Posted:
By: Win Bryson
On: 08/03/2004
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Brian:
Organizationally, I understand the 8th USAAF was composed of 'Divisions', and the 1st Air Division included the 94th Combat Wing, composed of the 401st, 351st and the 457th Bomb Groups.
Operationally, bomber formations the 8th USAAF flew on missions were organized in 'boxes', (containing 54 airplane positions each box). On the 94th Combat Wing's Politz Mission, 10-7-44 there were 4 'boxes', 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D', that followed each other over the target. On that day, 'A box' was 457BG planes; 'B box' was 351BG planes; 'C box' was 401BG planes, and 'D box' was a 'composite', made-up of planes from the 351BG, 457BG and 401BG.
The book 'The Bombers' by Robin Cross details formation flying - assembly, 'vics', lead, high and low squadron positions and . [see my 'Mission Leaders' posting above].
Better yet, meet some flyers in Boston. I only know formation flying through book research.
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