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Operation Matterhorn was the deployment of USAAF B-29 Superfortresses to China in 1944. The intent was to be able to bomb the Japanese home islands and show support to Chiang Kai Shek. The Operation ran roughly from June 1944 to January 1945.
The operation is considered unsuccessful because of the logistics involved in supporting a bomber wing from India. All of the Superforts’ fuel and bombs had to be transported over the Himalayas. The bombers themselves were pressed into service hauling their own supplies. Whatever fuel and ordnance stockpiles at the Chinese airfields would quickly be used up on a mission to Japan. The bombers could also only reach parts of Japan. When the Superforts did reach Japan their bombing did not cause serious damagevffIn November 1944 B-29s began bombing Japan from the Marianas. In January it was decided to end Matterhorn and move the Bombers to Guam.
What alternative plans would you have offered to President Roosevelt and Hap Arnold on the deployment of the 58th bomber Wing/XX Bomber Command?
If you feel that there are no alternatives then how would you modify Operation Matterhorn to make it a success?
The OTL deployment of the 73rd Bombardment Wing to the Mariana Islands will still take place in the fall of 1944. The bomber campaign from the Marianas will still begin in late 1944.