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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #235

Credited Mission #229
 
DATE: 26 Nov. 1944
Target: Synthetic Oil Plant, Misburg, Germany
 
Briefing Outline:
    1. TARGETS: 
    2. Visual Primary: Misburg [Germany] – Synthetic Oil Plant
    3. PFF Primary: Misburg [Germany] – Synthetic Oil Plant
    4. Visual Secondary: ____
    5. PFF Secondary: ____
    6. Last Resort: PFF - Bielefeld [Germany] - Fuel & Power

  2. TIMINGS:
    Zero Hour: - 1000
    Stations: - 0740
    Start Engines: - 0750
    Taxi: - 0800
    Take Off: - 0815
    Target Time: - 1219
    ETR [Estimated Time
       of Return]:    		 - 1451

    0930 - L.T.O. [Late Take Off] To make group at cruising speed Clacton.

      Gasoline 2,500 Gallons

  3. LOADING:
     Lead - All A/C 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 – 1/40 [Fuses]
     High - ____
     Low - ____
     Composite - ___

  4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo. P.F.F. – 50 FT.

  5. Chaff: 360 units commence release at 3 mins. after I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & continue for 15 mins.

  6. Division Formation:
    Disposition of Forces [Bomb Group]TargetTime of Departure
    “A” Gp. in 94 CBW
    [Combat Bomb Wing]    		401 Misburg - Syn. Oil 1002
    “B” Gp. in 94 CBW 457Misburg - Syn. Oil1003
    “C” Gp. in 94 CBW351Misburg - Syn. Oil1004
    1 Div. Lead40thMisburg - Syn. Oil0959
    2nd CBW94thMisburg - Syn. Oil
    R.A.F.___75 Lancasters on Fulda, Spits [Spitfires]
    ____4 Gps - 1st Div.Altenbeken R.R. Trans.0951
    2nd Div.342 A/CBielefeld R.R. Trans.0951
    3rd Div.10 Grps.Hamm Trans. M/Y [Marshalling Yard]1047

    PFF A/C to fly as: Group Lead & Deputy Lead.
    REMARKS:
     Interval between Groups – 2 minutes.
     Leaders will make every effort to bomb at briefed altitude and keep interval between squadrons to a minimum on the bombing run.
  7. Fighter Cover: One Gps. of P-51’s - Close [Support] - thru Target & Out.

  8. Other Forces: ____

  9. Assembly:
    Lead at11,500'feet on Kings Cliffe Buncher
    High at12,500'feet onKings CliffeBuncher
    Low at10,500'feet onKings CliffeBuncher
    401st at11,500'feet onCottesmoreBuncher
    457th at10,000'feet onGlattonBuncher
    Composite at____feet on____Buncher

    Combat Wing Assembly Line: Clacton - on - course - out.
    Division Assembly Line: Clacton to 52°37’N-04°37’E [Egmond aan Zee, 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.
      They are: Lead - K-585 High - M-900 Low - G-862
     c. Camera A/C  P-676; L-956; C-576 to return at  Enemy Coast Out.
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. REMARKS: It is expected that the primary will be overcast. Bombing will probably be by groups. Yesterdays formation bombing was excellent. Bombs from 11 A/C in one Squadron could be seen falling in pictures.

      BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!

  14. CALL SIGNS:
    CALL SIGNFLARES  NAME
    351stWoodcraft CharlieRG [Red Green]Major Roper
    401stWoodcraft AbleRYMajor McCree
    457thWoodcraft BakerRYMaj. Presich
    1st Div. Air CommanderFoxhole Able Leader__Colonel Mustoe
    94th CBW Air CommanderWoodcraft Able LeaderRYMajor McCree

    FightersBalance 1
    BombersVinegrove 1-10
    Grnd. ControlChannel 741 - Mohair
    Channel 701 - Colgate

    Control Points:Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - ClactonL - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 52°37’N - 04°37’EI - Dummer Lake
     [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]G - Ulzen
    C.P. 3 - 52°37’N - 08°02’EH - Hamburg
     [23 miles N of Osnabruck, Germany]T - Paderborn
    _____E - Hamm
    _____N - Rheine

    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 22,000’

  15. Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All A/C except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - D-524, S-512, C-753
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W.[Fighter Wing] U-381
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F., F-705
    5. Channel “D” - Available on all A/C except A-358, O-455, P-955, D-405 which have 67th Ftr Wing (Channel 741) in "D".

  16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ____
    2. Expected Runway on return. ____
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent.
       A-70 - Laon Cauvron [France] - D/F [Direction Finder] - "Messenger"
       A-83 - Valenciennes [France] - D/F - "Legacy"
       S-110 - Polebrook - D/F - Newflick


Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:
  1. Date of Mission - 26 November, 1944.
    1. Target Attacked:  Misberg, Germany (Primary Target) was attacked by PFF methods.
    2. Force: 94th "C" Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and tow PFF ships flying lead and deputy lead, were dispatched.
    3. Position: Briefed to fly as sixth group in the Division Formation. It is believed that the actual position flown was seventh, the 1st "C" Group having been ahead of its briefed position of seventh.
    4. Lead Teams
      Group Lead
      Air Commander: Major Leonard B. Roper
      Pilot:Captain James M. Gibbons
      Navigator:1st Lt. Benton F. Love, Jr
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Frederick S. Ralph

      High Squadron
      Leader: 1st Lt. Richard B. Moulton
      Pilot:F/O Richard L. Steward
      Navigator:1st Lt. Albert W. Luich
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Earl G. Maxwell

      Low Squadron
      Leader: 1st Lt. Mahlon A. Hillebrand
      Pilot:1st Lt. Leo W. Cook
      Navigator:1st Lt. Frederic S. Kelley
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Alan B. Reed
  2. Narrative.
    1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: Carried out as planned at the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 10,500 feet.
    2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly point was made at the briefed time (0929). The planned course was closely followed over England. Points en route to the English coast were reached with no more than one minutes divergency [sic] from the briefed times. Clacton was reached on time (1004) at the briefed altitude of 14,500 feet.
    3.  Division Assembly Line: The English coast was departed at the briefed point. The briefed Division Assembly Line was flown. Some difficulty was encountered due to a faulty air speed indicator. It was necessary to "S" across the briefed course in order to stay behind the preceding formation. The enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point at 1053 (one minute late) at the briefed altitude - 21,500 feet. The 94th "C" Group flew as seventh group in the formation. It was briefed to fly as the sixth group, but it is believed that the 1st "C" Group preceded it in the formation, thus forcing it to take the seventh position.
    4.  Flight to Target: The briefed route was closely followed on the flight to the target. There were only minor divergencies [sic] in respect to route and the briefed altitude was maintained. The divergencies [sic] in course were caused by following the preceding formations, or by swinging outside of course on the turns, as indicated on the Track Chart shortly before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached. The briefed points on the route were reached with little divergency [sic] in times. The briefed IP was reached at 1207 (two minutes late).
    5.  Description of Bombing Run: The primary target was observed to be clearly visible when the formation passed it on the route in to the north. However, by the time it was reached a very effective smoke screen and the smoke from the bombs of preceding groups made a visual sighting impractical. As a result, the target was attacked by PFF methods. Bombing was done in group formation. Intense and accurate flak was encountered by the Lead Squadron on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used and functioned satisfactorily. The target was attacked at 1219, the briefed time, from the briefed altitude of 26,500 feet.
    6.  Flight From Target: The briefed route was followed after the target was attacked. The only divergency [sic] from course was made shortly after leaving the target, when the turn to the west was overshot in attempting to stay behind the preceding formations. The briefed route was soon contacted and closely followed from that point to base. The enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point at 1334 (four minutes early) at an altitude of 20,000 feet, 1,500 feet below the briefed altitude. The English coast was crossed at Cromer, as planned, nine minutes early (1415), at 7,500 feet. Return to base from that point was made without further incident. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
    7.  Fighter Support: As briefed.
    8.  Comments: Aircraft 44-6082, pilot Lt. Gonsky, left the formation in northeastern Holland. It has since been reported as having landed at Brussels. Aircraft 43-37571, pilot Lt. Boetcher, was seen to leave the formation with two feathered engines just after bombs away. This aircraft called for fighter support on VHF and indicated that it was going to attempt a landing in France. Nothing more has been heard of it. It has been indicated on the Statistical Summary as having been lost to flak and enemy aircraft, although the formation itself suffered no enemy aircraft attacks. Flak at the target was intense and accurate for the Lead Squadron, but less in both intensity and accuracy for the High and Low Squadrons. There were 4 to 5/10ths clouds in the target area with considerable haze. A very effective smoke screen obscured the target. The Scouting Force furnished accurate weather information.
    9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Aircraft 43-37862, pilot Lt. Hickel, returned early. The two aircraft scheduled as flying spares had previously returned as planned.

  [Signed] Clinton F. Ball, Lt. Col, Air Corps, Operations Officer


Statistical Summary:
351ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
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 Attacking12121135
No. of A/C Not Attacking0011
Name of Primary TargetMISBERG, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target12111033
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 136 x 500# GP  130 x 500# GP  119 x 500# GP  385 x 500# GP 
Name of Secondary Target
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
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.)52°10'N-09°35'E52°33'N-08°10'E52°41'N-10°43'E
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.1*112
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs1 x 500# GP12 x 500# GP12 x 500# GP25 x 500# GP
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.1*
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs4 x 500# GP4 x 500# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total1001
No. of A/C Lost - Flak
No. of A/C Lost - Flak and E/A1001
No. of A/C Lost - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C Lost - Accident
No. of A/C Lost - Unknown
Time of Take Off081008110813
Time of Attack121912191219
Average Time of Flight6:396:496:54
Altitude of Release25,350’25,650’25,050’
Visual or PFFPFFPFFPFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & AccuracyIntense & AccurateModerate & Fairly Accurate
Enemy Resistance – Fighter0000
Enemy Resistance – Bombers0000
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft0000
Degree of SuccessGOOD RESULTS, BUT NOT ON ASSIGNED MPI

* - Both aircraft included above as having attacked primary target.
* - Indicated as lost to E/A [Enemy Aircraft] & Flak. E/A not seen but lost A/C heard calling for fighter cover.

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None

PFF AircraftPOSITION
44-8358LEADAttacked
44-8045DEPUTY LEADAttacked


Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 26 Nov. 1944
Field Order # 563
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th "C" Combat Group
Target - Secondary Target at Misburg, Germany
  1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  Combined - PFF and Visual
  2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Bombing was in group formation on a Mag. [Magnetic] heading of 270°. Mag. heading of high Sqdn. was 260°. Mag. heading of Low Sqdn. was 255°.
  3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 52°41'N. - 10°43'W. [10°43'W. should be 10°43'E - 3 miles S of Wittingen, Germany]
  4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 2/10 cloud cover and a very effective smoke screen.
  5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? Triangulation Method.
  6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? Heavy Flak.
  7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes.
  8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None.
  [Signed] Frederick S. Ralph, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier.

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Ralph, Frederick S.
Pilot - Major Roper, L.B. & Capt. Gibbons, J.M.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Love, Benton F., Jr.

Aircraft B-17G   A-358  Take-off - 0810 Landed - 1500
Objective - Secondary Target at Misburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF with visual assist.
Initial Point - 52°41'N - 10°43'W [This position is 87 miles West of Limerick, Ireland. If the position is East, not West, it's 17.6 miles North of Wolfsburg, Germany]
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 - 10 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43's, 2 Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On PFF

Information at Release Point:  Heavy Smoke Screen

Altitude of Target - 190'Magnetic Heading Ordered 247° Actual 270°
True Altitude Above Target - 25,350True Heading 265°
Indicated Altitude - 26.500Drift, Estimated 2° Left - Actual 2° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +417True Track 263°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 9896.6
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KBomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 216KTime of Release 1219
Ground Speed Est. 184 Actual 212Length of Bombing Run - 14 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 250° Actual - 295°Intervalometer Setting - 50 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 35 Actual 15 C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 125.8  Trail - 59   ATF - 42.12A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. 38.9 Actual .40 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 50'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -20 Actual -20
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 295°  Velocity - Metro 35  Actual 15
Temp C. - Metro -48° C. Actual -48° C.



Preliminary Damage Assessment:
  1. The three squadrons of this Group dropped their bombs on the secondary target at Misburg, Germany. Bombing was by PFF methods. The target area was clear, but a very effective smoke screen obscured the visual target.
  2. Photo cover for all three squadrons shows the bombs hitting in an area approximately 1¾ miles to the southeast of the target. There is a possibility that some bombs hit a cement factory located in this area.
  [Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]


Narrative Teletype Report:
  1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
  2. The three squadrons of this group bombed the secondary target at Misburg, Germany, by PFF methods. The target area was clear but a heavy smoke screen obscured the visual target. Photos show that the bombs fell approximately one and one half miles to the South-East in the area of a cement factory. No bursts could be definitely identified.
  3. No enemy A/C were encountered and no claims [of enemy A/C being shot down] are being submitted.
  4. Flak at the target was intense and accurate for our lead squadron, but lessened in both intensity and accuracy when the other two squadrons went over. Meager flak was observed at Zwolle and one crew reported a few bursts which appeared to come from a barge in the Zuider Zee at 52°30'N - 05°20'E.
  5. There were 4 to 5/10 clouds in the target area with considerable haze. A very effective smoke screen obscured the target.
  6. Several crews report observing long rocket contrails in an area north of Amsterdam at approximately 52°30'N - 05°00'E.
  7. Bombing was done on the Lead PFF A/C, the equipment of which worked well. Scope returns of the Hannover area were good at a range of 35 to 40 miles but returns from the target at Misburg were not clear until the formation approached to within about 18 miles of the target. The Scouting Force furnished accurate weather information. Fighter support was as briefed. A/C 571-X was seen to leave the formation with two feathered engines just after bombs away. This A/C called for fighter support on V.H.F. and indicated that it was going to attempt a landing in France. A/C 082-B left the formation in north-eastern Holland with no visible damage apparent and has not been contacted since that time. [hand written in] On continent - Crew in England.


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 595-O Guns in this aircraft were dirty. - Lt. Crutcher.
A/C 277-O There should be a latrine near the line. - Crew.
  English rations are not sufficient - we would rather have candy bars. - Crew.
A/C 799-Q There should be a thermos jug full of water in each plane. - Lt. Duffey.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 512-S Our guns froze up. - Lt. Cramer.
A/C 576-C The formation was the worst I have ever seen. - Lt. Hitt.
A/C 640-C The air speed shouldn't be increased when turning off the target because it doesn't give stragglers an opportunity to catch up. - Crew

    511th Squadron:
A/C 579-J There was no bullet proof glass in the cockpit. - Lt. Lambert.
A/C 676-P We were a camera ship and were the first to land - but had to wait an hour for transportation. - Capt. Williamson.

  [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.
    2. Airplane No. 44-6078, 509th Squadron returned early as planned.
    3. Airplane No. 43-37862, 510th Squadron returned early because of internal failure of #4 engine. Investigation revealed the Planetary gears to be the cause of the failure.
  2. Battle Damage:
    1. Airplane No. 44-8358 PFF, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes through plexiglass nose section, glass and bombsight stabilizer damaged. Small flak hole underneath navigator's compartment, skin and oxygen line damaged. Flak hole through left wing inner panel, skin, corrugation, spar and #1 main tank damaged. Two flak holes in leading edge of left wing outer panel, skin, corrugation and the main spar damaged. Two small flak hole through right wing tip. Two flak holes through right wing outer panel, skin corrugation and two tokio tanks damaged. Flak hole underside of right wing near root of wing. Skin, corrugation and gusset damaged. Flak hole underside #4 engine, skin and wiring damaged. Flak hole through center of dorsal fin, skin and former damaged. Flak hole through right side of base of dorsal, skin and oxygen line damaged. Small flak hole through left and right horizontal stabilizer. (Major)
    2. Airplane No. 43-38585, 511th Squadron. Large flak hole aft of life raft compartment. Skin, former, circumferential and bulkhead #4 damaged. #7 spark plug lead of #3 engine damaged slightly by flak. (Major)
    3. Airplane No. 43-38592, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole on right side of #4 nacelle. Skin, oil line damaged. Lost all of engine oil and propeller fell off, due to engine failure. (Major)
    4. Airplane No. 44-6579, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole through fabric of right elevator. Flak hole underside of right wing between nacelles. Skin corrugation, spar and feeder tank damaged. Small flak hole on left side of tail gunners compartment. Skin and heater duct damaged. (Major)
    5. Airplane No. 44-8045, PFF, 511th Squadron. Flak hole left side of navigator's compartment. Rubber cable terminal, four hydraulic cowl flap lines, broke piece off of rudder pedal and electrical wiring damaged. Small flak hole through Pilot's bullet proof glass, cut interphone wiring and pilots seat damaged. Two small flak holes through co-pilot's bullet proof glass side window. Small flak hole forward of left waist position. Skin, ammo chute and oxygen line damaged. Small flak hole trailing edge of left flap, skin damage only. (Major)

    TOTAL A/C DAMAGEDMAJOR DAMAGEMINOR DAMAGEDAMAGED BY FLAK
    5505
  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


Abortive Report
Aircraft No. 43-37862 Squadron - 510  Date - 26 Nov. 1944
  1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
    1. Reason for abortive Engine Failure
    2. Place and altitude 52°-37'N - 06°08'E [13.5 miles South East of Berlin.]
    3. Time 11:12
    4. Position in formation #3 Lead element Low Box.
    5. Disposition of bombs 52°36'N - 04°25'E [9 miles West of Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
    6. Remarks Bombs away at 11:37½ from 11,000 ft. over channel through broken overcast.
      (Pilot's Signature) James L. Hickel
  2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
    1. Cause (if mechanical) ____
    2. Responsibility ____
    3. Tyoe if abortive ____
    4. Position in formation ____
    5. Disposition of bombs ____
    6. Remarks ____
      (Eng. Officer's Signature)
  3. SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
    1. Responsibility ____
    2. Action Taken ____
      (Squadron C.O.'s Signature) ____
  4. GROUP S-3's [Operations] STATEMENT:
    1. Comments ____
    2. Credit ____
      (Operations Officer's Signature) ____
  5. To Group Commander for information and remarks.


“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: None
    Sqdn 509th A/C: (A–8358 PFF), (G–8640 Spare)
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8691, D–7524, F–7705, J–6579, K–8585, M–8650, N–8592, P–2676, U–7381, X–7571, (L–8045 PFF

    b. 94th "C" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: None
    Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640
    Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, B–6082, C–2576, D–7957, F–7124, G–7862, H–8280, N–7665, P–2955, S–7512, T–8461
    Sqdn 511th A/C: None

    c. 94th "C" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: B–7349, C–8753, G–8567, K–8130, L–7956, M–7900, O–8277, P–7258, Q–8799, Y–6108
    Sqdn 509th A/C: Q–8116, V–7854, (R–6156 Spare)
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: None
  2. Target: GQ-1625
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T RNS R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T PNX R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T KQN R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T MVK R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. Taxi – 0800; Take-Off – 0815; E.T.D. Field – 0815
  5. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    100414,500 Ft Clacton
  6. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    105221,500 Ft 52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]
  7. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    134721,500 Ft 54°30'N-08°50'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]
  8. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    14245,000 Ft Cromer
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1451 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    Low Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    High Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    ___ Squadron:
  12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
  13. Leaders:
    a. Lead Box: Rank & Name: Maj. Roper A/C No & Sqdn. A-8358 PFF (509)
    b. Low Box: Rank & Name: Lt. Hillebrand A/C No & Sqdn. D-7957 (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 I.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.



Formation Chart:
94th "C" Combat Bomb Group Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off & Over Target
511th Squadron
Major Roper–Gibbons
A/C 44-8358 A PFF
Hadley
A/C 43-38585 K
Bunnell
A/C 44-8045 L
Schwartz
A/C 43-38691 B
Lambert
A/C 44-6579 J
Langdon
A/C 43-37705 F
Ashton
A/C 43-37524 D
Butler
A/C 42-97381 U
Boettcher
A/C 43-37571 X
Johnson
A/C 43-38592 N
Della-Cioppa
A/C 44-6078 G Spare
Williamson
A/C 42-102676 P
Kasper
A/C 43-38650 M


Flying Spare returned as planned.
Aircraft 43-37571 X Missing In Action after target.

94th "C" Combat Bomb Group High Squadron Formation at Take–Off & Over Target
508th Squadron
Moulton
A/C 42-97349 B
Olson
A/C 43-37900 M
Sullivan
A/C 43-38116 Q
Kale
A/C 44-6108 Y
Glazier
A/C 43-38130 K
Galloway
A/C 42-31711 F
Buttell
A/C 43-38567 G
Parnell
A/C 42-97258 P
Crutcher
A/C 43-38753 C
Lenze
A/C 43-38799 Q
Beveridge
A/C 44-6156 R Spare
Zimmerman
A/C 43-38277 O
Wiese
A/C 43-37956 L


Flying Spare returned as planned.

94th "C" Combat Bomb Group Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
510th Squadron
Hillebrand–Cook
A/C 43-37957 D
Hickel
A/C 43-37862 G
Gray
A/C 42-102955 P
Bennett
A/C 43-37665 N
McGee
A/C 42-38465 A
Oakes
A/C 43-38640 C
Steele
A/C 43-38461 T
Gonske
A/C 44-6082 B
Cramer
A/C 43-37512 S
Barnhart
A/C 44-8280 H
Lawson
A/C 42-102576 C
Carle
A/C 42-107124 F


94th "C" Combat Bomb Group Low Squadron Formation Over Target
510th Squadron
Hillebrand–Cook
A/C 43-37957 D
Carle
A/C 42-107124 F
Gray
A/C 42-102955 P
Bennett
A/C 43-37665 N
McGee
A/C 42-38465 A
Oakes
A/C 43-38640 C
Steele
A/C 43-38461 T
Cramer
A/C 43-37512 S
Barnhart
A/C 44-8280 H
Lawson
A/C 42-102576 C

Hickel flying 43-37862 G aborted and was replaced by Carle flying 42-107124 F
Gonske flying 44-6082 B returned early and landed at Brussels.

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 1000 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0445; Officers 0515 Stations: 0740 Start Engines: 0750 Taxi: 0800 Take-Off: 0815  Leave Base: 0815 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0345; Officers 0415]

[Killed in Action: 2]
[Wounded On Mission: 1]
[Prisoner of War: 7]


Missing Air Crew Report (MACR):

  • A/C# 43-37571   DS-X  "Dotties Taxi"  Pilot: Lt. Boettcher  A/C's 59th Mission   MACR # 11203

    Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

    Eyewitness Account
    I, Milton Schwartz, 0-819881, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft No. 43-38691, leading the Low Section of the Lead Squadron on a mission to Misburg, Germany on 26 November 1944. Shortly after bombs away, I noticed that Lt Boettcher was slowly lagging behind the formation with one engine feathered. Two or three minutes later he phoned on VHF that he was losing another engine and requested fighter support. He stated that he might attempt to head for France. I saw no parachutes.
    [Signed] Milton Schwartz, 1st Lt., Air Corps.

    Eyewitness Account
    I, Robert R. Kasper, 0-823615, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft No. 43-38650, on a mission to Misburg, Germany on November 26, 1944. Lt. Boettcher was flying in front of me and on my right and about 15 minutes after bombs away I noticed that he had fallen out of his position. I could not see him, but I heard over VHF that heavy flak over the target had knocked out two engines and they were both feathered. He called for fighter support, of which there was plenty nearby and said he had fallen back into formation directly behind us. He intended to make France. I saw no parachutes and heard nothing more.
    [Signed] Robert R. Kasper, 1st Lt., Air Corps.

    Members of the crew reported on casualty questionnaires in the Missing Air Crew Report that the pilot & co-pilot held the plane steady while the crew bailed out about 15 miles east of Cologne, Germany and the plane blew up before the pilots could jump out.

    The Radio Operator, Sgt Robert E. Wombold, was reported as wounded and was taken to a Hospital.

    Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
    • Pilot - 2nd Lt Boettcher, Frank P. - Killed In Action.
    • Co-pilot - F/O Walota, Edward L. - Killed In Action.
    • Navigator - 2nd Lt Mitchell, Leonard U. POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Francis, Robert L. POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Top Turret Gunner - M/Sgt Wilhoit, Buford POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Radio Operator - Sgt Wombold, Robert E. POW at Stalag 6G Bonn Rheinland, Prussia 50-07. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Waist Gunner - Sgt Jarois, Robert S. POW camp not listed in National Archives database. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Westcott, Robert B. POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    • Tail Gunner - Sgt Cook, Richard J. POW at Dulag Luft Grosstychow Dulag 12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
    Burial Records:

    The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

    • Frank P. Boettcher, Burial: Plot: J, 14194, Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York
    • Edward L. Walota, Burial: Plot: J, 14194, Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York
The above records were obtained at the National Archives Records Administration and have been declassified by authority NND 745005
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