Operation Market Garden Fighter Cover Question

[Jerry O'Neill]

I have a couple of questions regarding Allied fighter's use during Operation Market Garden in Sept. 1944.

1: Did Allied fighters give the transports and gliders air cover on their way in to the drop zones? (just as they would've done with the bombers on bombing missions)

2: Did Allied fighters "sweep" the drop zones ahead of the drops? You know, taking out known gun emplacements, troop concentrations, etc. along the planned route and in the drop areas, or would that have given away the planned drop zones?

3: After the initial drops, was fighter cover used on the later drops and re-supply missions?

I know they were used in ground support of the troops, but I'm interested in protection and offense for the transports during the drops.

I've never heard much about it and was working on something when I decided it's maybe time to let those "WIX-perts" have at it!
Thanks.
Blue skies,
Jerry

[Chris]

Hey Jerry, One of our members at the CAF AZ Wing flew C-47s glider tugs during Market Garden. I'll test Hermans memory this Saturday and see what I come up with. His legs are a little weak but his mind is sharp as ever.

[Pathfinder]

Jerry--

Here is page 1 of ANNEX 5 to the OMG after-action summary report detailing air support. If you can't see this through this link then I will PM you the scanned doc as an attachment.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Jerry--

Here is page 1 of ANNEX 5 to the OMG after-action summary report detailing air support. If you can't see this through this link then I will PM you the scanned doc as an attachment.

My friends Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron of the 101st AB saw P-38's attack a flak tower on the way to the drop zone in Son Holland.

[SaxMan]

I believe the 56th FG's worst day in terms of aircraft lost came during a flak-busting mission for Operation Market Garden. IIRC, they lost 16 or 17 aircraft.

[Mudge]

Here's some info I got from Peter Randall at the 79th FS historical site.

"Market Garden was between 18th and 25th September 1944. The 20th FG had converted to P-51s by then. They flew missions on 18th, 20th and 23rd in the Arnhem area. The only 8th AF unit still flying P-38s was the 479th FG and even they were in the process of transitioning to P-51s. They did though fly mixed P-38 and P-51 missions during the operation so it’s a good chance it was their Lightnings that were seen. There is also the possibility that the 9th AF were flying P-38 missions but I have no details of 9th AF operations."

Mudge the researcher

[Jerry O'Neill]

Thanks to everyone on this.
I think I have what I was looking for.
WIX is awesome!
Jerry