BIG WEEK Operation Argument
History'The Big Week', (executed under the official name Operation Argument), was a series of maximum effort raids, over a six-day period (hence the name) starting February 20, 1944,
that targeted the Luftwaffe's production facilities. These included key airframe and final assembly facilities of single and twin-engine fighters, as well as anti-friction bearing facilities.
The Allies calculated that the destruction of these target groups would reduce front-line fighter strength more rapidly than others previously attacked.
Allied leaders hoped that Operation Argument, by taking advantage of increased numbers, coordinated attack, and tactics that utilized long-range escorts (P-38s, P-47s and P-51s
all with extended-ranged fuel tanks), would draw the Luftwaffe up to the bombers and into the talons of these long-range escorts. If that failed, Allied fighters were now allowed
to rove the skies looking for the Luftwaffe. Simultaneously, daylight raids by both the 8th and the 15th AFs would coordinate with RAF Bomber Command's night attacks in an
effort to overwhelm German defenders.
Argument was a success. Not only were production facilities being smashed but also now the Luftwaffe was hunted in its own home. Defeat was on the horizon for the once mighty
Luftwaffe. The first steps in the Allied campaign to gain aerial superiority for the D-Day invasion was complete.
Battle Elements and Event Schedule
• August 12th – Regensburg
• August 19th – Bernburg
• August 26th – Frankfurt
Each frame starts at 8pm in the UK, 9pm in France/Germany, 10pm in Finland/Estonia and 3pm EST. The planned length of a single frame is 2 hours.
This is a single life event.
