Air support for Crusader

Each corps and armoured division headquarters in the 8th Army would have a "joint 'Air Support Control'" operation. The goal was to provide better support to the army than had been previously possible. Because overall air superiority was still a priority over direct support, the Air Officer Commanding still had ultimate control, so he could hit important targets with overwhelming force. The quality of air support was especially important to the government of New Zealand, who had strong memories of what happened in Greece and Crete, earlier in the year. This is based on the account in Vol.III of the Official History.