Us Official Photographs

8th Air Force fighters over England

Air Force formations snapped while escorting bombers of the 8th Air Force to or from raids on Nazi territory. This is an 8-plane formation flying in a V. It is used ordinarily while the fighters are on the way out over England, and climbing through clouds. The rear flight covers the flight in front; and within the flights two plane sections cover each other. It is finally broken down so that each individual plane protects another and is protected by another. 315 Fighter Squadron followed by 314 Fight Sqdn. planes of the 361 Fighter Group.