3 Jan 1945 Target: R.R. Junction S of Cologne

Group Mission #253

Credited Mission #246

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DATE: 3 Jan. 1945

Target: R.R. Junction S of Cologne, Germany

Briefing Outline:

1. TARGETS:
2. Visual Primary: R.R. Junction S of Cologne [Germany]
3. PFF Primary: M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] in Cologne
4. Visual Secondary: M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] in Cologne
5. PFF Secondary: ____
6. Last Resort: ____

TIMINGS:
Zero Hour:	- 0930
Stations:	- 0710
Start Engines:	- 0720
Taxi:	- 0730
Take Off:	- 0745
Target Time:	- 1055
ETR [Estimated Time of Return]:	- 1330

Gasoline 2,700 Gallons

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

Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo. GH - 75 FT, P.F.F. – 100 FT.
Chaff: Start Release at 6° East & commence for 24 min. Each A/C – 576 units.

Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
"A" Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	401	____	1125
"B" Gp. in 94 CBW	351	____	1127
"C" Gp. in 94 CBW	457	____	1129
1 Div. Lead	1	____
2nd CBW	40	____
3rd CBW	94	____
4th CBW	41	____
2nd Div.	320 A/C	Tactical Targets SW of 1st Division Targets
3rd Div.	4 Grps.	Tactical Targets
3rd Div.	324 A/C	Two Targets E of Frankfurt

PFF A/C to fly as: Lead of each Squadron.

REMARKS: ____

Fighter Cover: 4 Gps. of P-51’s For Close Support
Other Forces: 2 Gps P-51's Area Support

Assembly:

Lead at	18,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
High at	19,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
Low at	17,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
401st at	18,000'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher
457th at	18,000'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher
Composite at	____	feet on	____	Buncher

Combat Wing Assembly Line: Splasher 6 to Colchester to N. Foreland
Division Assembly Line: N. Foreland to 51°13’N-02°55’E [Ostend, Belgium]

Navigator - _____
S-2 - _____
Weather - _____
Special Instructions:
a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal - Group Formation if GH; Squadron Formation if PFF.
b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
They are: Lead - L-956, High - Z-696, Low - G-862
c. Camera A/C F-711, N-665, H-280
to return at The Coast Out[bound]
d. Spares to turn back at Belgian Coast
e. REMARKS: Possibility of Diversion.
Bomb Bay doors will be opened at 0500°E.
Read three teletypes.

BREAK!! PILOT’S STAY!

CALL SIGNS:

	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
351st	Woodcraft Baker	RG [Red Green]	Col Stewart
401st	Woodcraft Able	RY	Major McCree
457th	Woodcraft Charlie	RY	Capt. Doherty
1st Div. Air Commander	Swordfish Able	GG	Major Davis
94th CBW Air Commander	____

Fighters	Balance 3-2, 3-3	Buckeye Red
Bombers	Vinegrove 3-7	Sun Hat Leader
Grnd. Control	Mohair 741

Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
_____		_____
_____		_____
_____		_____

Remarks: Reference Altitude: 22,000’

Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
1. Channel “A” - All except:
2. Channel “B” - J-978, F-566, C-694
3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] G-954
4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F. [Air Force] O-277
5. Channel “D” - All Available
FLYING CONTROL:
1. Runway on Take Off. ____
2. Expected Runway on return. ____
3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____

Operational Narrative.

Date of Mission - 3 January, 1945.

Target Attacked: The secondary target at Cologne, Germany, was attacked by the three squadrons using PFF equipment.
Force: 94th “B” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including one GH aircraft, three PFF ships, and two flying spares, were dispatched.
Position: The 94th "B" Group flew in its briefed position as seventh group in the First Division Formation.

Lead Teams

	Group Lead
	Air Commander:	Lt Col James T. Stewart
	Pilot:	Captain Evan A. Poston
	Navigator:	Captain Lester W. Boardman
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Earl G. Maxwell

	High Squadron
	Leader:	1st Lt. Harvey W. Powell
	Pilot:	1st Lt. Archie R. Crews
	Navigator:	1st Lt. Harry U. Perry
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Edward H. Andersen

	Low Squadron
	Leader:	1st Lt. Harlan E. Popp
	Pilot:	2nd Lt. John W. Zimmerman
	Navigator:	1st Lt. Orvil L. Wolz
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Jerald E. Traczewitz

Narrative.
1. Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out at the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 18,000 feet.
2. Route Over England: The assembly was carried out slowly and resulted in the 94th "B" Group departing from the assembly area five minutes late (0919). Due to the fact that it was necessary to make up time, the briefed route was not followed, but a heading towards the departure point from the English coast was taken. Due to a higher tail wind than briefed, the formation found that it would reach the departure point early. Shortly before the departure from the coast, the formation made a deviation to the north in order to lose time. This, however, was not sufficient, for after that, it was necessary to cut inside of course and avoid North Foreland in order to stay behind the 94th "A" Group.
3. Division Assembly Line: North Foreland, the briefed departure point, was never reached. In following the 94th "A" Group, the 94th "B" Group passed to the north of this point. At 0953, the 94th "B" Group was eight miles to the north of North Foreland, and four minutes early. A second deviation to the north of course was flown in order to lose more time and to enable the group to take the proper interval behind the 94th "A" Group. From that point on, the Division Assembly Line was paralleled and the Division Column was followed. The 94th "B" Group was in its briefed position (seventh).
4. Flight to Target: The Belgian coast was crossed four minutes early (1008). The altitude at that point was 24,000 feet, 1,000 feet below the briefed altitude. There was variance from course to the target in following the Division column. On the last leg of the flight before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run], it was found that the GH equipment was inoperative. It was decided to make a run on the secondary target and attack by PFF. In order to get into position for the bomb run, the formation passed through the briefed IP and made a bomb run on the secondary target which paralleled that briefed for the primary target. The chosen IP was reached at 1039, the time briefed for the arrival at the briefed IP. The altitude at that point was 24,700 feet.
5. Description of Bombing Run: The secondary target at Cologne, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods. Each squadron made its own bomb run and performed its own sighting operation. The briefed turn was not made at the briefed IP. Cloud cover in the target was ten-tenths. No interference was encountered on the bomb run, and the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. Results were not observed.
6. Flight From Target: It was necessary to take evasive action after leaving the target. The briefed route was soon contacted west of Aachen, but could not be closely followed when it became necessary to echelon [arranged in parallel lines] to the right on preceding formations. This put the 94th "B" Group several miles to the right of the briefed course. Some uncertainty was present as to the proper point of departure from the Belgian coast. The result was that the Air Commander chose the departure point that he believed to be correct. As indicated on the track chart, this point was north of the point which the navigator thought was correct. Departure from the Belgian coast was made three minutes early (1159) at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The English coast was crossed at 1,000 feet and the formation proceeded to base in poor visibility. The dog-leg in the briefed course just before base was reached was not flown due to bad weather in that area. The High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas and landings were carried out without difficulty. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
7. Fighter Support: Fair
8. Comments: No aircraft were lost. Aircraft 42-102676, pilot Lt Fox, landed in Belgium with two engines out. The crew is safe. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak in the target area was meager to moderate, scattered, and inaccurate. Out [sic] Scouting Force was not heard, but weather information was relayed to this group by another scouting force.
9. Aircraft Not Attacking: Three aircraft are reported as having failed to attack. The flying spares remained with the formation.

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

Statistical Summary:

	351st BOMB GROUP FORMATION
	Lead Box	High Box	Low Box	TOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C Airborne	13*	13	12	38
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	13	13	12	38
No. of A/C Sorties	10	13	12	35
No. of A/C Attacking	10	13**	12	35
No. of A/C Not Attacking	3	0	0	3
Name of Primary Target	COLOGNE, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	10	13	12	35
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	116 x 500# GP	154 x 500# GP	143 x 500# GP	413 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.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	0	0	0
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 Off	0740	0742	0745
Time of Attack	1050	1051½	1051½
Average Time of Flight	5:37	5:48	6:01
Altitude of Release	24,410’	25,220’	23,675’
Visual or PFF	PFF	PFF	PFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MODERATE AND INACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	UNOBSERVED

* - Includes one GH aircraft from 379th Bomb Group.
** - Flying spare scheduled with the High Sqdn filled in and bombed with the Lead Sqdn.
One aircraft, 42-102676, landed on the continent.

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

GH Aircraft	[FROM]	POSITION
7905	379th Group	Deputy Lead
PFF Aircraft
44-8045	351st Group	Group Lead
44-8079	351st Group	High Sqdn Lead
42-97687	351st Group	Low Sqdn Lead

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Cologne, 3 January, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O at 0740 hours.
2. Group formed at 0919 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 18,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0953 hours at North Foreland.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. High winds prevented group to form on time. We departed 5 min. late, set course to reach point E on time. "A" Group was in trail, we D/D [Double Drifted] to get behind.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
6. Division formation was joined at 0953 hours at North Foreland.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, DR [Dead Reckoning] and mickey [Radar]
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was ~~(not)~~ as briefed. used 5103 0528.
  2. True heading over target. 360.
  3. Actual Drift 4° Left.
  4. Altitude over Target 24,700.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1050.
  6. Wind used for bombing 278°/68 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. Mickey
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
  10. Axis of withdrawal 240°
10. Group rally was accomplished at Target at 1253 hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at 50°41'N 06°59'E at 1057 hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at CP #3 at 1159 hours.
13. Flight home ~~was~~ was not as briefed. We came directly from English coast to base because of weather.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee, DR [Dead Reckoning], Mickey and Pilotage.
15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~not~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
  2. Gee: OK
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] Lester W. Boardman, Capt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Cologne, 3 January, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O [Take Off] at 0742 hours.
2. Group formed at 0919 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 19,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0953 hours at No. Foreland.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Departed Kings Cliffe late to get behind 94th A. Failed to get behind Deenethorpe [the "A" Group] at Buncher. S'ing to complete formation.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage and Gee.
6. Division formation was joined at 0954 hours at No. Foreland.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~not~~ flown as briefed.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee and Mickey
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 5103 0528.
  2. True heading over target. 095.
  3. Actual Drift -1.
  4. Altitude over Target 25,500.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1051½.
  6. Wind used for bombing 280°/60 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. PFF
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths undercast.
  10. Axis of withdrawal 210°
10. Group rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at CP #3 at 1159 hours.
13. Flight home ~~was~~ was not as briefed. Plan over England not flown because of weather.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee, Pilotage and Mickey.
15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
  2. Gee: OK
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] Harry W. Perry, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Cologne, 3 January, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O [Take Off] at 0745 hours.
2. Group formed at 0914 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 18,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at ____ hours at ____.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. S'ing all the way trying to make times good.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Mickey, Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
6. Division formation was joined at 1020 hours at No. Foreland.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed. Went about 10 mi beyond 1st turn and established IP about 40 mi. from target.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Mickey and DR [Dead Reckoning].
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. About 10 mi off.
  2. True heading over target. 109.
  3. Actual Drift 1° Left.
  4. Altitude over Target 23,900.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1051½.
  6. Wind used for bombing 205°/35 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. PFF
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
  10. Axis of withdrawal 230°
10. Group rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
13. Flight home was ~~was not~~ as briefed.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. Mickey and Pilotage.
15. Winds aloft were ~~(not)~~ called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~not~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
  2. Gee: OK
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] O.L. Wolz, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 3 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 579
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Cologne, Germany

Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 51°03'N 05°28'E
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? NO

[Signed] Earl G. Maxwell, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Lead Squadron, 94th "B" Group Bombardier - 1st Lt. Maxwell, Earl G.
Pilot - Lt. Col. Stewart, J.T. & Capt. Poston, E.A.
Navigator - Capt. Boardman, Lester W.

Aircraft B-17G L-045 Take-off - 0745 Landed - 1315
Objective - Cologne, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 51°03'N 05°28'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ___ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 12 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On PFF

Information at Release Point: 10/10ths Undercast

Altitude of Target - 185		Magnetic Heading Ordered 097° Actual 122°
True Altitude Above Target - 24,410		True Heading 115°
Indicated Altitude - 24,620		Drift, Estimated 5° Right - Actual 5° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target -111		True Track 110°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 14,612'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 193K		Time of Release 1050
Ground Speed Est. 263 Actual 256K		Length of Bombing Run - 15 Min.
Wind Direction Metro - 300° Actual - 285°		Intervalometer Setting - 75 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 47 Actual 68		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] _____
D.S. - 127 Trail - 57 ATF - 41.44		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .59 Actual .64		Manual Pilot - X [Used]

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 300° Actual 278° Velocity - Metro 47 Actual 68K
Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -37° C.

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 3 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 579
Squadron or Group - High Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Cologne, Germany

Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 51°03'N 05°28'E
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10ths
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? NO

[Signed] Edward H. Andersen, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Lead Squadron, 94th "B" Group Bombardier - 1st Lt. Andersen, Edward H.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Powell, Harvey W.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Perry, Harry U.

Aircraft B-17G V-079 Take-off - 0742 Landed - 1332
Objective - Cologne, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 51°03'N 05°28'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ___ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 12 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 185		Magnetic Heading Ordered 097° Actual 101°
True Altitude Above Target - 25,220		True Heading 095°
Indicated Altitude - 25,500		Drift, Estimated 4° Right - Actual 1° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target -111		True Track 096°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 13,000'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 222K		Time of Release 1051½
Ground Speed Est. 263 Actual 292K		Length of Bombing Run - 15 Min.
Wind Direction Metro - 300° Actual - 275°		Intervalometer Setting - 75 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 47 Actual 60		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 126.2 Trail - 57 ATF - 40.88		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .58 Actual .54		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 75'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 300° Actual 275° Velocity - Metro 45 Actual 60K
Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -37° C.

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 3 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 579
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Cologne, Germany

Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 51°03'N 05°28'E
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10ths
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? NO

[Signed] Jerald E. Traczewitz, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Lead Squadron, 94th "B" Group Bombardier - 1st Lt. Traczewitz, Jerald E.
Pilot - 1st. Lt. Popp, Harlan E.
Navigator - 1st. Lt. Wolz, Orvil L.

Aircraft B-17G Z-687 Take-off - 0745 Landed - 1400
Objective - Cologne, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 51°03'N 05°28'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ___ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 12 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 185		Magnetic Heading Ordered 097° Actual 116°
True Altitude Above Target - 23,675		True Heading 109°
Indicated Altitude - 23,900		Drift, Estimated 4° Right - Actual 1° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target -111		True Track 108°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 14,428'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 221K		Time of Release 1051½
Ground Speed Est. 263 Actual 276K		Length of Bombing Run - 15 Min.
Wind Direction Metro - 300° Actual - 285°		Intervalometer Setting - 75 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 47 Actual 58		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] _____
D.S. - 129 Trail - 57 ATF - 40.88		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .60 Actual .63		Manual Pilot - X [Used]

Type of Release - Train 75'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 300° Actual 285° Velocity - Metro 47 Actual 58K
Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -32° C.

Narrative Teletype Report:

No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
Bombing was done by PFF methods, each squadron bombing on its own lead. Results of the lead and high squadrons are estimated to be fair, with the main concentration of bombs of these two squadrons dropping on the east side of the secondary target - Cologne. Results of the low squadron are estimated to be good, dropping in the heart of the industrial section of Cologne. No ground detail can be seen on photographs due to 10/10ths clouds obscuring the target area.
No enemy aircraft was encountered, and no claims [of enemy planes being shot down] are being submitted.
Flak in the target area was meager to moderate, scattered, and inaccurate. On the route out meager, inaccurate flak was encountered at Euskirchen and Vogelsand.
10/10ths cloud conditions prevailed in the target area, requiring PFF bombing methods.
Nil [No observations of Military importance].
PFF units were employed and the equipment worked well, with results as indicated in paragraph 2 above. Fighter support was fair. Our Scouting Force was not heard, but weather information was relayed to this Group by another Scouting Force. Our A/C P-676 landed in Belgium with two engines u/s [unserviceable]. Our A/C N-169 landed at Wittering and shortly returned to home base. None of our A/C is lost.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

508th Squadron:
A/C 193-L: What is the reason for excessive power on bomb run? - Lt. Johnson.

509th Squadron:
A/C 964-M: High element out of position at time of bombs away. - Lt. Mueller.
From IP to target air speed is too high and it is too difficult to maintain position; this has occurred on last 4 or 5
missions. - Lt. Mueller.
A/C 854-V: The formation was very poor at bombs away. - Lt. Smith.

511th Squadron:
A/C 694-C: Suggest that a single-edge razor blade be put in plane, or else that dinghy knives be sharpened for cutting away
clothing of wounded men. On the last mission we had great difficulty getting at the wound of one of our men. -
Lt. Kasper.

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

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. L-37956 Squadron - 508 -Lead Date - 3 Jan. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive #3 Eng. throwing oil - oil pressure went down to 30#, feathered Eng.
2. Place and altitude K.C. [Kings Cliffe] buncher - 17,000'
3. Time 0845
4. Position in formation #3 Lead, Lead Element
5. Disposition of bombs B.B. [Brought Back]
6. Remarks None
(Pilot's Signature) Robert S. Parnell

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. F-31711 Squadron - 508 - lead Date - 3 Jan. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Pilots oxy. system out.
2. Place and altitude Kings Cliffe at 18,000'
3. Time 0915
4. Position in formation #2 in Low Low - Lead sqdn.
5. Disposition of bombs B.B. [Brought Back]
6. Remarks The leak seemed to be in the tunnel.
(Pilot's Signature) Henry F. Kale
GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
1. Cause (if mechanical) I found Oxygen leak in TT [Top Turret] swivel joint. Didn't shut valve off - and using portable bottle - valve failed - backed out of resolving of Turret - Mech. failure.
2. Responsibility
3. Tyoe if abortive
4. Position in formation
5. Disposition of bombs
6. Remarks
(Eng. Officer's Signature) B

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. C-8753 Squadron - 508 - Lead Date - 3 January, 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive: Could only get 24" HG [Mercury] on #3 engine. #2 manifold pressure was oscillating.
2. Place and altitude: 51°57'N 00°54'E [3.5 miles N of Colchester, England] 20,000 ft.
3. Time: 0950
4. Position in formation: No. 2 in Low section, lead box
5. Disposition of bombs: Landed
6. Remarks: None
(Pilot's Signature) John W. Crutcher
GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
1. Cause (if mechanical): No. 3 Turbo Gov. [Governor] out.
2. Responsibility: ____
3. Type if abortive: ____
4. Position in formation: ____
5. Disposition of bombs: ____
6. Remarks: Mechanical Malfunction.
(Eng. Officer's Signature) ____

“J” Form:

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

a. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group Lead Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: L–7956, K–8130, J–7973, C–8753, O–8277, G–8954, M–7900, F–1711
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: M–9001, B–6610, (R–1714 Spare)
Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)
Sqdn 524th A/C: (B–7905 GH) 379th Group

b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group Low Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: None
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: G–7862, L–7515, H–8280, P–8038
Sqdn 511th A/C: (Z–7687 PFF), B–8691, Q–8080, F–7705, H–8435, C–8694, J–6579, P–2676

c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group High Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C:
Sqdn 509th A/C: Z–7696, Q–8116, P–7843, O–7595, L–7193, F–6566, U–8591, C–8640, M–7964, N–7169, (V–7854 Spare)
Sqdn 510th A/C: N–7665, (V–8079 PFF)
Sqdn 511th A/C: None

Target: GSGS 4416 - 5006E/5107/C/L

W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T SGD R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T SYJ R/T TIPSTAFF
Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T WWS R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NVX R/T PARTNERSHIP

Taxi – 0730; Take-Off – 0745; E.T.D. Field – 0745
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)

0957 22,000 Ft North Foreland
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)

1012 25,000 Ft 51°13'N 02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)

1202 10,000 Ft 51°13'N 02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)

1238 5,000 Ft Felixstowe
E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1328 Hours
MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
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:
Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
Leaders:
Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Col. Stewart A/C No & Sqdn. L-8045 PFF (511)
Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt Popp A/C No & Sqdn. Z-7687 (511)
High Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Powell A/C No & Sqdn. V-8079 (510)
Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
None

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
0957	22,000 Ft	North Foreland

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
1012	25,000 Ft	51°13'N 02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
1202	10,000 Ft	51°13'N 02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
1238	5,000 Ft	Felixstowe

Report Compiled By Shepard, M/Sgt.

Formation Chart:

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Stewart–Poston A/C 44-8045 L PFF
			Parnell A/C 43-37956 L		Muffett A/C 43-37905 B GH
	Stahl A/C 43-38130 K						Lowry A/C 43-39001 M
Wiese A/C 43-37978 J		Crutcher–Wisdom A/C 43-38753 C				Zimmerman A/C 43-38277 O		Buttel A/C 43-38954 G
	Glazier A/C 43-37900 M						Sugg A/C 42-31714 R Spare
Beringer A/C 44-6610 B		Kale A/C 42-31711 F

94th "B" Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Stewart–Poston A/C 44-8045 PFF
			Zimmerman A/C 43-38277 O		Muffett A/C 43-37905 B GH
	Stahl A/C 43-38130						Lowry A/C 43-39001 M
Wiese A/C 43-37978 J		H.F. Smith A/C 43-37854 V				Sugg A/C 42-31714 R		Buttel A/C 43-38954 G
	Glazier A/C 43-37900 H
Beringer A/C 44-6610 B

Lt. Parnell aborted and his position was filled by Lt. Zimmerman.
Lt. Zimmerman's position was filled by Lt. Sugg the Lead Sqdn. Spare Aircraft.
Lt. Crutcher aborted and his position was filled by Lt. H.F. Smith the High Sqdn. Spare Aircraft.
Lt. Kale aborted. His position was not filled.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				509th Squadron
				Powell–Crews A/C 44-8079 V PFF
			Hammond A/C 43-37696 Z		Knight A/C 43-38116 Q
	Walker A/C 42-97843 P						Cronin A/C 43-37595 O
Johnson, E.G. A/C 42-97193 L		Goldsborough A/C 44-6566 F				Whittaker A/C 43-38591 U		Della-Cioppa A/C 43-38640 C
	Mueller A/C 43-37964 M						Smith, H.F. A/C 43-37854 V Spare
Parker A/C 43-37665 N		Foreman A/C 42-97169 N

Lt H.F. Smith flying Spare Aircraft filled in the Lead Squadron when Lt. Crutcher aborted.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				511th Squadron
				Popp A/C 42-97687 Z PFF
			Hadley A/C 43-37862 G		Robinson A/C 43-38691 B
	Johnson, H.C. A/C 43-38080 Q						Langdon A/C 43-37705 F
Butler A/C 43-37515 L		Gattens A/C 43-38435 H				Kasper A/C 43-38694 C		Sandel A/C 44-6579 J
	Fox A/C 42-102676 P
Patterson A/C 44-8280 H		Taylor A/C 42-38038 P

Lt. Fox, after the target, landed in Belgium with two engines out.

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0930 BST [British Standard Time] Briefing: Enlisted Men 0430, Officers 0500 Stations: 0710 Start Engines: 0720 Taxi: 0730 Take-Off: 0745 Leave Base: 0745 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0330, Officers 0400]

[Wounded On Mission: 0]

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

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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #253

Credited Mission #246