on numerous occasions the 4 fg escorted b-17/b-24 bombers that attacked factories, submarine pens, v-weapon sites, and other targets in france, the low countries, or germany. the group went out sometimes with a small force of bombers to draw up the enemy's fighters so they could be destroyed in aerial combat. at other times the 4th attacked the enemy's air power by strafing and dive-bombing airfields. they also hit troops, supply depots, roads, bridges, rail lines, and trains.