The Beginning of the End of Army Co-operation Command, 1942

Abstract

This chapter analyses the developments made in army co-operation in Britain during 1942 through a discussion of Army Air Support Group (AASG). This was a composite group consisting of fighter, bomber and army co-operation aircraft. Whilst there was agreement between the Air Ministry and War Office over the creation of such a formation, there was a disagreement about whether it should initially be placed in Army Co-operation or Fighter Command. It had originally been agreed between the two Services to place the AASG in Army Co-operation Command but the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir Charles Portal, reneged on this and placed the AASG within Fighter Command where it would be able to utilise the superior signals system and have a greater call on resources. This move would also prevent the army creating its own operational army air arm through the back door. 1942 also saw further developments to the Air OP concept and a visit by Barratt to the Middle East in order to see first-hand the air support system in action.