Second Tactical Air Force

Second Tactical Air Force was a major operational command of the Royal Air Force formed during the Second World War to provide dedicated tactical air support for Allied ground forces. Established in 1943, it played a decisive role in the North-West Europe Campaign, operating a diverse fleet of fighters, fighter-bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft. Its innovative integration with 21st Army Group under the tactical air power doctrine developed in the North African campaign proved instrumental to Allied success. The organization continued in the post-war era, adapting to Cold War commitments before its eventual disbandment.

Formation and early history

The formation was officially created on 1 June 1943 from the redesignation of the RAF Army Co-operation Command. Its creation was a direct result of hard-won lessons in combined arms warfare, particularly from the Western Desert Campaign and the campaigns in Tunisia and Italy. The unit's first commander, Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, was a key architect of modern tactical air doctrine, having previously commanded the Western Desert Air Force. Initial training and development focused on close cooperation with the British Army, particularly for the impending Operation Overlord. The force drew squadrons and personnel from various commands, including RAF Fighter Command and RAF Bomber Command, to create a versatile and self-sufficient air arm capable of rapid deployment and sustained operations from forward airfields.

Organization and structure

The structure was designed for flexibility and close integration with ground forces. It was organized into specialized groups, each with a distinct role. The primary components included No. 2 Group RAF, equipped with Mosquito and Boston light bombers for interdiction, and No. 83 Group RAF, which provided Spitfire and Typhoon fighter-bomber squadrons for close support. No. 84 Group RAF served a similar function, while No. 85 Group RAF was responsible for air defence using night fighters like the Beaufighter. A vital element was the RAF Regiment, which provided ground defence for its often vulnerable forward operating bases. The force also included dedicated reconnaissance wings flying aircraft like the Spitfire PR and Mustang to gather intelligence for commanders like Field Marshal Montgomery.

Operations in Northwest Europe

Its most significant contributions began with the Normandy landings in June 1944. In the preparatory phase, squadrons attacked German transportation networks, radar sites, and Luftwaffe airfields across France. During the Battle of Normandy, its Typhoons, armed with RP-3 rockets, became infamous for decimating German armoured formations, notably during the Falaise pocket encirclement. The force provided constant aerial cover for the British Second Army and First Canadian Army. It supported major ground offensives such as Operation Goodwood and Operation Totalize, and later the ill-fated Operation Market Garden. As the front moved, it rapidly deployed to captured airfields in Belgium and the Netherlands, maintaining pressure during the Battle of the Bulge and the subsequent advance across the Rhine during Operation Plunder.

Post-war reorganization and legacy

Following Victory in Europe Day, the force was significantly reduced but remained as part of the British Air Forces of Occupation in Germany. It was re-designated as RAF Germany in 1959, marking the end of its specific title but continuing its tactical role within NATO. The operational doctrines and command structures pioneered, especially the system of Forward Air Controllers embedded with army units, became standard practice for the Royal Air Force and influenced allied air forces. Its success demonstrated the critical importance of a dedicated, co-located tactical air command for modern joint warfare, a principle applied in later conflicts and embodied in the structure of the post-war United States Air Forces in Europe and other NATO air commands.

Commanders and notable personnel

Its first and most influential commander was Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, who led from its inception until 1945. He was succeeded by Air Marshal Sir James Robb. Other senior officers included Air Vice-Marshal Harry Broadhurst, who commanded No. 83 Group RAF during the invasion, and Air Vice-Marshal Basil Embry, a legendary leader of No. 2 Group RAF. Notable pilots who served in its squadrons included Group Captain Johnnie Johnson, the Allied top-scoring fighter ace against the Luftwaffe, and Wing Commander Brendan "Paddy" Finucane. The force also included personnel from Allied nations, such as Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, Polish, French, Norwegian, and Czechoslovak squadrons operating under its overall command.

Category:Royal Air Force commands