Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
During the summer of 1943 it was clear that bomber losses were unsustainable. The much needed Long range fighter escorts were some 7 months away. The 8th US air forces considered nighttime bombing as a way to mitigate the losses. A squadron of B-17 were modified and their crews were trained to join the RAF in nighttime area bombing. They flew 35 combat bombing missions over Reich occupied territories. Losses were around twice daylight losses. This and 6 other reasons will be addressed why the US stuck with daylight bombing.
During the summer of 1943 it was clear that bomber losses were unsustainable. The much needed Long range fighter escorts were some 7 months away. The 8th US air forces considered nighttime bombing as a way to mitigate the losses. A squadron of B-17 were modified and their crews were trained to join the RAF in nighttime area bombing. They flew 35 combat bombing missions over Reich occupied territories. Losses were around twice daylight losses. This and 6 other reasons will be addressed why the US stuck with daylight bombing.
