I figured there was a 'planned' order of attack EVEN THOUGH they were airborne trying to locate the enemy, IF POSSIBLE. Obviously without knowing where, how many, the situation was extremely fluid.

I would have expected, because of the distances involved, some type of airborne radio relay would have been in effect to coordinate the attack once the enemy and strength had been determined. And a go/no go call could have been made.

This stuff fascinates me... think I mentioned this before back in a thread, long ago, talking about the civil war. I probably know more about WWII than most today... BUT... I have never really studied it well; a few books here and there. And compared to those who HAVE done their homework I'm a dunce regarding WWII. WWI as well. Every time I try to buy a book about WWII I get sidetracked back into the Civil War.