for RAF Polebrook.
Stationed in France (1944-1945)
In June 1944, the 8th Air Force played a key role in the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. The force was stationed at several bases in southern England, including RAF Brize Norton and RAF Greenham Common, and was tasked with providing air support for the invasion.
Withdrawal from the UK (1945)
After the Allied victory in Europe, the 8th Air Force began to withdraw from its bases in the UK. The force had played a significant role in the war, and its bombers had flown over 350,000 sorties and dropped over 500,000 tons of bombs.
Legacy
The 8th Air Force played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II. The force’s bombers flew thousands of missions against enemy targets, and its airmen suffered heavy casualties in the process. Today, the 8th Air Force is remembered as one of the most important units of the USAAF during WW2.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics about the 8th Air Force during WW2:
- Sorties flown: Over 350,000
- Tons of bombs dropped: Over 500,000
- Bombers lost: Over 1,500
- Airmen killed: Over 10,000
- Airmen wounded: Over 20,000
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 8th Air Force was a major component of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The force was stationed in several locations throughout the UK, including RAF Mendlesham, RAF Polebrook, and RAF Chelveston, and played a key role in the Allied victory in Europe.
