A transport gunship under Second World War air defenses

Would a transport gunship inspired by the later Spectre concept have worked in the Second World War?

The air-defense threat would prevent the envisaged persistent support role; close air support would need to use strike tactics.

Second World War air defenses would prevent a transport gunship from providing persistent support. The Puff the Magic Dragon comparison again depends on having a low-threat environment. Close air support under the conditions envisaged here would need to take the form of strikes.