351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   C.O.’s Comment: ____
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   High Box
   Stations –	1555
   Start Engines –	1605
   Taxi -	1615
   Take Off -	1630
   Last Take Off -	___

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Hamm Marshalling Yards
   Secondary: ___
   Last Resort: Any military objective in Germany or any airdrome not adjacent to built up area in occupied country that can be attacked without disrupting fighter support.
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 "A": 12 x 500# 1/10 x 1/100 [Fuse]
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff - 144 units for emergency discharge/ship
   
5. Gasoline Loading:
   Tokyos [Planes with extra wing fuel tanks]: 900 gallons in Tokyos.
   Non-Tokyos:
   Remarks: Plenty of gas, take it easy on engines.
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	457
   Low	401
   High	351st

   
   
7. Division Formation:    Zero hour = 1730

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	40th	Hamm	1802
   2nd	41st"A"	"	1805
   3rd	41st"B"	"	1808
   4th	94th	"	1811
   5th	1st	"	1814
   6th
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division	4 CW's	"	1816 - Lowestoft
   3rd Division	4 CW's	"	1750 - Lowestoft
   Marauders [B-26]
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Reference Alt. 20,000 feet.
   Div. Assembly. - Splasher #6 to Lowestoft.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Call Sign]
     1 Groups, P-47’s	Balance 2-1
     1 Groups, P-38’s	Balance 2-2
     1 Group, P-47’s	Balance 2-3
     1 Groups, P-47’s	Balance 2-4
     2 Groups, P-51’s	Balance 2-5

     
     [Balance 2-5 planes will sweep] Target Area 1 hr. ahead of Target
     Other area sweeps north & east on penetration + area support from 3rd Div. fighters.
     
     
9. Group Assembly is:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   High	11,000'	___
   Lead	10,000’	___
   Low	9,000’	___

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers and Radio Operators:
    Deputy is #2 on Group Leaders.
    Night landing – Squadrons will take interval at English Coast.
    Squadrons will land - Lead – 2,000’, High – 2,000’, Low – 3,000’.
    There will be no interrogation after this Mission. NOTE: Guns will not be test fired.
    Crews will proceed directly to mess hall and then to bed.
    Co-Pilots will return escape kits to S-2.
    Spares - Myers 144-R & Roper 702-A - Back at Enemy Coast.
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –
    Visual Bombing -	Hard Time
    Authenticator –	Sad Sack
    Recall -	Yoke – Xray – Baker - XRay
    Weather Code -	BVTIA
    Release "CHAFF"	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Tail Letters
    351st A	Woodcraft Red	G	J
    351st B
    401st A	Woodcraft White	R	S
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Blue	RY	U
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.	Swordfish		A L
    40th C.B.W.	Foxhole		B G H
    41st C.B.W.	Cowboy		C K P
    Composite C.B.W.	Smoke Stack “B”
    Weather Ship	Bluebell Y - Yoke

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance Two
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vine Grove Two Four
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control	Spice cake

    
    Remarks: Reference Points for Fighters - F - Zwolle, R - Münster, O - Koen [sic, could be Köln], N - Liège, T - Brussels
    Navigators note at their briefing.
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    1400 – 2000	YY	X	J
    2000 – 2400	RY	B	I

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except:
    2. - 472-H, 875-P
    3. - 191-X, 492-B
    4. - Available to all
       
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on Buncher, if overcast.
    351st A 30° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B  ° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    401st A 360° Mag.
    457th A 15° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields. - Earls Colne
    3. Landing Aids.
       
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
    Sandra lights by Molesworth, Deenethorpe, Bassingbourne, Podington.
    

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft of the 351st Group took off at 1630 – 1641 hours. A normal group assembly was made at the Deenethorpe buncher, with the 351st briefed to fly as high group and to form at 11,000 feet. The Lead Group appeared to be higher than its briefed altitude, and made necessary the decision to form the High Group at 11,500 feet, which was accomplished. Departure from Deenethorpe to Point A was made one minute early.
    Formation of the combat wing was made as briefed, although the groups did not take up a close wing formation. The low group remained behind, and the high group experienced some difficulty in keeping in position due to over-running, although the airspeed reading was 140 – 145 MPH.
    The Division assembly was made as briefed, and the formation departed the English coast one minute early. The combat wing formation was still loose, and the high group was forced to “S” to remain in position. The preceding combat wings were noted to be in position, with the proper interval. Visual reference was maintained at all times.
    The enemy coast was reached as briefed, and visibility was unobstructed in all directions. Some difficulty with the combat wing formation was experienced through the reasons previously given. No difficulty was experienced with navigation, though the Lead Group Navigator was slightly off course at times.
    At the IP, the low box was so far behind that the high group was forced to fall in behind the lead group and bomb second, the only alternative being to make a 360° turn, which was deemed inadvisable due to the proximity on both sides of heavy flak batteries. The low group Leader was called on VHF and advised. The rally after bombing was normal, and the route back to the enemy coast was flown with no difficulty, the combat wing being in excellent formation.
    Flak was encountered over Holland, and shortly after the turn away from the target. Flak was light and inaccurate. No enemy fighters were seen. The fighter cover was as briefed and excellent at all times.
    The combat wing formation was broken up at mid-channel. The high group pulled to the right and the squadrons were told to fly level and 300 feet from the formation. The let-down took the high group directly over the home field and landings were made without incident.
    The mission presented no difficulties except the maintenance of combat wing formation until rally, after which there were no difficulties.
   
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Twenty aircraft took off and formed as indicated on the Formation At Take-Off Diagram. Seventeen were dispatched, two of which returned before the target was reached.
    Aircraft 42-39760, pilot Lt. Keese, returned from the English Coast when the #3 induction system (Elbow assembly) was blown. Aircraft 42-31757, pilot Lt. Overholt, returned from a point twenty miles north of Deenethorpe because of internal failure of #2 engine. Aircraft 42-30994, pilot Lt. Johnson, returned from 52°40’N-00°30’W [just north of Stamford, England] because of a blown spark plug, #4 cylinder of #2 engine. These aircraft were not dispatched.
    Aircraft 42-31711, pilot Lt. Blaisdell, returned from 52°38’N-05°05’E [over Hoorn, Netherlands] when it was found impossible to maintain position in the formation. This aircraft was dispatched.
    Aircraft 42-31702, pilot Lt. Roper, was scheduled as a flying spare. After a late take-off, it was found impossible to get into formation. Turned back at 52°37’N-04°37’E [just north of Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]. This aircraft was dispatched.
    The remaining fifteen aircraft continued on course to attack the target in the formation indicated in the Formation Over Target Diagram.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 22 April, 1944.
   
   
4. Group Leader. Major Franklin A. Richardson, flying in aircraft 42-38005, led the High Combat Box.
   
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1630 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1729 hours at 11,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 1729 hours at 11,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1735 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1835 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 2/10ths. Tops 7,000 feet.
      2. Visibility U [Unlimited] miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 305 degrees. 55 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. Pilotage, Radio, D.R.[Dead Reckoning], and GEE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. Pilotage, Drift, and GEE.
   9. Joined task force at 1810 hours at Eng. Coast.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1810 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1840 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1840 hours.
       2. Coming back: 2014 hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 265 degrees.
       2. 64 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: Drift and Pilotage.
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1910 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 100 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 22,980 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1916 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: Pilotage – 1/10th cloud cover at 9,000’.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: NONE
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix ____
       2. Time ____ hours.
   17. Comments: Bombardier should have extensive course in Pilotage.

Group: 351st
Target: Hamm, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 23,145’
Direction of Attack: 100° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 290°
Wind Velocity: 76 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: The 351st Bombardment Grp. (H) was flying High Box in wing formation. Visibility was excellent and no trouble was encountered on the bombing run with exception of smoke which covered the briefed M.P.I.[Mean Point of Impact]. Another A.P. [Aiming Point] was chosen and we bombed on a magnetic heading of 100° at 1916. Results were observed to be good.

[Signed:] Harry Fireman, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Fireman, Harry  Pilot - Capt. Nesmith, Joseph F. Navigator - 1st Lt. Korf, Leonard L.
Aircraft B-17G   005  Take-off - 1630 Landed - 2212
Objective - Hamm, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Center of Marshalling Yards
Initial Point - As briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 17   Composite Group -
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation:
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: 1   Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group - 1   Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - AN M43 500 LB. G.P. [General Purpose] & 1 Sky Marker.
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - 10
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:   A.P.[Aiming Point] changed due to smoke.

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Yes - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -12 Actual -12
Winds - Altitude - 23,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 290°  Actual 3000°  Velocity - Metro 76  Actual 76
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -34° C.

1. The target was the marshalling yard and shops at Hamm, Germany. Intense smoke covered the assigned aiming point. A secondary aiming point in the lower marshalling yard was selected. The smoke was a result of previous bombing and smoke screen generators.
2. The bombs of this group fell across the lower marshalling yard approximately 1,970 feet from the southern choke point. The pattern was drawn out measuring 3,942 feet by 1,576 feet and the greatest concentration fell in open fields beyond the marshalling yard.
3. Approximately 40% of the bombs fell across the yard and damage should be heavy. The bomb pattern ran across eight trains parked in the yard and they will receive probable damage.

1. No leaflets were carried on today’s mission.
2. Bomb bursts of previous wings caused a heavy smoke over the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. Another MPI was selected further south in the Marshalling Yard, and a preliminary study of photographs shows a fairly compact pattern in the southern end of the lower Marshalling Yard. The pattern extends across the Marshalling Yard and into a small village. Bombing results should be good.
3. No enemy aircraft were encountered during today’s mission.
4. Moderate flak was seen at the target on the approach, but when this formation arrived only a few inaccurate bursts were encountered. An intense barrage was observed over the Ruhr, but this formation was out of range. A very large flak “scare-crow” burst was seen near Hamm, which gave the appearance of a plane burning. Moderate, inaccurate flak was encountered from Ostend on the route out. A huge yellow burst of flak was observed here which showered out flaming particles after the burst.
5. Crews reported ground objects visual all along the route. There was a slight haze over the target area, but this did not interfere with visual bombing.
6. No unusual observations were made over enemy territory.
7. Fighter support was reported as excellent. No B-17’s were observed to be in serious trouble.

1. Target: Assigned - Hamm Marshalling Yards Bombed - Hamm
2. Route as Flown. - Egmond [aan Zee], 5 miles NW of Kampen, Ruurlo, 5 miles W of Horstmar, Dülmen, Hamm, Brilon, Koblenz, Andenne, Nieuport [Nieuwpoort]
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited] (Industrial Haze)  B. En route - CAVU
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - Seen (b) Enroute - Seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - No
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Moderate flak was seen at the target on the approach, but when this formation bombed only a few bursts were encountered. This was inaccurate, and it appeared that the defenses had been swamped by previous formation. The few bursts did not indicate any definite type of fire control.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Intense barrage observed over Ruhr, but this formation out of range.
 Moderate flak encountered from Ostend. This was fair for height but poor for deflection.
7. Was Chaff carried? - No How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - High
9. Group – High A/C over enemy terr. – 15 A/C damaged – 0 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1916 Time of bombs away – 1916 Height – 22,800’ Axis of attack – 100 Bomb run – 1 min.
10. Comments - Phenomena: A huge, black scare crow burst was observed near Hamm. This gave the appearance of a plane exploding and burning.
A very large, yellow burst was observed near Ostend. This was reported as approximately 15 times as large as a normal flak burst, and flaming particles were showered out by the bursts.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-30994, 508th Squadron, returned early because of a blown spark plug, #4 cylinder of #2 Engine.
   2. Airplane No. 42-31757, 508th Squadron, returned early because of internal failure of #2 Engine.
   3. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to maintain the formation.
   4. Airplane No. 42-31702, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   5. Airplane No. 42-39760, 509th Squadron, returned early because the #3 induction system (Elbow assembly) was blown.
2. Battle Damage: NONE.

1. 1. Due to the fact that there was no interrogation, a negative armament report is submitted for the Mission of 22 April, 1944.
   2. No ammunition was expended on the Mission of 22 April, 1944.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that 12,600 rounds of .50 Cal ammunition were expended on the Mission of 22 December, 1943.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs for the Mission of 22 April, 1944.

Aircraft No. 42-31711 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Blaisdell
Time of Abortive - 2047  Location when Aborted - 52°38’N-05°05’E [Over Hoorn, Netherlands]
Reason - Trailing during climb – Could not catch Group at altitude – Could not indicate more than 150 MPH.
Disposition of Bombs: North Sea
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 24,500 ft.  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak at Enemy Coast going in – at Zuider Zee & coming out.
Remarks: #2 & 3 Engines detonating - could not pull any more.
[Signed] L H Blaisdell



Aircraft No. 31702 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Roper
Time of Abortive - 1838   Location when Aborted - 52°37’N-04°37’E [just North of Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
Reason - Late take off – and couldn’t get with formation so turned back at enemy coast - FLYING SPARE
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 23,500’  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Richard J. Roper, 1st Lt.



Aircraft No. 42-39760 Squadron - 509   Pilot - Keese
Time of Abortive - 1811   Location when Aborted - At English Coast
Reason - #3 Supercharger went out. Unable to keep up with Formation.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought Back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: (Not Dispatched – Abort)
[Signed] Alwyn J. Keese



Aircraft No. 42-31757  Squadron - 508   Pilot - Overholt
Time of Abortive - 1740   Location when Aborted - 20 miles North of Deenethorpe.
Reason - #2 Engine throwing oil badly. Oil pressure down to 45#/Sq.”. Probable internal failure.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought Back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 13,000 ft.  
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: (Not Dispatched – Abort)
[Signed] Orval O. Overholt, 2nd Lt., AC [Air Corps]



Aircraft No. 42-30994  Squadron - 508   Pilot - Johnson, Gosta
Time of Abortive - 1700   Location when Aborted - 52°40’N-00°30’W [Just North of Stamford, England]
Reason - Thought a cylinder head on No. 2 Engine blown – on ground found that a spark plug had blown out on No. 2 Engine.
Disposition of Bombs: Back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 8,000’   
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: (Not Dispatched – Abort)
[Signed] G. Johnson

1. Call Letter and Last Four numbers of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. 94th Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 7325–H, 0994–T, 1757–G, 7157–N, 1711–F, 7305–L, 1702–A Spare
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 7845–F, 9760–M, 3120–O, 1725–L, 7202–Z, 7216–U, 8005–G, 7144–R Spare
   Sqdn 510th A/C:
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 1875–P, 7472–H, 9987–D, 7492–B, 7191–X
   P.F.F. Sqdn __ A/C:

   
   
2. Target: Boiler & GH-593
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T KAX R/T Carlton		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T ___ R/T _____
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NVR R/T Hotmint		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T TYW R/T Partnership

4. a. High Box: Taxi–1615; Take-Off –1630; E.T.D. Field–at Take-Off
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1811	18,000 Ft	Lowestoft

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1839	23,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   2111	21,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°40'E [Oostduinkerke, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   2143	6,000 Ft	Clacton

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 2221 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: 12 x 500# [M-43] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuse]
    509 Squadron: 12 x 500# [M-43] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuse]
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron: 12 x 500# [M-43] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuse]
    
    
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2300 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. High Box: Name: Richardson, F.A. Rank: Major A/C: 8005-G  Sqdn. 509th
     High Box: Name: Nesmith, J.F. Rank: Capt. A/C: 8005-G  Sqdn. 509th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
16. Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    [This part of Form was not completed.]

    Report Compiled By C.A. Blanchard, M/Sgt.