Welcome
You are Visitor Numbersince 4 June 2002. I hope you find this site helpful in understanding the 8^th Air Force during WWII, especially if you are just starting to research what Dad or Uncle Jimmy did during the war. Information appearing here is focused on the Summer of 1944 - the time during which my Father served with the 384^th Bomb Group, and my Uncle Gordon served with the 95^th Bomb Group. I also hope that the site photos and maps encourage you to visit England, observe for yourself, and get a feel for the enterprise of defending freedom.
- TO START - Click links at left DATABASE - Database searches are available from the Database link at the left. Search on unit number (group, squadron, etc.), group ID code, or squadron ID code. Airfield Maps - Maps are provided for free by MultiMap.com. When accessing an airfield/HQ map, take note of the control buttons at the upper left corner of the map area. These will allow you to select different map representations, including aerial photoographs. See the FAQ for more information. Photo Gallery - The "Photo Gallery" link at the left will take you to a photo gallery with a lot of new photos recently uploaded! I have a huge backlog of pictures that I have been uploading, and Mark Brotherton has been pretty busy, too! ATTENTION PLEASE - if you have relevant 8^th Air Force photos (or even documents), see "PHOTOS WANTED" below. Photo Gallery Links - There are links from most of the Unit and Airfield pages into the corresponding section of the photo Gallery. Look for the "Visit The Photo Gallery" link at the TOP of the photo section.
Partner Site: Steve Mosca's outstanding Mighty Eighth Message Board
Website Focus - This site is intended to help visitors - especially those beginning their research - quickly answer questions related to the organization of the United States Army Air Forces 8^th Air Force in the Summer of 1944. When I started tracking down Dad's wartime experiences, I found it difficult to integrate all the different kinds of information on groups, airfields, airplane markings, etc. I knew what group and squadron he flew with, but did not know how that fit into the 8^th, nor did I know how to identify related groups (of special interest when studying photos). This website results directly from the questions that recurred in my own research.
**--- PHOTOS WANTED ---** I would like to use your photos of personnel, aircraft, memorials and artifacts on this site. If you would like to contribute photos for display on this site please EMAIL A DESCRIPTION of what you have - DO NOT EMAIL THE PHOTOS (I ask your help in protecting my computer from unsolicited attachments) until I send you a request by return email. You can send scanned materials, or I can give you a login so you can upload them yourself! If photos are not in digital form, they can be sent by US Mail for me to scan and return to you. You will be credited as the source of the photo, unless you desire anonymity (see any photo on this site for an example). I will ask that you agree to non-commercial use of the photo on this site.
You Can Do It - A note of encouragement to the beginning researcher - if you are having a bit of trouble getting started, it may help you to know that I began looking into Dad's wartime experiences in the Fall of 2000. Sadly, he was gone by then so I had to rely on records and accounts, and the kindness of strangers. I have not been disappointed, and I trust you will not be disappointed either. If you do your part to collect records, facts, and family memories, many gaps can be filled by members of the on-line community. Use the Research link at the left to get started.
Your Help - Please be especially watchful for broken links and other errors - I can fix them if I know about them. I get reports that help with this, but the fastest way to get it fixed is for you to email me. So if you see something that doesn't look right - email it.
Feedback - Keeping in mind that this site is intended to be an accurate and helpful - but not necessarily exhaustive - guide to the organization of the 8th Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces in mid-1944, please feel free to share your comments, suggestions, and especially corrections with me by email (use the button to the left). I welcome hearing from any and all, and will try to respond promptly.
Acknowledgements - I must acknowledge the invaluable assistance received from the many history buffs out there on the web - Tony, Moofy, Ken, Marc, and too many others to mention. I hope this small contribution I make can in some way show them my appreciation for the help I have received.