From February 20–25, 1944, as part of the European strategic bombing campaign, the
United States Strategic Air Forces (USSTAF) launched
Operation Argument, a series of missions against the
Third Reich that became known as
Big Week. The planners intended to lure the
Luftwaffe into a decisive battle by launching massive attacks on the German aircraft industry. By defeating the Luftwaffe, the Allies would achieve
air superiority and the invasion of
Europe could proceed. The daylight bombing campaign was also supported by
RAF Bomber Command, operating against the same targets at night.
Arthur Harris resisted contributing RAF forces as it diverted them from the British area bombing offensive. It took a direct order from
Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal,
Chief of the Air Staff to force Harris to comply.
RAF Fighter Command also provided escort for USAAF bomber formations, just at the time that the
Eighth Air Force had started introducing the P-51 long-range fighter to take over the role.