1 July 1943

THURSDAY, 1 JULY 1943

EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Eighth Air Force)
A memo by Major General Barney Mc Giles for General Henry H "Hap"
Arnold, Commanding General, USAAF, stresses great need for more fighter
escort for strategic bombing missions. The present ratio of less than 1
fighter group to 4 heavy bomber groups is held to be completely
insufficient and a minimum ratio of 1 to 2 is suggested.
Brigadier General Frederick L Anderson Jr replaces Brigadier General
Newton Longfellow as Commanding General VIII Bomber Command.
HQ 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) transfers from Hethel, England to Camp
Thomas, England.
HQ 20th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) transfers from Camp Lynn, England to
Cheddington, England.
The 556th, 557th, 558th and 559th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 387th
Bombardment Group (Medium) arrive at Chipping Ongar, England from the US
with B-26's.
During the month of July, HQ 99th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) arrives at
Aldermaston, England from the US.