Who Really Won Air Superiority?

No, Jimbotosome, I don't think the Americans regard the RAF as a second rate air force which made no contribution to the outcome of the war - perhaps we have both had our wires crossed a bit here!? I just feel that sometimes there is a tendency for Americans to overlook, or underplay, the role playted by their allies, while focussing entirely on the significance of their own achievements. I thought you were perhaps doing the same thing but, if I misunderstood you - as it seems I probably have - then I aplogise.

Yes, the B-26 was used only by 9th AAF, but they were based in England for a short period from October, 1943, and were escorted by Spitfires during that time.

I would agree entirely that Fighter Sweeps alone were no where near as productive as massed heavy bomber raids deep into Germany accompanied by long range escort fighters which were also permitted to go strafing and otherwise destroy targets of opportunity. As leading British ace in the ETO, "Johnnie" Johnson himself said of the US heavy bomber raids in daylight - "here was a punch that could be felt"! But they did have an effect on the Luftwaffe, tying up at least two Geschwader in the west that would have been better employed on the eastern front. One might also argue they did much to dilute the experienced ranks of the Luftwaffe fighter arm, whittling away in 1941-43, at the "experten", and thereby doing much to contribute to the overall decline in skill to be found in the Luftwaffe's ranks in the last years of the war.

As for the RAF switching to the Mustang, I am forced to concede you are right - they wanted the range the type offered, so they could not only assist the 8th AAF Fighter Command, but also fly escort to its own Lancasters, which by then were often attacking in daylight also. I believe 19 Squadron was the first to convert to the type.