351st Bomb Group

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary: Frankfurt [Germany] M/Y [Marshalling Yard]
   3. PFF Primary: Frankfurt M/Y
   4. Visual Secondary: Frankfurt M/Y
   5. PFF Secondary: None
   6. Last Resort: Giessen M/Y
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0930
   Stations:	- 0720
   Start Engines:	- 0730
   Taxi:	- 0740
   Take Off:	- 0755
   Target Time:	- ____
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1411

   
     Gasoline 2,300 Gallons
   

3. LOADING:
   Lead -	6 x 1000 S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] Fusing 3 - 1/10 – 1/40 & 3 - 1/10 – 1/10
   High -	6 x 1000 S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] Fusing 3 - 1/10 – 1/40 & 3 - 1/10 – 1/10
   Low -	6 x 1000 S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] Fusing 3 - 1/10 – 1/40 & 3 - 1/10 – 1/10
   Composite -	___

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo // PFF - Minimum
   
   
5. Chaff: All bomber A/C [Aircraft] will commence release of chaff at IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & continue for 12 minutes. Each A/C will carry 288 units.
   
   
6. Division Formation:

   Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
   “A” Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	457	Frankfurt	0933
   “B” Gp. in 94 CBW	351	Frankfurt	0934
   “C” Gp. in 94 CBW	401	Frankfurt	0935
   1 Div. Lead	398	Frankfurt	0930
   2nd CBW	98	Frankfurt	0931
   3rd CBW	381	Frankfurt	0932
   4th CBW	457	Frankfurt	0933
   2nd Div.	36 Sqdns	Karlsruhe M/Y Thionville – Ground Support
   3rd Div.	12 Grps.	Ludwigshafen M/Y Thionville – Ground Support

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: 2 PFF – Lead and Deputy Lead in Lead Squadron.
   REMARKS: ____
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 4 Gps. of P-51’s, 1 close [Support] (1-2)
   
8. Other Forces: 1 Grp. 47’s on Patrol through target at IP time.
   
9. Assembly:

   Lead at	9,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   High at	10,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   Low at	8,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   401st at	10,000'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher
   457th at	10,000'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher
   Composite at	____	feet on	____	Buncher

   
   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Kings Cliffe - Spalding
   Division Assembly Line: Grt. Yarmouth - 51°14’N - 02°55’E [Ostend, Belgium]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - 36 A/C Group – 3 x 12 ship Sqdns.
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - ____ High - ____ Low - ____
     c. Camera A/C L-956, R-156, D-524 to return at ____
     d. Spares to turn back at Continental Coast
     e. REMARKS: See para. 5G on main F.O. [Field Order] & read.
     [Paragraph 5G on main Field Order reads: First Division SCS-51 Localizer will be used in this operation for purpose of checking range and operation of this equipment. The SCS-51 will be sited at 4902N-0558E [Near Onville, France, 11 miles SW of Metz, France] and will transmit a beam each side and through this point along a magnetic north and south axis. Pilots will get a yellow indication to the west of the line and blue indication to the east of the line. Frequency selector "U-Uncle". Operation to be continuous from dawn until conclusion of operations. Report results attained on YS reports.]
    
      BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft B - Baker	RG [Red Green]	Major Gorham
    401st	Woodcraft C - Charlie	RY	Major De Jonckheere
    457th	Woodcraft A - Able	RY	Major Syptak
    1st Div. Air Commander	Swordfish - A	GG	Colonel Hunter
    94th CBW Air Commander	Woodcraft A - Able	RY	Major Syptak

    
    

    Fighters	Balance - One
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1-5
    Grnd. Control	Mohair – on Channel 741

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Great Yarmouth		N - Malmedy
    C.P. 2 - 51°14’N-02°55’E		O - Koblenz
    [Ostend, Netherlands]		T - Gissen
    C.P. 3 - 50°36’N-05°30’E		I - Heidelberg
    [Liège, France]		F - Karlshrue
    _____		Y - Metz

    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 21,000’
    
    
15. Colors of Day are on Flimsy.
    
    Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - P-258, N-169, P-676
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W.[Fighter Wing] Q-799
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F., G-567
    5. Channel “D” - All available
    
    
16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ____
    2. Expected Runway on return. ____
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____

1. Date of Mission - 5 November, 1944.
   1. Target Attacked: Frankfurt, Germany (Primary Target) by PFF methods with visual assist.
   2. Force: 94th “B” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two PFF ships and two flying spares, were dispatched.
   3. Position: Briefed and flew as the second group in the 94th Combat Wing Formation.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major John D. Gorham, Jr.
      	Pilot:	Captain John T. Eickhoff
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Stanley J. Goodman
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Warren C. Steitz

      
      

      	Group Lead (Bombing)
      	Leader:	1st Lt. Joseph S. Angelini
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Virgil M. Bullock
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Benton F. Love, Jr.
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Earl G. Maxwell

      
       [Combat Bombing Report & all Lead Formation Charts show 2nd Lt. Frank H. Reising as Bombardier.]
2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out at the altitude of 10,000 feet over the King’s Cliffe buncher. The increase of 1,000 feet over the briefed altitude was necessary in order to clear the cloud cover.
   2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly area was made thirty seconds early. Spalding was reached on course and on time. A deviation to the north of course was then flown in order to permit the 94th “A” Group to get ahead. Cromer was reached two minutes early (0923) and an “S” turn was flown in order to get into position behind the 94th “A” Group.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: Departure from the English coast was made at the briefed point at 0934 (on time) at the briefed altitude of 12,000 feet. The 94th “A” Group was followed when it flew to the left of the briefed course and gradually closed in on the briefed course. The 94th “B” Group was flying in its briefed position. The Belgian coast was crossed north of Ostend at 1007, seven minutes late, at 17,500 feet. The briefed course was contacted just within the coast.
   4.  Route to Target: The briefed route was flown over the continent. Bombing altitude was not reached until shortly before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Due to a bombsight malfunction approximately ten minutes before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached, the deputy leader took over the lead of the 94th “B” Group. The IP was reached on course at 1103, nine minutes late.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The bombing was done by PFF methods with a visual assist. Bombing was done in group formation with the Lead Squadron flying a magnetic heading of 92°, the High Squadron, 102°, and the Low Squadron, 82° at the time of bomb release. The High Squadron encountered some difficulty from the prop wash of a preceding group on the bomb run which had cut in front of the 94th “B” Group, and also moved to uncover the Low Squadron. The briefed turn was made at the IP. Five to seven tenths cloud cover was observed in the target area. No other difficulties were encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was not used because the Deputy Leader did not have sufficient time to set it up upon assuming the lead of the formation.
   6.  Flight From Target: After attacking the primary target, at 1111½ - eight and one-half minutes late - the 94th “B” Group followed the 94th “A” Group on the withdrawal. The Group Leader replaced the deputy in the lead position. With the exception of some divergency [sic] in the target area, the withdrawal was made on the briefed route. Departure from the Belgian coast was made at 1258, five minutes early. Shortly after leaving the Belgian coast, the diversion message was received. The formation altered course, and flew directly to Beccles. The English coast was crossed at 5,000 feet and landings were made at Beccles starting at 1352. Three aircraft returned directly to base, thirty-two landed at Beccles and left there at 1826 (last take-off) and one aircraft remained at Beccles overnight when it became stuck in the mud. A normal let-down procedure had been previously followed.
   7.  Fighter Support: Good.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak at the target was moderate, scattered, and generally inaccurate. Ten-tenths clouds were encountered up to the target area, which was found to be five to seven-tenths covered. The Scouting Force information proved to be accurate and helpful.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Two flying spares returned as planned.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  PFF methods with visual assistance.
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Bombing was in Group Formation with the High Squadron flying a magnetic heading of 102° and the Low Squadron flying a mag. heading of 82° at time of bombs away.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes.
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 5-7/10 cloud cover.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF.
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Was not used.
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Reising, Frank H.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Angelini, Joseph S.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Goodman, Stanley J.

Aircraft B-17G   Z-687  Take-off - 0750 Landed - 1745
Objective - M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Frankfurt, Germany.
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF methods with visual assist.
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 36   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ONE
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 6 x 1,000-LB., A.P. [Armor Piercing] M52’s
Number of Bombs Loaded - As above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -35 Actual -30
Winds - Altitude - 25,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 280°  Actual 260°  Velocity - Metro 55K  Actual 50K
Temp C. - Metro -35° C. Actual -30° C.

High Squadron dropped on Lead Squadron on a mag. heading of 112°.
Low Squadron dropped on Lead Squadron on a mag. heading of 82°.

1. The three squadrons of this Group attacked the M/Y [Marshalling Yards] at Frankfurt, Germany. The target was partially covered by 5-7/10ths clouds and bombing was by PFF methods with visual assistance. Photo cover is complete but clouds, smoke and haze make it impossible to plot all bursts.
2. The bombs of the lead squadron fell in the vicinity of the A/D [Airdrome], approximately one and one-half miles short (west) of the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. The pattern is mainly concentrated around the A/D buildings and across the railroad tracks that form the choke point of the M/Y. At least two bombs hit trains on the railroad and one explosion can be seen.
3. Bombs away can be seen from the high squadron, but a definite pattern cannot be plotted. Six bursts from either the lead or high squadron are seen in the southern M/Y near the flyover, approximately 3,000 feet to the right (south) of the briefed MPI. This M/Y is crowded with trains and some damage will be done.
4. Bombs away can be seen from the low box, but clouds prevent the bursts from being plotted. From the ground detail visible at bombs away and from the smoke markers it would indicate that the bombs of the low squadron fell approximately two miles over the MPI and near the center of the old part of Frankfurt city. This section is the industrial heart of the city, and damage should be heavy.

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The three squadrons of this Group bombed the primary target at Frankfurt [Germany] by PFF method [Radar] with visual assist. Photos show the main concentration to be approximately 1½ miles short of the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact], in the vicinity of the aerodrome. Some bursts are observed on the railroad track and some in the city. Scattered bursts fell into the city area near the main passenger station.
3. There was no enemy aircraft opposition, and no claims [of enemy planes being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Flak at the target was moderate, scattered, and generally inaccurate. Meager flak was observed at Koblenz, and meager, inaccurate flak was encountered at the Moselle River at 50°10’N – 07°20’E [Treis-Karden, Germany], at the Rhine River at 50°15’N - 07°37’E [Osterpai, Germany], and at Wiesbaden.
5. There were 10/10ths cloud conditions up to the target area, at which point there were scattered, 5-7/10ths, clouds.
6. The M/Y [Marshalling Yard] at Windecken, 50°14’N, 08°53’E, was observed to have quite a few goods wagons, and some activity.
7. PFF units were employed; however, the bomb sight in the lead A/C went out and the deputy lead took over five minutes before the IP and made the bomb run by PFF with visual assist. The fighter support was reported as good. Scouting Force information proved to be accurate and helpful. One B-17, believed to be from the Combat Wing behind, was seen to go down in flames at approximately 50°30’N - 08°30E [NE of Schoffengrund, Germany] at 1127 hours. Some crews reported seeing two chutes while others reported seeing none. Our A/C F-366 [Should be F-566.] is stuck in the mud at Beccles and could not return to its home base. None of our A/C is missing.

    508th Squadron:
A/C 727-N: We landed at 1810 and got a truck at 1925, which is one hour and fifteen minutes of waiting. – Lt. Wiese.
A/C 410-A: Transportation from plane to interrogation room very poor. – Lt. Herzog.
A/C 753-C: Transportation seems to be harder to get with every mission; we waited more than one hour and a half this evening. –
      Lt. Johnson.
A/C 130-K: Let’s get the trucks out in time. We were wet and we still had to wait over an hour for transportation. – Lt. Kevorkian.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 676-L: We waited more than an hour for a truck after we were out of the plane and ready to come in. – Lt. Walker.
A/C 964-M: Transportation was the worst in last four months. We were on the hardstand at 1740 and truck arrived at 1905. –
      Lts. Whitaker and Cantrell.
A/C 591-U: We had to wait an hour and forty minutes for transportation. – Lt. Whittaker.
      Prop wash was very bad today. – Lt. Whittaker.
      Poddington formation came right at us three different times on the way to the coast. – Lt. Gwyn.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38277 [43-37277], 508th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37862, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38130, 508th Squadron. Flak hole entered bottom of right wing, inboard panel, damaging diagonal brace. (MAJOR).
   2. Airplane No. 43-38799, 508th Squadron. Flak hole left wing onboard panel, damaging heater duct, skin and corrugation. (MINOR).
   3. Airplane No. 43-38070, 511th Squadron. Flak hole entered trailing edge of vertical stabilizer at connection and emerged through rudder, skin, fabric and former damaged. (MAJOR).
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   3		2		1		3

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

   a. 94th "B" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, C–8753, G–8567, H–8666, J–7978, K–8130, L–7956, N–7727, P–7258, Q–8799, (O–8277 Flying Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (Z–7687 PFF)

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: A–8428, B–8691, D–7524, F–7705, G–8070, H–8435, N–8592, P–2676, Q–8080, U–7381, X–7571, K–8585

   
   

   c. 94th "A" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, F–6566, L–7676, M–7964, N–7169, P–8432, Q–8116, R–6156, T–1384, V–7854, U–8591
   Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, (G–7862 Flying Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: GH-577
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T JWV R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T RTF R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T TBM R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T MJV R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0740; Take-Off – 0755; E.T.D. Field – 0755
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0934	12,000 Ft	Great Yarmouth

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1000	19,000 Ft	51°14'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1303	25,000 Ft	51°14'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1339	10,000 Ft	Clacton

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1411 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] and 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/10 [Fuses]
    High Squadron: 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] and 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/10 [Fuses]
    Low Squadron: 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] and 3 x 1000 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] - 1/10 x 1/10 [Fuses]
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2300 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    a. Lead Box: Rank & Name: Maj. Gorham A/C No & Sqdn. B-7701 PFF 509
    b. High Box: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Secrest A/C No & Sqdn. P-8432 509
    c. Low Box: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Popp A/C No & Sqdn. Q-8080 511
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By I.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.