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47 Thunderbolt Vs German Flak Defenses: An Epic Aerial Duel from World War II

Beau Carter

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Published in P 47 Thunderbolt Vs German Flak Defenses: Western Europe 1943 45 (Duel)

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On April 5, 1944, 47 Republic P-47 Thunderbolts of the 56th Fighter Group squared off against a formidable array of German flak defenses over occupied France. The ensuing aerial duel was one of the most intense and costly of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

The 56th Fighter Group was one of the most experienced and successful fighter units in the US Army Air Forces. The group had been flying combat missions since early 1943, and had already claimed over 300 enemy aircraft destroyed. The group's pilots were some of the best in the world, and they were eager to prove themselves against the much-feared German flak defenses.

P-47 Thunderbolt vs German Flak Defenses: Western Europe 1943–45 (Duel)

by Jonathan Bernstein

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26419 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	79 pages

The German flak defenses were some of the most sophisticated in the world. The Germans had developed a network of radar-controlled flak guns that could fire at aircraft from a distance of several miles. The flak guns were deadly accurate, and they could quickly bring down even the most heavily armored aircraft.

The mission of the 56th Fighter Group was to escort a formation of B-24 Liberator bombers on a bombing raid against a German airfield. The bombers were to fly at a high altitude, out of reach of the German flak guns. The Thunderbolts were to fly below the bombers, providing protection from enemy fighters.

The mission began as planned, with the bombers flying at a high altitude and the Thunderbolts flying below them. But as the formation approached the target, the German flak defenses opened fire. The flak guns fired a barrage of shells into the formation, and several of the bombers were hit. The Thunderbolts immediately went into action, attacking the flak guns and trying to protect the bombers.

The aerial duel that followed was one of the most intense of the war. The Thunderbolts flew low over the German flak positions, dodging the shells and attacking the guns with their machine guns and rockets. The German flak gunners fought back bravely, but they were no match for the superior firepower of the Thunderbolts.

The duel lasted for over an hour, and both sides suffered heavy losses. 12 Thunderbolts were shot down, and over 100 German flak gunners were killed. But in the end, the Thunderbolts achieved their mission. They protected the bombers and ensured that the bombing raid was a success.

The aerial duel over occupied France on April 5, 1944, was one of the most heroic and costly battles of World War II. The 56th Fighter Group fought bravely against overwhelming odds, and they helped to ensure the success of the bombing raid. The battle is a testament to the courage and skill of the men who fought in the air war over Europe.

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## Further Reading

* [The 56th Fighter Group in World War II](https://www.56thfightergroup.org/) * [The P-47 Thunderbolt](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196045/republic-p-47d-thunderbolt/) * [German Flak Defenses in World War II](https://www.worldwar2.ro/aftermath/german-flak-defenses-in-world-war-ii/)

P-47 Thunderbolt vs German Flak Defenses: Western Europe 1943–45 (Duel)

by Jonathan Bernstein

4.8 out of 5