351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #209

Credited Mission #203

 
DATE: 26 Sep. 1944
Target: RR Marshalling Yards, Osnabruck, Germany
 
Briefing Outline:
  1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.

  2. Time Schedule:
     ____ Box
    Stations   –1115 1030
    Start Engines –1125 1040
    Taxi     –1135 1050
    Take Off   –1150 1105
    Last Take Off –1300 ___

  3. Targets:
    Primary: Marshalling Yards at Osnabruck
    Secondary: ____
    Last Resort: Rheine Airfield

  4. Loading:
    351 “A”: 5 - 1000 lb. G.P.'s 1/10 N. 1/40 T.
    351 “B”:
    Composite:
    Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
    Chaff: Each A/C 480 Units.

  5. Gasoline Loading: 2500 gallons
    Remarks:

  6. Wing Formation:
     Wing Formation  94th (A) CBW  94th (B) CBW  94th (C) CBW  Comp. CBW 
    Lead401st351st457th
    Low401st351st457th
    High401st351st457th

  7. Division Formation:
    PositionCBW [Combat Wing]TargetDeparture Time at Coast (Louth)
    Lead94th AMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1325
    2nd94th BMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1327
    3rd94th CMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1329
    4th41 AMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1341 [1331]
    5th41 BMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1343 [1333]
    6th41 CMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1345 [1335]
    7th40 AMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1347 [1337]
    8th40 BMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1349 [1339]
    9th1st AMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1351 [1341]
    10th1st BMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1353 [1343]
    11th1st CMarshalling Yard Osnabruck1355 [1345]
    2nd Division9 CBW'sMarshalling Yard Hamm1300
    3rd Division11 GroupsBremen
    Marauders
    RAF [Royal Air Force]

    Remarks: Base Reference Altitude 21,000'.
     Division Assembly line: Louth to 5330-0120E.
     Interval between C.B.W.'s 2 minutes.
     Routes common for all Groups.
     94th, 41st, & 1st will approach Louth from Spalding. 40th will approach Louth from Leicester.

  8. Fighter Cover:
    • [Force][Support][Latitude & Longitude][Call Sign]
       1 Group P-51's Front 5410-0730E  Balance 1-1 
      1 Group P-51'sRear 5410-0730E  Balance 1-2 
      1 Group P-51'sFront 5255-0913E  Balance 1-3 
      1 Group P-47'sRear 5255-0913E  Balance 1-4 

  9. Group Assembly:
    BoxAltitudePlace
    Lead10,000'Kings Cliffe
    High11,000'Kings Cliffe
    Low9,000'Kings Cliffe

  10. Navigator - _____
  11. S-2 - _____
  12. Weather - _____
  13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
     Intervalometer: Visual - Salvo; P.F.F. - 150'.
     [Radar] Scope Photos will be taken between I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & Target.
     Commence Release of Chaff 2 minutes after I.P. & continue for 20 minutes. Each A/C [Aircraft] to carry 480 units.

  14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.

  15. (A) Code Words –
    PFF Bombing –In Clear [Words]
    Visual Bombing –In Clear [Words]
    Authenticator –Daisy Mae
    Recall –Poor Lil Abner
    Weather Code –BTIVA
    Release "CHAFF" –In Clear [Words]

    (B) Call Signs:
    Call SignFlaresRemarks
    351st HighWoodcraftGY [Green Yellow]
    351st LeadWoodcraftGG
    351st LowWoodcraftRR
    401st A
    401st B
    457th A
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    (C)
    U.S. FightersBalance One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    BombersVinegrove 1-2
    U.S. Grnd. ControlColgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    Control Points:Fighter Reference Points:
    1 - English CoastM - Bremen
    2 - Enemy CoastI - Hamburg
    3 - 5255-0913S - Hannover
    _____E - Paderborn
    _____R - Hamm
    _____L - Rheim
    _____Y - Zwolle

    Remarks: Scouting Force "Buckeye Red" will precede Bombers along general route to be in target area 20 minutes before bombers to pass weather info to Woodcraft Able Leader.

    (D)
    Colors of the Day
    TimeColorLetterChallenge
    0100 – 0700RRLB
    0700 – 1300YYJQ
    1300 – 1900RGXD

    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except:
    2. - J-978; Y-171; N-665
    3. - D-405; N-518; K-252
    4. - All available

  16. Let-Down on Kings Cliffe, if overcast.
    351st A   030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   ___° Mag.
    401st A   ___° Mag.
    457th A   ___° Mag.

  17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Langham 5256N-0058E
    3. Landing Aids.

  18. Special Instructions:
     Camera A/C to Return - R-192; U-381; R-714
     Spares turn back: 03°00'E
     Crews will be reminded of need for strict oxygen discipline.
     Fighter Bomber channel will be restricted to: (1) Calls for assistance; (2) Reporting control or check points without obtaining
      receipt; & (3) In emergency.
     Navigators will be briefed on location of strategic bomb line.


Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:
  1. Date of Mission - 26 September, 1944.
    1. Target Attacked: Lead Box - Rheine, Germany (Last Resort Target). High and Low Boxes - Osnabruck, Germany (Primary Target).
    2. Force – 94th "B" CBW – Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and three PFF ships, took off.
    3. Position – Briefed to fly as second in the First Bomb Division formation. Flew as second on route into target and fifth on the withdrawal.
    4. Lead Teams
      Lead Group
      Combat Wing Air Commander: Major James T. Stewart
      Pilot:Captain Kenneth C. Hales
      Navigator:Lt. Lester W. Boardman
      Bombardier:Lt. Earl W. Branaman

      High Group
      Group Leader: Lt. Duane S. Anderson
      Pilot:Lt. Donald S. Dargue
      Navigator:Lt. Logan W. Thackery
      Bombardier:Lt. William H. Custard

      Low Group
      Group Leader: Lt. James M. Gibbons
      Pilot:Lt. James M. Purcell
      Navigator:Lt. David H. Rucker
      Bombardier:Lt. Ralph S. Frederick
  2. Narrative.
    1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly was carried out as planned at the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 17,000 feet. The assembly was completed earlier than had been expected and as a result the departure from the assembly area was made 3½ minutes early. A high wind had blown both the 94th "A" and "B" Combat Wings out of their respective assembly areas.
    2.  Route Over England – It was possible to immediately get into trail behind Deenethorpe, the Division Lead Combat Wing. In order to lose time, a turn to the right of course was made. The briefed route was contacted again at Spaulding at the briefed time and at 18,000 feet (1,000 feet above briefed).
    3.  Division Assembly – It was then necessary to go directly to the departure point from the English coast rather than fly the remainder of the briefed route over England. Departure from the coast was made at 1304 (2 minutes late) at the briefed altitude of 20,000 feet. The Division Assembly Line had not been flown, but no apparent difficulties resulted. The 94th "B" Combat Wing was in its briefed position of second upon the departure from the English Coast.
    4.  Flight to Target – The briefed route was closely followed after leaving the English coast. The Dutch coast was crossed at 1342½ (3½ minutes late) at 26,700 feet (700 feet above the briefed altitude). The formation continued following the briefed route and reached the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] on course at 1403 (4 minutes late).
    5.  Description of Bombing Run – As synchronization was off at the point of release, bombs were held on the run on the Primary Target. As a result, the Lead Box passed over the target and the Low and High Boxes attacked it. The Lead Box continued to fly the briefed course in order not to confuse the following formations, and then turned back to attack the Last Resort Target.
      Lead Box: A run was made on the Primary Target, synchronization was off at the point of release, and so bombs were held and the Last Resort Target was attacked. The run was made without interference from flak or fighters. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with no malfunctions. The briefed aiming point of the Last Resort Target was identified 60 seconds before the Bomb Release Line. A sharp turn was made at the selected IP and the run was made into the wind. Bombing results were excellent. Pre-set data was used in the ABC Computer.
      Low Box: The Primary Target was bombed with good results. Smoke and bomb bursts from the preceding groups obscured the MPI [Mean Point of Impact], which was bombed by triangulation. No difficulties were encountered on the bomb run other than the heavily smoked target. The C-1 Pilot was used with no malfunctions. Preset data was used in the ABC Computer.
      High Box: The Primary Target was attacked with poor results. The bombardier had not synchronized when he dropped into the smoke. Bombs landed off course and to the right of the MPI. The C-1 Pilot was used with no malfunctions. Preset data was used in the ABC Computer.
    6.  Flight From Target – The formation made a right turn after bombing in order to contact the briefed route out. By the time the Division formation position was regained, it was fifth instead of second. The briefed route was followed to the south of course from the Zuider Zee to the English coast. The Dutch coast was crossed at 1535 (6 minutes early) at 19,000 feet, 3,000 feet below the briefed altitude. The let-down had been started from the area of the Last Resort Target rather than from Osnabruck as planned. The English coast was crossed at the briefed point at 1621 (17 minutes early). A normal let-down procedure had been followed. Return to base was make without further incident.
    7.  Fighter Support – Good.
    8.  Comments – No aircraft were lost, although one plane did return to base with extreme battle damage. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Moderate and accurate flak was encountered in the Osnabruck area.
    9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – Two flying spares returned as planned. The remaining aircraft attacked the Primary and Last Resort Targets.

  [Signed] Carl C. Hinkle, Jr., Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer


Statistical Summary:
94th "B" COMBAT BOMB WING FORMATION
Lead BoxHigh BoxLow BoxTOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off0000
No. of A/C Airborne13131238
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares12121236
No. of A/C Sorties12121236
No. of A/C Attacking12121236
No. of A/C Not Attacking0000
Name of Primary TargetOsnabruck, Germany [RR Marshalling Yard]
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target0121224
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 60 x 1000# GP  60 x 1000# GP  120 x 1000# GP 
Name of Secondary TargetRheine, Germany [Airfield]
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target1212
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 60 x 1000# GP 60 x 1000# GP
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
No. of A/C Lost - Total0000
No. of A/C Lost - Flak
No. of A/C Lost - Flak and E/A
No. of A/C Lost - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C Lost - Accident
No. of A/C Lost - Unknown
Time of Take Off110011021103
Time of Attack14481413½1412
Average Time of Flight6:036:106:21
Altitude of Release27,000’27,600’27,200’
Visual or PFFVisualVisualVisual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & AccuracyModerate and Accurate
Enemy Resistance – Fighter0000
Enemy Resistance – Bombers0000
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft0000
Degree of SuccessFairPoorGood

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None
Includes 3 PFF ships (2 - Lead) (1 - High) attacked.


Bombardier’s Narrative For The Mission Of This Date:
Lead Box 94th "B" Wing
Target - A/D [Airdrome] Rheine, Germany
  1. A run was made on the primary target, synchronization was off at the point of release so bombs were held and the last resort target was attacked.
  2. The run was made without interference from flak or fighters.
  3. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
  4. The briefed aiming point of the last resort target was identified about sixty (60) seconds before the bomb release line.
  5. A sharp turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and the run was made into the wind.
  6. The main concentration of bombs appeared to be about 500' left of the aiming point with hits on the M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact].
  [Signed] Earl Branaman, 1st. Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, Lead Squadron 94th "B" Group.


Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Branaman, E.L.
Pilot - Capt. Hales, K.C. & Maj. Stewart, Jas.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Boardman, Lester

Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 1105 Landed - 1710
Objective - A/D [Airdrome], Rheine, Germany (Last Resort Target)
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Hanger Area
Initial Point - Mettingen, Germany
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M44 & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12 & 1 Sky Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 50'Magnetic Heading Ordered 292° Actual 272°
True Altitude Above Target - 27,000'True Heading 260°
Indicated Altitude - 27,000'Drift, Estimated 5° Left - Actual 6° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +240True Track 254°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 5573'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KB.S. Type - M-9 1233
True Air Speed - 233KTime of Release 14:48
Ground Speed Est. 108 Actual 135Length of Bombing Run - 10 Min.
Wind Direction Metro - 290° Actual - 280°Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 115K Actual 90K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 123  Trail - 47   ATF - 43.10A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .20 Actual .40 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Main concentration 300' left - Hits on MPI.
Mean Temp. Metro -10.5 Actual -10.5
Winds - Altitude - 27,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 290°  Actual 280°  Velocity - Metro 115K  Actual 90K
Temp C. - Metro -30° C. Actual -34° C.



Bombardier’s Narrative For The Mission Of This Date:
High Box 94th "B" Wing
Target - [RR] Marshalling Yards, Osnabruck, Germany
  1. Trouble was encountered in getting into bombing formation. High and Low had difficulties in establishing and interval.
  2. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used throughout run.
  3. Had trouble in picking up the aiming point as the attack heading was changed after briefing.
  4. The turn at the I.P. was normal.
  5. Results were not observed.
  [Signed] William Custard, 1st. Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, High Squadron 94th "B" Group.


Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Custard, W.M.
Pilot - 1st. Lt. Anderson, Duane
Navigator - 1st Lt. Thackrey, Logan

Aircraft B-17G   L-045  Take-off - 1105 Landed - 1710
Objective - [RR] Marshalling Yard, Osnabruck, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M44
Number of Bombs Loaded - 5   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 50'Magnetic Heading Ordered 292° Actual 66°
True Altitude Above Target - 27,600'True Heading 60°
Indicated Altitude - 27,600'Drift, Estimated 10° Right - Actual 8° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +240True Track 70°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 5559.52
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KB.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 238KTime of Release 14:13½
Ground Speed Est. 108 Actual 280Length of Bombing Run - 40 Miles
Wind Direction Metro - 290° Actual - 280°Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 115K Actual 110K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 121.5  Trail - 48   ATF - 43.60A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .20 Actual .62 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Not Observed
Mean Temp. Metro -10.5 Actual -12
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 290°  Actual 280°  Velocity - Metro 115K  Actual 110K
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -32° C.



Bombardier’s Narrative For The Mission Of This Date:
Low Sqdn. 94th "B" Wing
Target - [RR] Marshalling Yard, Osnabruck, Germany
  1. No difficulties encountered on bombing run.
  2. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
  3. The briefed aiming point was identified about 360 seconds before the bomb release line.
  4. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].
  5. The main concentration was slightly short of the briefed M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact].
  [Signed] F.S. Ralph, 2nd. Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, Low Squadron 94th "B" Group.


Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Ralph, F.S.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Gibbons. J.M.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Rucker, D.H.

Aircraft B-17G   D-957  Take-off - 1102 Landed - 1750
Objective - [RR] Marshalling Yard, Osnabruck, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M44
Number of Bombs Loaded - 5   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 50'Magnetic Heading Ordered 292° Actual 78°
True Altitude Above Target - 26,200'True Heading 70°
Indicated Altitude - 26,200'Drift, Estimated 5° Left - Actual 8° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +240True Track 78°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 5548
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KB.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 232KTime of Release 14:12
Ground Speed Est. 108 Actual 304Length of Bombing Run - 120 sec.
Wind Direction Metro - 290° Actual - 284°Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 115K Actual 62K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 124.9  Trail - 46   ATF - 42.60A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .21 Actual .67 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Slightly short of MPI.
Mean Temp. Metro -10.5 Actual -12
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 290°  Actual 284°  Velocity - Metro 115K  Actual 62K
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -36° C.



Preliminary Damage Assessment:
  1. The assigned target for the three boxes of this Group was the Marshalling Yard at Osnabruck, Germany. The Low and High boxes attacked this target; the Lead box hit the last resort target, an airfield at Rheine (Salzbergen). Photo cover was fair.
  2. The bombs of the lead box fell in a pattern 2900 feet by 3900 feet with the center of the pattern 1500 feet to the left of the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. Some damage should be done in the hangar area of the airfield.
  3. The pattern of the Low box hit in the area of the MPI in the marshalling yard and damage should be heavy. The approximate pattern is 2700 feet by 1950 feet, with the center of the pattern 1300 feet short of the briefed MPI.
  4. The bombs of the High box fell in an open field 2400 yards to the right of the briefed MPI. No damage will be done.
  [Signed:] Howard L. Schnur, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass't. Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]


Intelligence S-2 Reports:
  1. No leaflets were carried by this Group.
  2. Preliminary study of photos indicates that the Lead Box, which bombed the Last Resort Target, dropped its bombs on the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] area. Damage shoulld result to hangars. The High Box, which bombed the Primary Target, dropped its bombs to the right and short of the MPI. The bombs of the Low Box, which also bombed the Primary, landed in the MPI area and damage should result.
  3. No enemy aircraft were encountered and no claims are being submitted.
  4. There was moderate accurate continuous following flak in the Osnabruck area, and meager accurate continuous following from coastal installations and possibly from barges just off the coast in the area of Ymuiden and Egmond [Netherlands].
  5. Scattered broken clouds of 5 to 6/10 density were encountered over the Continent but weather was clear and the Primary and Last Resort targets and visual bombing was accomplished on each.
  6. The following observations were made during the mission:
    1. Many trains in M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Zwolle, 52°30'N-06°05'E.
    2. Approximately 35 small boats in Zuider Zee at 52°35'N-05°03'E at 1530 hours.
    3. At 1514 hours a large ship at an approximate position of 52°25'N-05°40'E, was seen proceeding on a heading of 270 degrees.
  7. PFF units were employed for navigational aids. Fighter support was good. None of our A/C is missing but two landed away from Base. A/C 714-R crash-landed at Beccles A/F [Airfield] on the English coast because of flak damage; three crew members are injured. A/C 711-F landed at Wittering because of failure of the hydraulic system. The Scouting Force contacted this Wing approximately 30 minutes before the Target; the information was helpful and an accurate prediction of conditions was given. Sighting difficulties on the bomb run forced the Lead Group to bomb the Last Resort Target.


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 900-M No food in ship at all. - Lt. Kuntz.
A/C 130-K 457th Group chattered so much over V.H.F. that we couldn't hear a thing. - Lt. Moulton.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 381-U We waited for one hour and ten minutes after we landed before we got a truck. However, a truck with the engine running was waiting in the next parking space, for a plane that had not even landed. The truck driver told me he had orders to wait for that plane's crew and refused to bring us in even though we were all ready and he could have been back in time to pick up his own crews. - Lt. Lockard.
A/C 676-L Operations should check who is leading; a man with one mission led 2nd flight of Low section, High Box and we had a hard time staying with him. - Lt. Walker.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 124-F We had no candy or gum in the plane, and the cookies were short. Also, it would be good if we could have something to drink in the plane. - All Officers.
Check points should be called out over the Continent. - Lt. Gode.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 585-K Bombardier's seat in this ship should be moved back a little; when chin turret is down, it is almost impossible to handle the control column. - Lt. Reznik.
A/C 428-A Heaters in this A/C are bad; something should be done about it. - Lt. McNamara.

  [Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence].


Mission Summary Report:
  1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
    1. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
    2. Airplane No. 43-37964, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
  2. Battle Damage:
    1. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron. Small flak skin holes on underside of both horizontal stabilizers damaging skin and stringer. Flak hole in #3 nacelle damaging ring cowling, #4 and #5 cylinders. (Major)
    2. Airplane No. 43-37978, 508th Squadron. Two flak holes on right side of vertical stabilizer, one going through left side, damaging skin and rib. (Minor)
    3. Airplane No. 42-97651, 510th Squadron, PFF A/C. One flak skin hole on underside of nose compartment. Three holes on underside of right outer wing panel, one coming through top; damaging skin, corrugation and stringers. (Minor).
    4. Airplane No. 43-38518, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through vertical stabilizer damaging skin, corrugation and former. Flak hole through right wing tip damaging skin and stringer. Flak hole in leading edge of right wing, between #3 and #4 nacelles, damaging skin, and oil cooler fairing. Three small skin holes in leading edge of ring cowling of #4 nacelle. Flak hole in top of LH stabilizer damaging skin and stringer. (Major)

    TOTAL A/C DAMAGEDMAJOR DAMAGEMINOR DAMAGEBY FLAK
    4224
  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


Aircraft Returning Early:

Aircraft No. 6156 Squadron - 509  Pilot - 2nd Lt. Horowitz
Time of Abortive - ____  Location when Aborted - ____
Reason For Abortive - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: ____
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: ____
[Signed] [No Signature]


Aircraft No. 37964 Squadron - 508  Pilot - 1st Lt. Wishnewsky
Time of Abortive - ____ Location when Aborted - ____
Reason For Abortive - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: ____
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: ____
[Signed] P.P. Wishnewsky, 1st Lt.



“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th "B" Combat Wing   Lead Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: M–7900, Q–1879, P–7258, N–7727, K–8130, D–8405, J–7978, L–7956, R–1192, F–1711
    Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), (M–7964 Flying Spare)
    Sqdn 510th A/C: (Y–7651 PFF)
    Sqdn 511th A/C:

    b. 94th "B" Combat Wing   High Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C:
    Sqdn 509th A/C: L–7676, (R–6156 Flying Spare)
    Sqdn 510th A/C:
    Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF), Q–8080, Y–8171, B–8426, K–8585, N–8518, D–7524, H–8435, A–8428, P–2676, U–7381

    c. 94th "B" Combat Wing   Low Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C:
    Sqdn 509th A/C:
    Sqdn 510th A/C: D–7957, P–2955, A–8465, G–7862, N–7665, B–6082, C–2576, K–7252, S–7512, H–8280, F–7124
    Sqdn 511th A/C: R–1714
  2. Target: GH-590
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T JBK R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T LZS R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T KLP R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T PMZ R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. a. Lead Box: Taxi –1135 1050; Take-Off –1150 1105; E.T.D. Field –At T/O [Take Off]
    b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____
  5. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    1320 130210,000 Ft 20,000 Ft Louth
  6. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    1452 133927,000 Ft 26,000 Ft 52°37'N-04°37'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
  7. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    1646 154122,000 Ft 22,000 Ft 52°37'N-04°37'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
  8. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    1713 16385,000 Ft Great Yarmouth
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1745 1638 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C: 5 x 1000 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:

    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C: 5 x 1000 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:

    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C: 5 x 1000 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
  12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
  13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: J.T. Stewart Rank: Major A/C: B-7701  Sqdn. 509
    b. High Box: Name: D.S. Anderson Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: L-8045 Sqdn. 511
    c. Low Box: Name: J.M. Gibbons Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: D-7957 Sqdn. 510
  14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Batinchok, Cpl.



Formation Chart:
94th "A" CBW Lead Box Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
508th Squadron
Hales–Stewart
A/C 42-97701 B PFF
Kennedy
A/C 43-37900 M
Poston
A/C 42-97651 Y PFF
Moulton
A/C 43-38130 K
Trapp
A/C 42-31879 Q
Lenze
A/C 43-37978 J
Van Sandt
A/C 43-38405 D
Stahl
A/C 43-37727 N
Jizmejian
A/C 42-97258 P
Angelini
A/C 43-37957 D
Wishnewski
A/C 43-37964 M Flying Spare*
Galloway
A/C 42-31711 F
Sullivan
A/C 42-31192 R
[* - Flying Spare returned as planned.]

94th "A" CBW High Box Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
511th Squadron
Anderson–Dargue
A/C 44-8045 L PFF
Merrill
A/C 43-38171 Y
Bunnell
A/C 43-38080 PFF
Popp
A/C 43-37524 D
Lambert
A/C 43-38426 B
McNamara
A/C 43-38428 A
Schwartz
A/C 43-38435 H
Bjoring
A/C 43-38518 N
Johnson
A/C 43-38585 K
McGuire
A/C 42-102676 P
Harowitz
A/C 44-6156 R Flying Spare*
Barker
A/C 42-97381 U
Walker, G
A/C 43-37676 L
[* - Flying Spare returned as planned.]

94th "A" CBW Low Box Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
510th Squadron
Gibbons–Purcell
A/C 43-37957 D
McFarland
A/C 43-38465 A
Keller
A/C 42-102955 P
Whitten
A/C 43-102576 C
Matre
A/C 43-37826 G
Miller
A/C 43-37512 S
McGee
A/C 42-97252 K
Carle
A/C 44-6082 B
Bennett
A/C 43-37665 N
Barnhart
A/C 44-8280 H
Cramer
A/C 42-107124 F
Evans
A/C 42-31714 R


Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 1300 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: ____ Stations: 1030 Start Engines: 1040 Taxi: 1050 Take-Off: 1105  Leave Base: 1105

[Injured On Mission: 3]

The above records were obtained at the National Archives Records Administration and have been declassified by authority NND 745005
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