Forward Air Bases in Europe from D-Day to the Baltic: Supporting the Allied Advance

Much of the published work on the RAF’s involvement in the campaign in Europe after D-Day tends to focus on the air war itself; here the author also explains how these aircraft and aircrew were supported on the ground.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Operation Overlord, the predominantly naval invasion of Northern France in June 1944, is widely recognized as one of the pivotal events that expedited the conclusion of World War II. The Royal Air Force (RAF) played a critical role in the landings and subsequently provided support to Montgomery's 21st Army as it advanced through France, Belgium, Holland, and into Germany.

Following the breakout from the Normandy bridgehead in early August 1944, the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force advanced in support of the troops, occupying several temporary airfields along the way. The ground support for this operation was intricate, particularly due to the need for high mobility. However, the advance was swift, and soon encountered challenges as the supply lines lengthened daily. The planners had envisioned that capturing the Belgian port of Antwerp would eventually enable them to transport vital supplies further north on the Continent. Although the city and its port were liberated in September 1944, German forces still controlled the port's route to the sea along the River Scheldt. It took nearly three months to resolve this issue, and the port reopened for business.

Until then, the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force, akin to the US Army's renowned "Red Ball Express," relied heavily on the Army for transportation. The demand for fuel and ammunition quickly outstripped supply, leading to emergency measures to keep the aircraft operational. The RAF resorted to using its heavy bombers to fly in supplies, despite Antwerp being operational. Even after Antwerp was up and running, supplying the Second Tactical Air Force remained a precarious endeavor, requiring a hand-to-mouth approach.

The importance of Operation Overlord and the RAF's role in it cannot be overstated. The successful landings in Normandy marked a significant turning point in the war, paving the way for the liberation of Western Europe and the eventual defeat of **** Germany. The RAF's contributions to the operation were instrumental in ensuring the success of the Allied forces and played a crucial role in shaping the course.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399010818