Learning from the master

摘要

The RAF received over 800 Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, 590 of which were the P-47D variant with the bubble-style canopy. In British service these aircraft were given the designation Thunderbolt Ⅱ. Sixteen RAF squadrons operating with South East Asia Command flew the type against the Japanese in Burma, mostly in the ground attack role. They often supported army operations, escorted bombers and carried out attacks on enemy airfields. In combination with Supermarine Spitfires they were used to great effect in thwarting the Japanese attempt to break out during the 1945 Battle of the Sittang Bend, and P-47s escorted Consolidated B-24 Liberators in the bombing of Rangoon.