https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/files/2926860/338168.pdf This thesis is a study of close air support within the historical context of World War II, with the analysis focusing upon the use of tactical air power by British and American forces during the campaigns in North-West Europe and Italy in 1943- 45. The thesis addresses the fundamental questions of whether the employment of air resources in the close support role provided sufficient advantage at the battlefront to justify the associated expenditure of effort and the risk to aircraft and pilots, and whether air support proved to be of more value, and more cost effective, when directed upon interdiction targets beyond the immediate battlefront, such as German communications, transport and supplies. TD
TD. I will have a read. Op STRANGLE - the interdiction battle run by the Air Forces in Italy was deemed to have not been very productive despite the 96,000 missions that were flown. If anything, the blowing up of bridges and marshalling yards ended up slowing the advance north because every piece of damage had to be rectified. Close air support, given that the Allies enjoyed air supremacy, was very successful and much appreciated by the Army - when the Air Forces were able to hit the right target! Regards Frank
116th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment war diary Le Mont 8/8/44 381 battery, 12.35hrs Fortress dropped 6 bombs crashed 1-2 miles 8/8/44 engagement rep from C Troop 19.10 hrs ,20 round (bofors) fired at 8 Thunderbolts machine gunning and dive bombing also engaged by J troop