56th Fighter Group cover

Description

One of the first Thunderbolt groups to see action in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) with the US Army Air Forces, the 56th Fighter Group (FG) was also the only fighter unit within the Eighth Air Force to remain equipped with the mighty P-47 until war's end.

Led by the inspirational 'Hub' Zemke, this group was responsible for devising many of the bomber escort tactics employed by VIII Fighter Command between 1943 and 1945. By VE-Day the 56th FG had shot down 100 more enemy aircraft than any other group in the Eighth Air Force, its pilots being credited with 677 kills during 447 missions.

The exploits of this elite fighter unit are detailed in this volume together with photographs, their aircraft profiles and insignia.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
FORMATION AND TRAINING

CHAPTER TWO
KING'S CLIFFE AND HORSHAM

CHAPTER THREE
HALESWORTH

CHAPTER FOUR
THE 'WOLFPACK'

CHAPTER FIVE
BOXTED AND D-DAY

CHAPTER SIX
MARKET AND THE 'BULGE'

CHAPTER SEVEN
P-47Ms AND LUFTWAFFE JETS

CHAPTER EIGHT
FINAL DAYS IN ENGLAND

APPENDICES
COLOUR PLATES COMMENTARY
UNIT HERALDRY
INDEX

Product details

Published 20 Sep 2012
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 128
ISBN 9781782004783
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 105 b/w; 62 col
Series Aviation Elite Units
Short code AEU 2
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Roger Freeman

Essex farmer Roger Freeman was undoubtedly the mos…

Illustrator

Chris Davey

Chris Davey has illustrated more than 70 titles fo…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases

Free UK delivery for orders £30 and over