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Re: OK time for another question

Posted by Tony C on Tue Feb 11, 2003 09:08:38 AM

In reply top OK time for another question posted by Rob Rohr on Tue Feb 11, 2003 08:46:37 AM

Hi Rob,
I feel that this will be an unanswerable question as each component relys on another to fulfil its own mission.

However.....

... my choice would be the Lancaster/Halifax combination along with the B17/B24 combo.

The round-the-clock bomber action, kept manpower on the German home front which was much needed elsewhere and must surely be the number One.

Also while daylight losses would have been heavier without the fighter escort, I believe that in the long run and with larger numbers of bombers involved, the USAAF would have achieved a similar success, unescorted.

Alternatively, had the USAAF switched to night-time ops and resorted to area bombing, cover of night would have prevented such large losses and then bought the German industry to a stand still.

Just my opinion of course.

Tony

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