The AAF in Southern France

Published by Headquarters, Army Air Forces
Washington, D.C.

Office of Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Intelligence
From Reports Prepared by MAAF

New Imprint by the
Center for Air Force History
Washington, D.C. 1992

Foreword

The AAF in the Invasion of Southern France tells how the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, under the command of Lt. Gen Ira Eaker, Supported the Allied airborne and amphibious assault designed to undercut German defenses in occupied France. In this invasion--the fourth major one in three months--American air power overwhelmed the meager enemy forces and diverted attention from the north, helping to topple German control in Vichy. Air operations persistently found, fixed, and fought occupying German forces, preventing their orderly withdrawal, greatly easing the way for Allied invasion forces.

Contents

• Pre-Invasion Situation
• Operations
• Air Operations
• The Airborne Operation
• Mapping and Reconnaissance
• The Air Command Post Afloat
• Summary of MASAF Operations

Illustrations

• Over-All Assault Plan
• Counter Air Targets
• Attack on Coastal Position
  • Preattack
  • Attack
  • Post Attack
  • Ground view
• Post-Attack View of Nice marshalling yard
• Operations D-5 to 0350 Hours D-Day
• Troop Carrier Formation
• Removing Antiglider Obstacles
• Advance of Ground Forces
• Dropping Paratroops During Invasion
• Attack on Battleship Dunkerque
  • Preattack
  • Attack
  • Aftermath
• Communication Targets
• Run-In Overlay
• MASAF Operations