Air Command – European Theater of Operations
The 8th Air Force
THE 8TH AIR FORCE was the largest of the Allied Air Forces to participate in the battle fronts of World War II. Proudly referred to as the “Mighty Eighth” this large amalgamation of numerous combat wings included our 95th Bombardment Group (H). The "H" signifies that the B-17's of the 95th BG were considered Heavy Bombers. The 95th BG flew exclusively the F and G models of the renowned B-17 Flying Fortress as they developed throughout the war.
3rd Air Division
World War II had to be fought in a very coordinated manner since it truly covered the world and had many battles going on at the same time. Additionally, the Allied Forces ("The Allies") had to defend the free world against attacks by two strong and already coordinated forces on two sides of the world – the Germans in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific.
The only way to fight something of this magnitude was to have a large organizational structure. After 13 Sept 1943, the groups formerly assigned to the 4th Bomb Wing became the 3rd Bomb Division and remained under that title until late 1944 when Fighter Command & Bomber Command were combined, resulting in the designation “Air Division”
13th Combat Wing
The 13th COMBAT WING was created in the US in October 1942 and assigned to the 8th Air Force. The Wing was moved to England in May – June 1943 and re-designated as the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in August 1943. The Bombardment Groups were assigned in September of 1943.
Groups in the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing (1943-1945)
95th Bombardment Group - Horham, UK
100th Bombardment Group - Thorpe Abbotts, UK
390th Bombardment Group - Parham, UK
Groups in the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing (1945)
95th Bombardment Group - Horham, UK
100th Bombardment Group - Thorpe Abbotts, UK
390th Bombardment Group - Parham, UK
490th Bombardment Group - Eye, UK
493rd Bombardment Group - Debach, UK
