351st Bomb Group

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary: Oil Refinery - Hamburg
   3. PFF Primary: Oil Refinery - Hamburg
   4. Visual Secondary: 
   5. PFF Secondary: 
   6. Last Resort: AMTIG [Any Military Target In Germany.]
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0845
   Stations:	- 0655
   Start Engines:	- 0705
   Taxi:	- 0715
   Take Off:	- 0730
   Target Time:	- 1040
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- ____

   
     Gasoline 2,500 Gallons
   
   

3. LOADING:
   Lead -	6 x 1000# G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose – 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
   High -	Same
   Low -	Same
   Composite -	___

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo. P.F.F. – Minimum.
   
   
5. Chaff: Each A/C – 540 units commence release at I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & continue 10 min. Discharge rate 8 units every
       10 seconds.
   
   
6. Division Formation:

   Disposition of Forces		Target	Time of Departure
   “A” Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	351	Oil Refinery - Hamburg	Louth 0848
   “B” Gp. in 94 CBW	401	Oil Refinery - Harburg	Louth 0849
   “C” Gp. in 94 CBW	457	Oil Refinery - Harburg	Louth 0850
   1 Div. Lead	40 A	Oil Refinery - Hamburg
   2nd CBW	40 B	Oil Refinery - Hamburg
   3rd CBW	40 C	Oil Refinery - Hamburg
   4th CBW	1 A	Oil Refinery - Harburg
   5th CBW	1 B	Oil Refinery - Harburg
   6th CBW	41	Fuel - Bottrop [Germany]
   2nd Div.	21 Sqdns.	Minden & Sterkrade	Cromer 0915
   3rd Div.	7 Grps.	Neumunster & Dunberg	Gt. Yarmouth 0900

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: Lead & Deputy of Lead Squadron.
   
   REMARKS:
    Interval between Groups – 1 minute.
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 6 Gps.
   
   
8. Other Forces: 6 x P-51's "Buckeye Red" will scout weather. 16 P-51's Screening Force will drop chaff ahead of Bombers.
   
   
9. Assembly:

   Lead at	10,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   High at	11,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   Low at	9,000'	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: ____
   Division Assembly Line: Louth to 53°10’N - 04°51’E [Northern point of Texel Island, Netherlands]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - ____
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
     c. They are: Lead - V-854 High - U-216 Low - O-277
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. REMARKS: Group Leaders will make every effort to maintain briefed Altitudes.
     High and Low Sqdns. will maintain SOP [Standard Operating Procedure] vertical intervals.
     Altitude assignment - 26,500 feet.
    
      BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:
    
    

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft A - Able	Normal	Major Richardson
    401st	Woodcraft B - Baker	Normal	Capt. Chapman
    457th	Woodcraft C - Charlie	Normal	Capt. Dozier
    1st Div. Air Commander	Foxhole Able Leader	GG	Lt. Colonel Wilson
    94th CBW Air Commander		RY	Major Richardson

    
    

    Fighters	Balance 1
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1-5
    Grnd. Control	On Channel 741 - Mohair

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Louth		O - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 53°00’N-06°00’E		W - Dummer Lake
    [Near Heerenveen, Netherlands]		S - Munster
    _____		O - Dummer Lake
    _____		L - Steinburder Lake
    _____		V - Hamburg
    _____		E - Neumunster
    _____		N - Aachen
    _____		T - Sterkrade

    
    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 23,000’
    
    
15. 
    Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All except
    2. Channel “B” - K-585, T-461, F-711
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W.[Fighter Wing] N-169
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F., C-640
    5. Channel “D” - All A/C have Air/Sea Rescue on channel "D" except Y-651 & B-701 which have 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] D-957 & B-349
    
    
16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ___ 
    2. Expected Runway on return. ___
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____

1. Date of Mission - 6 November, 1944.
   1. Target Attacked: Hamburg, Germany (Primary Target) by PFF methods.
   2. Force: 94th "A" Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two PFF ships and two flying spares, took off.
   3. Position: Second group in the Division Formation and leader of the 94th Combat Wing.
   4. Lead Teams

      	"A" Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major Franklin A. Richardson
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Vernon R. Weatherman
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Arnold Schiffman

      
      
2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: Carried out over the King's Cliffe buncher. The assembly was made at 11,000 feet rather than the briefed altitude of 10,000 feet because the 94th "A" Group Leader felt that a safer assembly could be made at that altitude.
   2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly area was made at 0835, – one minute late, at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Peterborough and Louth were reached one minute late and on course. The departure from the English coast was made at 0903 at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Up to that point there had been no divergency [sic] from the briefed route.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: Flown to the left of course in order to stay in the proper position in respect to the Division Leader. Contrails were caused by the preceding group and as a result it was necessary to fly to its left and behind it. The briefed position of second in the Division Formation was flown.
   4.  Flight to Target: The divergency [sic] between the actual and briefed routes as indicated on the Track Chart was necessary in order to stay in the proper position in respect to the Division Lead Group. Shortly before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached, some difficulty was caused by an unidentified wing of B-17's which cut across the path of the 94th "A" Group. The briefed IP was not reached, due to the fact that the turn previous to it was reached to the right (east) of course. Although a shorter run on the target resulted, no difficulties were caused. The selected IP was reached at 1055, twenty-three minutes later than the planned time for the briefed IP.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: Bombing was done in Group Formation. PFF methods were used. At the time of bombs away, the Lead, High and Low Squadrons were flying mag [magnetic compass] headings of 58, 63 and 53 degrees, respectively. The turn was not made at the briefed IP, as indicated above. Seven to nine-tenths cloud cover was found in the target area. No interference was encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot [autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. Bombing results could not be observed. The target was attacked at 1101, twenty-one minutes late.
   6.  Flight From Target: After bombing a more gradual turn than briefed was made to the left. The turn itself caused no difficulties, but the 457th Group Formation was at that time flying abreast of, and to the right of, the 94th "A" Group. As the turn was completed, it forced the 94th "A" Group back to the left of course and towards Hamburg, making it necessary to take the 94th "A" under the 457th Group. After this maneuver was completed, no further difficulties were encountered. The briefed course was followed with slight divergencies on the withdrawal. The enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point at 24,000 feet. The English coast was reached at Cromer at 1325, thirty-four minutes early, at an altitude of 11,000 feet. A normal let-down procedure was followed. Return to base was flown without further incident.
   7.  Fighter Support: As briefed.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak at the target was moderate to intense and accurate. Weather en route varied from seven to ten-tenths clouds and at the target, it was seven to nine-tenths. The Scouting Force provided information that was accurate and helpful.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Aircraft 43-37676, Pilot Lt. Walker, returned to base with a mechanical failure. This aircraft was replaced in the formation by the flying spare of the Lead Squadron. One flying spare returned as planned.

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? Bombing was in Group Formation with the High Sqdn. flying a Mag. [Magnetic Compass] heading of 063° and the Low Sqdn. flying a mag. heading of 053° at the time of "Bombs Away".
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 53°13'N., 09°24'E.
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 6-8/10 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? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Schiffman, Arnold
Pilot - Major Richardson, F.A. & 1st Lt. Weatherman
Navigator - 1st Lt. Kyser, Thomas O.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 0730 Landed - 1430
Objective - Hamburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 53°13'N., 09°24'E.
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: PFF A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 6 x 1000 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M44, 1 Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On PFF

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train Minimum
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -16 Actual -16
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 230°  Velocity - Metro 90  Actual 38
Temp C. - Metro -41° C. Actual -41° C.

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The three squadrons of this Group bombed the Primary target at Hamburg, Germany by PFF methods. Photos show seven to nine tenths clouds in the target area and no bursts can be seen. However, ground detail can be seen at bombs away and indications are that the bombs would fall in the area of the old city of Hamburg and the eastern area of the docks.
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Flak at the target was moderate to intense and accurate, especially for the lead and high squadrons. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered at Tessel Island, Otterndorf, and Wangeroog Island, and moderate flak was observed at Bremen.
5. Weather en route varied from seven to ten tenths clouds and at the target it was seven to nine tenths.
6. At 53°40'N - 09°28'E. [4.8 miles N of Stade, Germany] a tank farm was observed. There were ten large oil tanks and many small ones in the vicinity, all of which appeared to be new. There was also a dock jutting into the river with several pipe lines running to it. Forty ships, some of which appeared to be war ships, were observed at the mouth of the Elbe River, 53°42'N - 09°32'E. A heavy smoke screen was laid down over Burnsbuttelkoog. The radio operator of one of our crews picked up a radio transmitting station whose call letters were 8w8, on a frequency of 705 kc [kilocycles]. This contact was made while our A/C was at an approximate position of 52°38'N - 07°23'E [47 miles North of Munster, Germany] and the station ceased transmitting at 1201 hours.
7. PFF units were employed and functioned very well. The Scouting Force provided information that was accurate and helpful. Fighter support was as briefed and none of our aircarft is missing.

    508th Squadron:
A/C 410-A: Air speed was too slow. - Lt. Stahl.
A/C 956-L: Oxygen hoses in waist should be longer to take care of emergencies. - Sgt. Nehr.
A/C 711: Let's have American candy for rations; the English candy is wasted. - All Officers.
A/C 978-J: Transportation is still slow. - Lt. Adams.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 428 A: We should fly the formation tighter, both squadron and group. It was strung all over today. - Lt. Nowakowski.
A/C 640-C: Transportation was very poor; wasted 55 minutes. - Crew.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 862-G: We were first ship to land and about the last to be picked up. Truck was 1 hr. 20 min late. - Lt. Carle.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37676, 509th Squadron, returned early because #2 engine became extremely rough in flight. Investigation disclosed complete loss of compression on #2 cylinder. Engine is changed [sic].
   2. Airplane No. 42-102676, 511th Squadron, returned early because Pilot was unable to locate formation. (Aircraft replaced A/C No. 43-37676).
   3. Airplane No. 43-38650, 511th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37956, 508th Squadron. Flak damaged ball turret, and frame. Flak hole underside right inboard wing panel, damaging skin, corrugation and tokio tank. Flak entered left bomb bay door and damaged drive shaft. (Major).
   2. Airplane No. 43-38277, 508th Squadron. Flak damaged fabric of right elevator. Flak damaged push rod housing of #2 engine. (Minor).
   3. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron. Small flak hole left side of fuselage under Pilot's compartment. (Minor).
   4. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron. Flak hole underside left inboard wing panel, damaging #1 main tank. Flak hole hit left side rear of nose section, damaging cables and an oxygen bottle. (Major).
   5. Airplane No. 44-8410, 508th Squadron. Flak hole underside left inboard wing panel, damaging #2 main tank. Flak hole left side of fuselage, rear of nose section damaging wiring. (Major).
   6. Airplane No. 43-38640, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes right bomb bay door. One flak skin hole right side of dorsal fin. Six flak holes right side of fuselage between tail and wing, damaging circumferential stiffeners, one emerging through left side. (Major). Flak damage to #4 engine, intercooler and induction system damaged. Flak hole top of fuselage between top turret and escape hatch. Flak hole top of right inboard wing panel.
   7. Airplane No. 43-38591, 509th Squadron. Four flak holes right elevator, fabric and skin damage. One flak hole right elevator, skin damage only. Numerous flak holes both wings, damaging skin stringers, wiring, aileron fabric and skin, flaps, tokio tanks. Flak hole underside right stabilizer. Numerous flak holes underside of fuselage, bomb bay doors, #2 nacelle, damaging Y drain, control cables, heater ducts and cable pulley. Flak skin hole vertical stabilizer. Flak damage near Pilot's compartment. (Major).
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   7		5		2		7

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

   a. 94th "A" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), C–8640, L–7676, M–7964, N–7169, Q–8116, R–6156, V–7854, U–8591, (T–1384 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (Y–7651 PFF)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: A–8428, K–8585

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, B–6082, C–2576, D–7957, F–7124, G–7862, H–8280, K–7252, P–2955, S–7512, T–8461, U–7216
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th "A" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, B–7349, C–8753, F–1711, G–8567, H–8666, J–7978, L–7956, O–8277, P–7258, Q–8799
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: J–6579, (M–8650 Spare)

2. Target: GQ-1622 A & D
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T NDJ R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T JJU R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T RSU R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T MSM R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0715; Take-Off – 0730; E.T.D. Field – 0730
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0858	10,000 Ft	Louth

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0943	21,000 Ft	53°10'N-04°51'E [Northern edge of Texel Island, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1119	25,000 Ft	53°40'N-08°54'E [Steinau, Germany 17 miles East of coast]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1359	5,000 Ft	Cromer

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1438 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 13 [Planes] 6 x 1000 G.P. [General Purpose] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    Low Squadron: 12 [Planes] 6 x 1000 G.P. [General Purpose] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    High Squadron: 13 [Planes] 6 x 1000 G.P. [General Purpose] - 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    a. Lead Box: Rank & Name: Maj. Richardson A/C No & Sqdn. Y-7651 PFF - 510
    b. Low Box: Rank & Name: Lt. Purcell A/C No & Sqdn. P-2955 - 510
    c. High Box: Rank & Name: Lt. Moulton A/C No & Sqdn. B-7349 - 508
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.