The Daily Grind - June 1943

 

Following massive bombings in London by the Third Reich, the Western Allies have come together to start pushing the Germans back into their homeland. For the first time, the Allies are able to take the offensive to Hitler and his troops on mainland Europe. 

 

 Tens of thousands of sorties were flown over the course of a few short years by both sides.  In early 1943 the Americans started shipping the powerful and deadly P-47 to England in order to provide a long range fighter to help protect bombers into France. The Allies are beginning to feel empowered by reinforcements in England, ready to take the fight to France and beyond. Fighter sweeps flown deep into the heart of France are followed by massive formations of bombers. After success in France, the allies then begin pentetrating deep into German airspace, taking the escort fighters as far as possible. 

 

The decision was made to make a large push of strategic bombing to slow down the German war machine. The effects of such massive bombing raids, combined with the daring of flying during the daytime over France, began to wear on the soldiers.  The missions were long, tedious, stressful and exhausting. It was the beginning of what for some became "The Daily Grind". 

 

This FSO will focus on the early raids into France, targeting German infastructure, and airfields.