IL-2 Sturmovik: Overlord Campaign

The 354th Fighter Group was formed in California in November of 1942, and trained for almost a year in the mid-engine Bell P-39 Airacobra fighter before being moved to England where they were attached to the US 9th Air Force. The IX Tactical Air Command was formed by the United States Army Air Forces in Great Britain in 1943 to provide close air support for the US First Army when the time finally arrived for the Allied invasion of occupied Europe. They began combat operations flying across the English Channel from bases in southern England to interdict logistical targets such as railways, warehouses, fuel and ammo dumps and German Army positions in France and Belgium.

The 354th Fighter Group initially arrived at Boxted Air Field where they were equipped with the brand new P-51B/C fighter aircraft, and because they were the first USAAF unit to take the Mustang into combat, they became known as 'The Pioneer Mustang Group'. After being temporarily assigned to the 8th Air Force and gaining experience escorting long range bomber missions into Germany, the three squadrons of the 354th Fighter Group moved to the Advanced Landing Ground at Lashenden and settled into their new quarters. Six man canvas tents, a steel mat landing strip and generous supplies of slippery mud clearly indicated they were preparing for the upcoming move to the continent with the front line invasion forces. Following D-Day escort missions on June 6th, 1944 the 353rd 'Flying Cobras', the 355th 'Pugnacious Pups' and 356th 'Red Ass' Fighter Squadrons flew tactical reconnaissance, close air support, ground attack and more escort missions from ALG Lashenden while waiting their turn to move across the English Channel.

Time frame: June - August 1944
Regiment: 354th Fighter Group
Available Aircraft: P-51B
Duration: 15 missions
Author: Jay =Jaegermeister= Yarbrough