21 April 1944

ANNEX "K" TO OPERATION PLAN NO. 2-44

Serial 00144

AIR DEFENSE PLAN

  1. It is assumed that during daylight our own aircraft will maintain air superiority over the channel, the assault area, and the beaches. Due to the fact that there will be considerable friendly fighter cover, extra precautions must be taken to avoid firing at friendly aircraft.

  2. When in ports of the United Kingdom, ships and craft will conform to the War Orders of the Home Commands.

  3. After the establishment of Antiaircraft Defense Commanders in ports, including MULBERRY, on the French Coast, ships and craft in those ports will conform to the orders of the Antiaircraft Defense Commander.

  4. During initial channel crossings the following rules shall be followed for balloons:

    1. Ships and craft which are to arrive in the transport area before H minus 15 minutes shall not fly balloons.

    2. Those arriving after that time which will beach on the first tide will not fly balloons at more than 100 feet.

  5. Certain terms used in Air Defense Plans are hereby defined:

    1. RECOGNIZED means that an aircraft has been determined to be friendly or hostile by its physical appearance, observed actions, or display of visual signals.

    2. IDENTIFIED means that an aircraft has been determined to be friendly or hostile by such means, other than visual, as I.F.F. signals and Air Force flight reports indicating presence or absence of friendly aircraft.

    3. FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT are aircraft which have been recognized or identified as friendly by one of the following means:

      1. Recognized as friendly by appearance.

      2. Displaying correct recognition signals.

      3. Showing I.F.F. signals. However, failure to show I.F.F. signals is not proof that an aircraft is hostile.

      4. Flying with undercarriage or landing gear down, unless clearly recognized as hostile.

      5. A biplane, unless clearly recognized as hostile.

      6. Four-engine aircraft, unless clearly recognized as hostile.

      7. A flying boat, unless clearly recognized as hostile.

      8. Any aircraft with gliders in tow, unless clearly recognized as hostile.

--1 of 10--

      1. Following a prescribed route and method of approach to a given point, and its type and behavior corresponding with information received concerning movements of friendly aircraft.

    1. HOSTILE AIRCRAFT are aircraft which have been recognized as hostile or identified as hostile, or which have committed a "hostile act".

    2. HOSTILE ACTS may be any of the following:

      1. Attacking friendly personnel, ground targets, ships or aircraft with bombs or other weapons.

      2. Dropping flares at night over territory occupied by friendly forces or over shipping lying in ports or off beaches in the bridgehead.

      3. Diving on friendly personnel or ships.

      4. Diving from out of the sun, at any height, on an airfield or other specified vulnerable area, unless clearly recognized as friendly by appearance or by showing correct recognition signals.

      5. Dropping groups of parachutists greater in number than crews of similar types of friendly aircraft unless prior notification has been received.

  1. "HOLD FIRE" may be ordered by the Senior Officer in company by the signal N 0 (NAN ZERO) by whistle and radio or by flag hoist as NAN TACKLINE ZERO. This signal will generally be used in cases where friendly aircraft are being endangered or improper targets such as flares or balloons are being engaged. It shall not prevent a vessel which is unquestionably being attacked from defending herself. The signal will be paralleled by radio or visual and, unless the "HOLD FIRE" period is extended, will automatically terminate in three (3) minutes. During channel passage "HOLD FIRE" does not apply to 20 MM guns and smaller. In captured ports "HOLD FIRE" will be given by day only and when is effect fire will only be opened at aircraft recognized as being hostile.

  2. Recognition Signals will be made by friendly aircraft whenever they find themselves over ships or restricted areas, have inadvertently committed a "hostile act", have come under fire from obviously friendly anti-aircraft batteries, or generally wish to establish their friendly identity. They will either flash the letter of the period on their downward recognition lamp or fire the colors of the period by Very pistol. Aircraft approaching the beach sector to land on landing strips will, in addition to the display of recognition signals at frequent intervals, lower undercarriage before descending below 3000 feet.

  3. The following counter measures are effective against glider bombs:

    1. Engage parent plane with heavy AA gunfire.

    2. Against low level glide bomb attacks, engage glider with automatic AA guns.

--2 of 10--

    1. Use of high speed and radical maneuvers when practicable throughout attack.

    2. Use of smoke under favorable conditions.

  1. During air attacks warships and large merchant ships should place a rifleman and an automatic rifleman in the tops to fire on circling torpedoes descending by parachute.

  2. Aircraft, not identified as friendly and suspected of minelaying, flying over specified water areas may be engaged. Position where mines are dropped should be marked and reported to Assault Force Commander and NCWTF, giving estimated position of the mine. Any ship having a radar track indicating that aircraft are dropping mines will report the approximate position of area by grid coordinates.

  3. Certain areas of considerable importance will be declared Gun Defended Areas by Navy, Air Force, and Army authorities concerned. By day, in Gun Defended Areas only aircraft recognized as hostile or aircraft flying below 500 feet will be engaged. By night, aircraft not identified as friendly may be engaged if warning of hostile aircraft has been received. 20 mm and .50 caliber guns will not fire at unseen aircraft.

  4. Mark 32 fuzed AA projectiles and H.E.V.T.T. projectiles shall not be fired on any bearing which could cause the projectile to fall on land or in the vicinity of friendly vessels or on any bearing such that the trajectory would pass within 150 feet of friendly vessels. When use of Mark 32 fuzed projectiles is possible under the above restrictions, use 50% Mark 32 fuzes and continuous fire in repelling air attack.

  5. The following Air Defense Plans will be in effect at the time and in the area indicated in the plan unless otherwise directed. Daylight Air Defense Plans will be effective, unless otherwise directed. Daylight Air Defense Plans will be effective, unless otherwise ordered, from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Might Air Defense Plans will be effective during the remaining of the twenty hour period.

--3 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 1

To be effective during daylight in channel crossing unless otherwise directed:

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 1,000 feet unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by the Senior Naval Officer Present. In conditions of half light, at dawn and dusk, smoke laid by escorts, clear of the convoy to obscure the light horizon, and possibly also between the convoy and direction of attack should prove most effective against low level attack. It must be borne in mind that smoke is often as useful to the enemy as to our own forces and smoke screens, unless properly placed, prevent effective use of aimed fore from short range weapons.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. May be used by individual ships to comb the tracks of torpedoes or to evade glider bombs but they should remain in mine swept waters and return to the convoy course as quickly as possible. When attack is impending, escorts should maneuver to bring guns to bear. The Convoy Commander may maneuver the convoy as a whole.

  4. Gunfire

    5. Will be opened only against aircraft recognized as hostile, or unrecognized aircraft flying below 1,000 feet, which are not be engaged by friendly fighters within the following range zones:

    1. By 4 inch guns or larger within 12,000 yards range.

    2. By 40 mm, 1.1" and 3 inch guns at effective ranges less than 4,000 yards range.

    3. By 20 mm and .50 Cal. guns at effective ranges less than 2,000 yards range, but then only if own ship is being attacked or if target is being engaged by larger ships.

--4 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 2

To be effective during darkness in channel crossing unless otherwise directed:

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 1,000 feet unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by the Senior Naval Officer Present. In conditions of bright moonlight smoke laid by escorts clear of the convoy to obscure the light horizon, and possibly also between the convoy and direction of attack should prove most effective against low level attack. It must be borne in mind that smoke is often as useful to the enemy as to our own forces and smoke screens, unless properly placed, prevent effective use of aimed fore from short range weapons.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. Should not be used unless the convoy as a whole in maneuvered by the Convoy Commander.

  4. Gunfire

    5. May be opened against aircraft not recognized or identified as friendly within the following range zones:

    1. By radar controlled 4 inch or 5 inch guns within 12,000 yards range.

    2. By barrage controlled 4 inch or 5 inch guns within 5,000 yards range.

    3. By 40 mm and 3 inch guns within 3,000 yards range.

    4. 20 mm and .50 Cal. guns will not be fired except within 1,000 yards range and then only at visible aircraft or at glider bombs coming towards their own ship. Indiscriminate use of these guns is a source of danger to adjacent friendly ships and the tracers attract attention to the firing ship, making it a good target for aircraft. These guns should not fire at flares.

--5 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 3

To be effective during daylight hours of D day only in the Assault Area unless otherwise directed:

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 1,000 feet unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by NCWTF, or the Assault Force Commander. LCP(L) Smokers will be in position to cover ships at anchor if so directed.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. Will not be employed unless ordered by NCWTF, or the Assault Force Commanders. When attack is anticipated ships at anchor make preparations to get underway. If damaged and in danger of sinking while loaded, endeavor to beach.

  4. Gunfire

    5. Will be opened only under the following conditions:

    1. AGAINST AIRCRAFT WHICH ARE UNMISTAKABLY RECOGNIZED AS HOSTILE OR SEEN TO COMMIT A HOSTILE ACT within the shore and sea area between the enemy's foremost troops and a seaward line two (2) miles offshore.

    2. To seaward of the above area against aircraft recognized as hostile; or unrecognized aircraft flying below 1,000 feet, which are not being engaged by friendly fighters within the following range zones:

      1. By 4" and larger director controlled AA batteries within 12,000 yards.

      2. By 40 mm and larger guns not covered by (1) above within 4,000 yards range.

      3. By 20 mm and .50 caliber guns at effective ranges less than 2,000 yard range, but then only if own ship is being attacked or if target is being engaged by larger ships.

--6 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 4

To be effective during daylight of D+1, and after, in the Assault Area unless otherwise directed:

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 1,000 feet unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by NCWTF, the Assault Force Commanders, or by FOWEST. LCP(L) smokers will be in position to cover ships at anchor if so directed.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. Will not be used unless ordered by NCWTF, the Assault Force Commanders, or by FOWEST. When attack is anticipated ships at anchor make preparations to get underway. If damaged and in danger of sinking while loaded, endeavor to beach.

  4. Gunfire

    5. Will be opened only against aircraft recognized as hostile, or unrecognized aircraft flying below 1,000 feet, which are not be engaged by friendly fighters within the following range zones:

    1. 4" and larger director controlled AA batteries within 12,000 yards range.

    2. By 40 mm and larger guns not covered by (a) above, within 4,000 yards range.

    3. By 20 mm and .50 Cal. guns at effective ranges less than 2,000 yards range, but then only if own ship is being attacked or if target is being engaged by larger ships.

--7 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 5

To be effective during darkness in the Assault Area unless otherwise directed:

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 1,000 feet unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by NCWTF, the Assault Force Commanders, or by FOWEST. LCP(L) smokers will be in position to cover ships at anchor if so directed.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. Will not be employed unless directed by NCWTF, the Assault Force Commanders, or by FOWEST. During darkness maneuvers often attract attention to the maneuvering ships. When attack is anticipated, ships at anchor make preparations to get underway. If damaged and in danger of sinking while loaded, endeavor to beach.

  4. Gunfire

    5. May be opened against aircraft not identified as friendly within the following range zones:

    1. By radar controlled 4 inch or 5 inch guns within 12,000 yards range.

    2. By barrage controlled 4 inch or 5 inch guns within 5,000 yards range.

    3. By 40 mm and 3 inch guns within 3,000 yards range.

    4. 20 mm and .50 Cal. guns will not be fired except within 1,000 yards range and then only at visible aircraft or at glider bombs coming towards their own ship. Indiscriminate use of these guns is a source of danger to adjacent friendly ships and the tracers attract attention to the firing ship, making it a good target for aircraft. These guns should not fire at flares.

--8 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 6

To be effective during daylight in captured ports.

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 300 feet if within the periphery of the shore balloon barrage and at 1,000 feet if outside the periphery of the shore balloon barrage unless visibility is less than 1,500 yards or cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet in which case balloons will be flow at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by the senior officer present. Escort vessels present should if attack is expected get underway in order to make smoke to windward of anchored ships.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. All ships will make preparations for getting underway and if ordered by senior officer present get underway for outer harbor. If damaged and in danger of sinking, endeavor to beach clear of docks and quays. Avoid blocking the harbor.

  4. Gunfire

    5. May be opened against aircraft not recognized or identified as friendly, unless "HOLD FIRE" has been ordered, within the following zones:

    1. 4" and larger director controlled AA batteries within effective range.

    2. Barrage controlled AA guns will only fire 1,500 yard barrage.

    3. Automatic weapons will not open fire unless directly attacked.

    4. Avoid gunfire towards the shore.

--9 of 10--

AIR DEFENSE PLAN 7

To be effective during darkness in captured ports.

  1. Balloons

    2. When carried will be flown at 300 feet.

  2. Smoke

    3. Will not be used unless ordered by the senior officer present.

  3. Maneuvers

    4. All ships will make prepare to get underway. If damaged and in danger of sinking, endeavor to beach clear of docks and quays. Avoid blocking the harbor.

  4. Gunfire

    5. May be opened against aircraft not identified as friendly within the following range zones:

    1. 4" and larger radar controlled batteries within effective range.

    2. Barrage controlled AA guns will only fire 1,500 yard barrage.

    3. Automatic weapons will not open fire unless directly attacked.

    4. Avoid gunfire towards the shore.

 

A. G. KIRK,
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,
Naval Commander Western Task Force.

 

/s/
R. T. CRAGG,
Flag Secretary.

--10 of 10--

 

APPENDIX 1

 

DEFINITIONS

 

  1. The below listed definitions will be used in connection with air defense:

    1. Inner Artillery Zone (IAZ) is an area of vital importance over which friendly aircraft will be prohibited from operating by day or night, except when an executive order to withhold anti-aircraft fire, during daylight only is issued by officer exercising operational control. Rules for IAZ are covered in Air Defense Plan 6 and 7.

    2. Gun Defended Areas (GDA) is an area of considerable importance over which friendly aircraft will be prohibited from operating below a minimum altitude, except when an executive order to withhold fire is given. Rules for GDA are covered in paragraph 11 of the Air Defense Plan.

    3. Beaches are beach areas employed in the assault and for subsequent maintenance over which friendly aircraft will be prohibited from operating below 3,000 feet at any time, except when using landing facilities in the area. Where MULBERRIES adjoin beaches the two are regarded as one restricted area. The rules for beaches are covered in Air Defense Plans 3, 4, and 5.

    4. Restricted Watersare sea approaches within 18,000 yards of the assault beaches. Rules for restricted waters are covered in Air Defense Plans 3, 4, and 5.

    5. Limited Waters are cross channel shipping routes from the seaward boundaries of defended ports in the United Kingdom between PORTLAND and NEWHAVEN to the seaward boundary of beach restricted areas, unless ships concerned have been informed that no fighter cover will be provided. Any route used by NEPTUNE convoys where fighter cover is provided will be considered limited waters. The rules for limited waters are covered in Air Plans 1 and 2.

    6. Unrestricted Waters are all sea area other than those defined as limited or restricted waters. Rules for unlimited waters are covered in Air Defense Plans 1 and 2.

--1 of 1--

 

APPENDIX 2

 

  1. To furnish barrage balloon protection to the assault beaches inflated balloons will be flown by First U.S. Army from ships and craft as follows:

    1. First U.S. Army is authorized to fly an inflated barrage balloon on each LCT(3) or (4) in Force "B" in the follow-up.

    2. One Army Balloon, in addition to the Naval Balloon, may be flown on a 100 foot strap from the aft rail of each LST in Forces "O", "B", and "U" arriving in the transport area after H-15 minutes and beaching after H+225 minutes.

    3. Army balloons on craft will be flown in accordance with orders of the Naval Task Force and craft commanders until removed from craft on the far shore. Craft commanders may order balloons cut loose if necessary to safeguard craft or Naval balloons.

    4. First U.S. Army assumes full responsibility for manning Army balloons on craft in Forces "O", "B", and "U". Naval personnel will not be called on to assist in handling or landing balloons.

    5. Inflated Army balloons may be flown from LSTs in the build-up service, unattended by Army personnel. Balloons will be placed aboard craft by RN/RAF Shore Servicing Station at embarkation port and removed by First U. S. Army personnel on far shore. Balloons will be flown as in paragraph (b) above.

    6. To build up the number of balloons on the beach to the required amount First U.S. Army may remove balloons from all LCT(3) and (4) in the follow-up, and may remove up to two thirds of the balloons from these craft in the build-up convoys. RN?RAF Shore Servicing Stations will replace balloons at the loading point in the U.K.

  2. LST will not carry uninflated spare barrage balloons nor inflation gear nor hydrogen unless specifically ordered to do so by Naval Commander Western Task Force.

--1 of 1--

 

APPENDIX 3

 

  1. In the Western Assault Area the operation of air warning radar will be coordinated by Commander Force "O", who will assign the radar guard ships, keep the air plots required, and control the air warning broadcast to the Western Task Force. Commander Force "B" and the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. HENRICO, are the first and second reliefs respectively for this duty, and, if necessary will take over the operation of air warning radar in the order named. This broadcast is to be received by all warships, landing craft and merchant ships wherever possible.

  2. Visual signal air raid warnings are to be made by Flag Officers and Naval Commanders of assault forces wherever applicable.

  3. Ships having air warning radar are to broadcast reports, as directed by coordinating authority (See "1" above) of aircraft not otherwise being reported on the Naval Reporting Wave using the Combined Air Warning Code. Home Fighter Grid will be used and Fighter Control charts are specially provided.

  4. Visual information regarding the movement of enemy aircraft is to be plotted and transmitted on the Naval Radar Reporting Wave unless the aircraft is already adequately reported.

  5. The Home Shore Plot Broadcast (enemy and unidentified aircraft broadcast)(channel 57) is to be manned in cruisers and above where practicable. All reports will be in Home Fighter Grid and transmitted in Combined Air Warning Code.

  6. The movement Liaison Broadcast (channel 58) transmits data regarding movement of friendly aircraft. This is to be manned by cruisers and above if possible.

  7. Under special circumstances it is expected that ships equipped for fighter direction, other than Fighter Direction Tenders, will be called upon to direct fighters.

  8. If the Air Force representative in any Fighter Direction Tender wishes to turn over a fighter patrol to a ship in a selected area, he will inform the Air Force Representative in the Task Force Flagship, who will request the Naval Commander of the Task Force concerned to detail the ship. Communications between a ship so detailed and the Fighter Direction Tender concerned will be by Fighter Direction ship stand-by liaison wave.

  9. The Fighter Direction officer of any ship in communication with a spotting aircraft is responsible for warning the spotting aircraft and its "weaver" of the approach of hostile aircraft.

  10. All ships with installations of air warning radar have been given raid letters (See Communication Plan, Appendix 8, Sheet 3). These letters when used with a figure (see Combined Air Warning code) identify both reporting ship ad the raid.

  11. Subject to orders to the contrary, it is assumed that all ships with air warning radar are keeping an all round search. Any ship, which has been ordered to report, detecting an unidentified aircraft, is to hold that detection and immediately pass a report on the Naval Radar Reporting Wave unless it is clear that the same aircraft is being reported by another ship.

--1 of 2--

  1. In the event of any other ship reporting such detections, they are to be disregarded and the all around sweep resumed.

  2. The controlling ship shall order ships to cease reporting as required and all ships will continue to report unless otherwise ordered. Ships will be ordered to cease reporting on unimportant unidentified detections if congestion is taking place; similarly ships should reduce the frequency of reports under these conditions.

  3. The control of A.A. fire in each assault force area will be exercised by a ship designated as A.A. guardship for the area by the Assault Force Commander.

  4. After the beach-head has been secured, the Naval Officers-in-Charge should deal with the nearest G.C.I. station (shore based) on all matters affecting air defense. One of these G.C.I. stations will be detailed to coordinate calls from the Navy. When Air Defense Wing Headquarters is set up, Flag Officers-in-Charge should then deal directly with this headquarters.

--2 of 2--

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