Operation Anvil/Dragoon

[Bergsteiger]

Does anyone have any information on the Allied air units involved in this operation? Unit designations, number of serivcable aircraft and type of aircraft flown? Thanks for any help.

Bergsteiger

[David Lehmann]

Hello,

I have not the detailed listing of all the units but I can give some info.
The MATAF (Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force) consisted of about 2000 planes for this operation, mosltly based in the Corsica island liberated by the French forces.

1) MATAF :
- 18 P47 squadrons (15 US and 3 French ones)
- 11 RAF Spitfire squadrons
- 6 P38 squadrons
- 1 Beaufighter night fighter squadron
- 4 A20 light bomber squadron
- several B25 and B26 squadrons (2 or 3 French B26 squadrons)
- 3 recce squadron whith 1 French P38 squadron

2) TF 88 Aircraft Carrier Force :
HMS Khedice : 24 Seafire
HMS Emeror : 24 Hellcat
HMS Searcher : 24 Wildcat
HMS Pursuer : 24 Wildcat
HMS Attacker : 24 Seafire
USS Tulagi : 24 Hellcat (VOF-1)
USS Kasaan Bay : 24 Hellcat (VF-74)
HMS Hunter : 24 Seafire
HMS Stalker : 24 Seafire

3) Few planes from the MACAF (Coastal Air Force)

4) 15th Mediterranean Allied Air Force with heavy bombers


For ground operations look at http://www.multimanpublishing.com/pp/ for example.

David

[Bergsteiger]

Thanks a lot, David. This is a good start. I was not able to find anything on the air portion of this battle when searching online. Again, thanks.
Bergsteiger

[Grand Admiral]

If this helps any--

My grandfather's air unit, the 12th Army Air Force, was also involved in the Operation. For helping plan the movement of fuel and services, my grandfather was a awarded a Bronze Star.

[Bergsteiger]

Thanks for the info on your grandfather and the 12th AAF. Looks like this is a tough one to find detailed info on.

Bergsteiger