351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   Low Box
   Stations   –	0925
   Start Engines –	0935
   Taxi     –	0945
   Take Off   –	1000
   Last Take Off –	1110

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Land Armament Factory at Bielefeld [Germany]
   Secondary: PFF - Same As Primary
   Last Resort: Air Field at Lippstadt
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 6 x 500# G.P.'s [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] & 6 x M17 I.B.'s [Incendiary Bomb]
   351 “B”: 
   Composite: 
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - ____
   Chaff: Each A/C [Aircraft] 288 Units. Commence release 6 minutes before target & continue for 10 minutes.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2300 gallons
   Remarks:
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	94 "A"	Bielefeld	[1230 - Zero Hour]
   2nd	94 "B"	Bielefeld	[1232]
   3rd	94 "C"	Bielefeld	[1234]
   4th	40 "A"	Bielefeld	[1236]
   5th	40 "B"	Bielefeld	[1238]
   6th	1 "A"	Munster	[1240]
   7th	1 "B"	Munster	[1242]
   8th	1 "C"	Munster	[1244]
   2nd Division	8 Groups	Minden	1219 at Cromer
   2nd Division	12 Sqdns	Bottrop	1237 at Cromer
   3rd Division	12 Groups	Hannover	1200 at Lowestoft
   41 CBW	2 Groups	Gelsenkirchen
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks:
    Base Reference Altitude 25,000'.
    Division Assembly Line: Orfordness to 5237-0438E.
    Interval between Groups: 2 minutes.
    C.B.W.'s will approach Orfordness as follows - 94th from Norwich, 40th from Chelmsford and 1st from Lavenham.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]	[Type]
     1 Group P-51's	5237-0438E	Balance 1-1	Close Support
     1 Group P-51's	5237-0438E	Balance 1-2	Close Support
     1 Group P-51's	5237-0438E	Balance 1-3	Close Support

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	16,000'	Kings Cliffe
   High	17,000'	Kings Cliffe
   Low	15,000'	Kings Cliffe

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
     A. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal
     Bomb[adier] and Nav[igator] of the #3 A/C [Aircraft] in Each Squadron will report to the Photo Lab.
     They are - Lead: M-900; High: M-964; Low: G-070
     Intervalometer Settings: Visual & PFF - 140 Feet
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	In Clear
    Visual Bombing –	In Clear
    Authenticator –	Foreward Pass
    Recall –	Roger Tare Zebra
    Weather Code –	ABITV
    Release "CHAFF" –	In Clear

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st Lead	Woodcraft Baker Lead	RG [Red Green]
    351st High	Woodcraft Baker High	RR
    351st Low	Woodcraft Baker Low	GG
    401st Lead	Woodcraft Charlie Lead
    401st B
    457th Lead	Woodcraft Able Lead
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance 1-1, 1-2, 1-3
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1-2
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    67th Fighter Wing Grnd. Control -	Mohair

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Orfordness		P - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 5237-0438E		Y - Munster
    _____		L - Hannover
    _____		O - Dummer Lake
    _____		N - Zuidaarder Lake
    _____		S - Bielefeld

    Remarks:
     Scouting Force: 6 P-51 A/C C/S [Call Sign] "Buckeye Red" will scout weather on penetration using Channel "B".
     Target code word: "Z"-Zed.
     Screening Force: 16 P-51's C/S "Sunhat Leader" will meet W/C [Woodcraft] Able Leader at I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and
      drop Chaff 2 miles N.E. of target.
     Transmission will be on Channel 741.
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	GY	B	D
    1300 – 1900	RY	V	M

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except:
    2. - M-900, R-156, P-676
    3. - (8th AF) S-512; (9th AF) A-410
    4. - All except: V-079, B-349
    
    
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.
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
     Camera A/C to Return - O-277, F-566, C-694
     Spares Turn Back 3°-30 min. East
     Leaders will make every effort to bomb at briefed altitude.
     Bomb Group Leaders will call in timings on 1st Division Fighter-Bomber channel (741) to the ground control station call sign
      "Mohair". "Mohair" on channel 741 is substituted for Colgate on 701 while 1st Division Bombers are escorted by fighters of
      67th Fighter Wing.
    

1. Date of Mission - 26 October, 1944.
   1. Target:  Bielefeld, Germany (Primary) by PFF methods
   2. Force: 94th “B” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including three PFF ships and two flying spares, were dispatched.
   3. Position: Briefed and flew as the second group in the Division Formation.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major James T. Stewart
      	Pilot:	Captain Jerome H. Geiger
      	Navigator:	Lt. Lester W. Boardman
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Earl L. Branaman

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Group Leader:	Lt. Vernon R. Weatherman
      	Pilot:	Lt. John R. Coulam
      	Navigator:	Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Arnold Schiffman

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Group Leader:	Lt. Jerry A. Bunnell
      	Pilot:	Lt. Thomas J. Schimpf
      	Navigator:	Lt. William C. Mabrey
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Don W. Smith

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: Assembly was made as briefed over the King's Cliffe buncher at 16,000 feet.
   2.  Route Over England: The assembly area was departed on course at 1154, one minute late. The briefed route was strictly adhered to, and Point B was also reached one minute late (1203). The turn at Point C was cut short in an effort to make up lost time, and the English coast was crossed just north of course at 1233 (one minute late) at the briefed altitude of 20,000 feet.
   3.  Division Assembly: In order to fall into proper position (second) in the Division Formation, the turn at the English coast was cut wide, and a course slightly south of, but gradually returning to, the briefed route was flown. The enemy coast was reached at 1311 (one minute early) at 25,000 feet (1500 feet below the briefed altitude).
   4.  Flight to Target: The first leg of the flight over enemy territory was flown with the 94th "B" Group echeloned left on the 94th "A" Group, and consequently slightly north of the briefed course. The point corresponding to Control Point #3 was reached at 1328 (four minutes early) at 26,500 feet, 500 feet under the briefed altitude. It had been impossible to maintain the briefed altitude over the North Sea and the first part of the flight over enemy territory because of clouds at the briefed altitudes. After Control Point #3 had been reached, the mickey set [Radar] in the lead aircraft became inoperative, and the group leader made arrangements to bomb on the smoke markers of the 94th "A" Group. In order to get into proper position on the 94th "A" Group, the turn before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was cut short by the 94th "B" Group, and the point corresponding to the briefed IP was reached at 1343 (nine minutes early) at the briefed altitude of 27,000 feet.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: On the bombing run, the lead and low squadrons were in a trailing position on the 94th "A" Group, preparing to release on its smoke markers. About half-way down the bomb run, the mickey set of the lead ship became operative again, but only one correction was received by the bombardier. Bombs were released using the pre-set dropping angle already in the sight. The high squadron made its own PFF sighting operations. In both instances, the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used satisfactorily, and no interference was encountered on the run. The low squadron released immediately on the smoke markers of the lead squadron. Bombs were away at 1358 (seven minutes early).
   6.  Flight From Target: The briefed route was followed on the withdrawal except for one minor divergency [sic] which was made in order to keep in the proper position in regard to the 94th "A" Group. Unbriefed flak at Zwolle was responsible for a sharp left turn off course at that point. A gradual return to the briefed course was flown, and the enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point at 26,000 feet and five minutes ahead of schedule, at 1456. Let-down to 12,000 feet was made in crossing the North Sea, and the English coast was reached slightly north of course at 1530 (nine minutes early). Return to base was made without incident, and the squadrons let down individually through holes in the clouds.
   7.  Fighter Support: As briefed.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost; no enemy aircraft were encountered; flak at the target was nil. A few bursts of flak were observed at Osnabruck, Munster, and Zwolle. Information from the Scouting Force was accurate and helpful. Ten-tenths cloud cover obscured the target.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: The two flying spares returned as planned. The remaining thirty-six aircraft attacked the primary target.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  PFF
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? PFF equipment went out so bombs were dropped on preset dropping angle already in the sight. The Low Squadron of this Group dropped on the Lead.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Eight to ten-tenths. Visibility Poor.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? No Followed preceding group in close formation.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? No

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Branaman, Earl L.
Pilot - Capt. Geiger, J.H. & Maj. Stewart, J.T.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Boardman, L.W.

Aircraft B-17G   V-079  Take-off - 1005 Landed - 1615
Objective - Ordnance Depot, Bielefeld, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 52°13'N-07°29'E
Method of Attack - Group (2 Squadrons)
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 24   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: None
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: None   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500# G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43, & 500# I.B. M-17
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12 & 1 Smoke Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 (G.P.), Clusters set for 5,000'   Tail - 1/40 (G.P.)
Synchronization - PFF On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -11 Actual -11
Winds - Altitude - 27,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 70°  Actual 72°  Velocity - Metro 23 MPH  Actual 22 MPH
Temp C. - Metro -37° C. Actual -335° C.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  PFF
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Eight to ten-tenths.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? No
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Schiffman, Arnold
Pilot - 1st Lt Weatherman, Vernon
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Kyser, Thos.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 1030 Landed - 1618
Objective - Ordnance Depot, Bielefeld, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Squadron
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: None   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500# G.P.[General Purpose] & 500# M-17
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12 & 1 Smoke Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - PFF On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -11 Actual -11
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 70°  Actual 70°  Velocity - Metro 25  Actual 40
Temp C. - Metro -32° C. Actual -35° C.

1. The three squadrons of this Group attacked the Ordnance Depot at Seiker, east of Bielefeld, Germany. Bombing was by PFF methods through 9/10 cloud cover.
2. There is no ground detail visible at bombs away; however, later photos show small patches of ground which can be located. An accurate bomb plot cannot be made, but the smoke markers can be seen falling into the approximate target area.

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. Bombing of the secondary target, the Ordnance Depot at Bielefeld, Germany, was done through 9/10ths clouds by PFF methods. Photographs show no bomb bursts, and observations were precluded by cloud cover in the target area. The PFF equipment of the Lead A/C of the Group functioned poorly and bombing by the lead and low squadrons was done on the smoke marker of the preceeding Group. The high squadron bombed on its own PFF aircraft. Mickey [Radar] operators estimate that bombing results are only fair, with the concentration beyond the MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
3. There was no E/A [Enemy Aircraft] opposition, and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Some crews reported as many as ten to fifteen bursts of flak at the target, fair for altitude and poor for deflection; others saw no flak in the target area. Moderate flak was observed at Osnabruck, and there was meager flak, good for altitude but poor for deflection, at Rheine, Munster, Twente, and Zwolle.
5. 9/10ths undercast prevailed in the target area, but weather at altitude did not hinder the bomb run of good formation flying.
6. Nil [No observations of military importance.]
7. PFF units were employed, as explained in paragraph 2. Fighter support was as briefed. Scouting Force furnished accurate and helpful information as to weather conditions in the target area. None of our A/C is missing.

    508th Squadron:
A/C S-512: Need more cookies. - Lts. Terrill and Nelson.

    509th Squadron:
A/C L-676: Good Lead. - Lt. Walker.
A/C U-591: What did sign on checker board mean at take-off? Never heard about it. - Lt. Gode.
A/C N-169: Lead ship of Woodcraft "A" Able gave position of formation over "A" channel in the clears - no code used. This was done
    as we were crossing the enemy coast on the way in. - Lt. Crews.

    511th Squadron:
A/C G-070: We didn't have enough flak suits. Had ten men on crew and they refused us another suit for the "Y" operator.
    - Lt. Walter.
A/C M-650: P-51's should be warned not to come in at us head on.
A/C N-592: Have five or ten-minute intervals between squads in landing during souped-up weather. - Lt. Robinson.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 43-38640, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. No Battle damage was received.

Aircraft No. C-640 Squadron - 509  Pilot - 2nd Lt William Whittaker
Time of Abortive - 1255  Location when Aborted - 52°15'N-03°00'E
Reason For Abortive - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 22,500'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: None
[Signed] William T. Whittaker, 2nd Lt


Aircraft No. 31711 Squadron - 508  Pilot - Lt. Wishnewsky
Time of Abortive Return - 1251  Location when Aborted Return - 3° E
Reason For Abortive Return - ____
Disposition of Bombs: Aboard
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: F/S [Flying Spare]
[Signed] Wishnewsky, Lt.

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

   a. 94th "B" Group   Lead Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: B–7349, M–7900, C–8753, A–8410,J–7978, G–8567, Q–8799, H–8666, O–8277, L–7956, (F–1711 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (V–8079 PFF), S–7512
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   b. 94th "B" Group   High Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C:
   Sqdn 509th A/C: P–8432, M–7964, O–7595, N–7169, T–1384, V–7854, Z–7696, R–6156, F–6566, L–7676, U–8591, (C–8640 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (Y–7651 PFF)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th "B" Group   Low Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF), B–8691, G–8070, H–8435, N–8592, U–7381, J–6579, P–2676, X–7571, K–8585, M–8650, C–8694

2. Target: GN-3766
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T WCZ R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T WQF R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T LHR R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T LXP R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0945; Take-Off – 1000; E.T.D. Field – 1000
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1202	20,000 Ft	Orfordness

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1242	26,500 Ft	52°37'N-04°38'E [Egmond, Netherland]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1431	27,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°38'E [Egmond, Netherland]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1509	10,000 Ft	Orfordness

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1539 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Squadron
    508 Squadron: All A/C: 6 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] Plus 6 x M17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs] Loaded as per chart #12 - Fusing 40.4
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Squadron
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron: All A/C: 6 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] Plus 6 x M17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs] Loaded as per chart #12 - Fusing 40.4
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Squadron
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron: All A/C: 6 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] Plus 6 x M17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs] Loaded as per chart #12 - Fusing 40.4
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2300 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Sqdn.: Name: J.T. Stewart Rank: Major A/C: V-8079  Sqdn. 510
    b. High Sqdn.: Name: Weatherman Rank: 1st Lt A/C: Y-7651 Sqdn. 510
    c. Low Sqdn.: Name: Bunnell Rank: 1st Lt A/C: L-8045 Sqdn. 511
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.