56th Fighter Group - RAF Boxted (P-47 Thunderbolt)

The 56th Fighter Group (USAAF) was activated in the United States on 15 January 1941. It was equipped with a mix of P-39 Airacobras and P-40 Warhawks and was used as an air defense and an operational training unit. Redesignated 56th Fighter Group in May 1942 the group was equipped with P-47's in June 1942 and began training for combat. It moved to England in December 1942 - January 1943, but didn't become operational until 8 April 1943, after a delay caused by problems with the radio equipment on the P-47. The first combat mission was on 13 April 1943 with a fighter sweep of the coastal region near Cherbourg, France. The group adopted the nickname of "Zemke's Wolfpack" which comes from its legendary commander, Hubert Zemke.

During early 1943, the group flew P-47 Thunderbolts on fighter sweeps and limited range bomber escort. The 4th and 56th Fighter Groups became the first American fighter units to escort bombers of the 8th Air Force, during an attack on a Ford and General Motors factory at Antwerp. High-altitude combat tactics were developed against the Luftwaffe in late 1943 - 1944. Under strong leadership, the group became one of the most effective in Europe. Key developments included use of drop tanks for extended range of operations and aggressive tactics such as high-speed diving. The strengths of the P-47 were employed to protect bombers over Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The group soon gained experience and scored more aerial victories than any other group between April 1943 and the end of the war.

The 56th Fighter Group reached peak effectiveness during pre-Normandy Invasion air battles and "Big Week" (Feb 1944 strategic bombing offensive) by sustaining escort operations deep into Germany. The group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation during this time for aggressively seeking Luftwaffe aircraft and attacking their airfields between 20 February and 9 March 1944. During the D-Day invasions, the group provided fighter defenses for the invasion beaches and carried out ground attacks. It performed the ground attack role again during the breakout from St. Lo in July 1944.

In late 1944 - 1945, there was a shift toward strafing airfields, destroying rail transport and attacking vehicles and airfields. The group received a second Distinguished Unit Citation for attacking anti-aircraft positions during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The group also played a major role during the Battle of the Bulge December 1944 - January 1945. In March 1945, the group took part in the defense of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen. The 56th Fighter Group became the top-scoring USAAF fighter group in European Theatre of Operations (ETO) and excelled in both air combat and ground attacks. Notable aces were produced including Francis S. Gabreski (top USAAF ace in ETO), Hubert Zemke (group leader) and Robert S. Johnson. The group flew its last combat mission on 21 April 1945 with escort / armed reconnaissance over Germany.

By the end of the war, the group had flown a total of more than 650 combat missions. During this period, the group destroyed over 1,000 enemy aircraft and lost approximately 160 - 170 aircraft.

Campaigns
The 56th Fighter Group participated in the following campaigns: Air Offensive - Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe.

Decorations
Distinguished Unit Citations (DUC): "Big Week" operations against German aircraft industry 20 February 1944 and strikes against heavily defended targets and airfields 2 November 1944.
Additional Honors: French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Fourragère.

Oversea Burials   56th Fighter Group Oversea Burials

Group Web Site   https://www.56thfightergroup.co.uk/