Introduction

Abstract

During the Second World War, a huge system of bases was built worldwide by the United States of America in order to defeat the Axis powers. The Eighth Air Force and United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe became active in 1942, later to be renamed United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) in 1945. The period between June 1942 and December 1945 saw 165 installations in the United Kingdom being used by combat units of the United States Army Air Force. Amongst these installations were three air squadrons, nine commands, four air divisions, thirty-three wings, 116 groups, and 449 squadrons (including maintenance and supply).1 After the war many of the bases were dismantled including most of those in the United Kingdom. However, they were soon to return — and in a capacity unprecedented in this country.