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Have never seen an 8th AF bomb plot before - just came across this one at the excellent 486th BG website. This is for a November 21 1944 attack on Leuna, so may be of interest to this thread.
http://www.486th.org/Photos/Strike1/LeunaB.jpg
Note that not all of the bomb falls could be plotted.
Göring should have been dismissed and Galland appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe in late 1943.
Jim - I only know several Luftwaffe aces personally and my comments must be taken as pure opinion.
Galland was well respected by his fighter leaders and was highly regarded for advancing their views regarding tactics and requirements with Goering and Hitler. He was not successful, nor was any German leader who advanced views contrary to Hitler's own views.
Galland was very passionate about bringing the 262 into air defense operations, as well as shutting down Me 109 and Me 410 production in favor of the Fw 190 and 190 variants. He was not persusaive.
Galland articulated the need to turn the Luftwaffe Fighter Arm on the fledgling USAAF when it entered extended combat operations and free up LW JG Kommodores to develop and execute tactics they believed in. Goering and Hitler dismissed the idea that 'mongrels' from the US could possibly challenge the LW. Remember that Hitler and Goering believed that the US was only good for making razor blades, cheap automobiles and making movies - how could the US possibly learn to fight?
Galland argued that centralizing the LW LuftFlotte Reich in central Germany was a far more effective deployment than piecemealing units all over Germany. Hitler believed that to be a sign of weakness.
Which of those recommendations do you regard as flawed?
1) I dont know who Walter Grabmann was.262's yes. I believe the Germans had 262's during the BoB. anyways, I personally only know one Bf109 ace (R.I.P.), and one with three victories. they bothed believed in:
1. All of the Bf 109 Gruppen should be assigned to engage the U.S. escorts
2. Two Gruppen should take-off ahead of the main interception force to disperse the escort
3. The more heavily armed Fw 190 Gruppen would be directed to the bomber fleets after the bombers had been "stripped of their escorts".
They thought that Galland ideas ( the three points above) would provide an very effective means to defend against the hoards of heavies and escorts. They also believed by this method ( and others outlined) they could fight the allies to a Stalemate, and save what was left of Germany. At this time, niether thought Germany would win the war however.
Great pilot,adequate wing kommandeur, respect for his personal bravery and his wounds but in my opinion average staff officer at best. Kills can not be the major factor for a staff position
I tend to agree with the opinion. Galland is bit like Rommel in my opinion. Very popular, very talented, but perhaps not the best man to place very high up, where organisational skills are more required..
I tend to agree with the opinion. Galland is bit like Rommel in my opinion. Very popular, very talented, but perhaps not the best man to place very high up, where organisational skills are more required..