The bomb groups of the Mighty Eighth Air Force played an unprecedented and pivotal role in World War II, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe to cripple Germany’s war industry and pave the way for the eventual Allied victory.

Activated in 1942, the Eighth became the largest air striking force in history, flying thousands of missions that targeted enemy factories, railways, and military resources. Despite facing fierce resistance from enemy fighters and German anti-aircraft defenses, its heavy bomber crews and fighter escorts demonstrated extraordinary bravery and determination. Their valiant efforts cemented the Eighth Air Force’s enduring legacy.

During World War II, approximately 350,000 airmen served in the Mighty Eighth. The Eighth suffered heavy casualties, with over 26,000 airmen killed in action, and approximately 28,000 airmen became prisoners of war (POWs). Many airmen are still Missing in Action today, like the nine men from the Joe Noyes Crew.

If you are related to someone who is still Missing in Action, there are many resources available for your family, and rest assured that many of us have not forgotten.

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Bomb Group Hierarchy

I often find it challenging to keep track of the various 8th Air Force heavy bomber groups, and the hierarchy of the divisions and wings they belonged to. Some bomb groups were reassigned and moved bases, and some even flew both the Boeing B-17 and B-24. Overall, I tried to figure out where groups were based for the longest duration. I created these simplified tables to help keep my collection of information more organized. Additionally, I’ve added links to resources I’ve found related to each bomb group, hopefully making it easier for veterans’ families and other military history researchers and enthusiasts like myself.

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United States Army Air Forces

“VIII Bomber Command”

Headquarters:

Bushy Park, Teddington, Middlesex

(June 1942-January 1944)

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

(January 1944-May 1945)

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1st Bombardment Division

Primarily Flying B-17 Flying Fortresses

Headquarters:

Brampton Grange, Huntingdonshire

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1st Combat Bombardment Wing

40th Combat Bombardment Wing

41st Combat Bombardment Wing

94th Combat Bombardment Wing

2nd Bombardment Division

Primarily Flying B-24 Liberators

Headquarters:

Ketteringham Hall, Norfolk

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2nd Combat Bombardment Wing

14th Combat Bombardment Wing

20th Combat Bombardment Wing

96th Combat Bombardment Wing

3rd Bombardment Division

Primarily Flying B-17 Flying Fortresses

Headquarters:

Elveden Hall, Suffolk

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4th Combat Bombardment Wing

13th Combat Bombardment Wing

45th Combat Bombardment Wing

93rd Combat Bombardment Wing

Shout-out to Airfields and Aviation Researcher and Photographer Richard E. Flagg, for the wonderful photos available on UK Airfields. His passion and skill is unparalleled.

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Bomb Groups in England

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Eighth Air Force Timeline

This data is from the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II, Combat Chronology (1941 – 1945), that Kit C. Carter and Robert Mueller carefully and laboriously compiled. The complete chronology is at: Victory in the Sky

Month	Day	Year	Description
January	28	1942	Activated at Savannah AB, Georgia, Col Asa N Duncan commanding. The Eighth AF is originally designated as the air element of Operation GYMNAST which is the codename for the Early Allied plan for the seizure of Casablanca and the invasion of NW Africa.
February	1	1942	VIII BC is activated at Langley Field, and VIII IC at Selfridge Field.
February	12	1942	Gen Duncan, Commanding General, requests that his force, inadequate for its intended mission under GYMNAST be strengthened by several bomb and pursuit groups. This move, if carried out, would require diversion of units originally intended for other task forces.
February	23	1942	HQ VIII BC established in UK. General Eaker assumes command.
March	25	1942	Maj Cecil P Lessig becomes first Eighth AF pilot to fly a mission over France in World War II. Flying a Spitfire with RAF 64 Sq, Lessig participates in a 36-aircraft fighter sweep that is recalled when 50 fighters challenge them.
April	9	1942	HQ echelon is located at Bolling Field to prepare the Eighth AF for their move overseas.
April	15	1942	HQ of VIII BC established in Wycombe Abbey, in High Wycombe by General Eaker.
April	27	1942	Advanced echelons (ADVON) of HQ, Eighth AF and of bomber, interceptor and base commands, along with the 15th Bomb Squadron (Light), 2nd Air Depot Group, and a weather detachment totaling about 1,800 men, sail from Boston for the UK.
April	27	1942	VIII GASC is activated at Bolling Field.
May	5	1942	General Spaatz assumes command at Bolling Field.

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