351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #254

Credited Mission #247

Briefing Outline:

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual & GH Primary: Eudenbach [Germany] near Bonn Airfield
   3. PFF Primary: Koblenz
   4. Visual Secondary: ____
   5. PFF Secondary: ____
   6. Last Resort: Kastellaun Airfield
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 1000
   Stations:	- 0815
   Start Engines:	- 0825
   Taxi:	- 0835
   Take Off:	- 0850
   Target Time:	- 1305
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- ____

   
     Gasoline 2,600 Gallons
   
   

3. LOADING:
   Lead -	All A/C Maximum [# of] 100# GP [General Purpose] No Nose [Fuse] x 1/40 [Fuse]
   High -
   Low -
   Composite -	___

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: ____
   
   
5. Chaff: Release 3 mins. before IP for 6 mins & 6 min. before Target.
   
   

6. 	Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
   	"A" Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	401
   	"B" Gp. in 94 CBW	351
   	"C" Gp. in 94 CBW	Screening Force
   A Task Force	1 Div. Lead	41 A
   	2nd CBW	94 A
   B Task Force	3rd CBW	40 A
   	4th CBW	1 A
   	2nd Div.	270 A/C	M/Y S of Koblenz	Selsey Bill at 1000
   	3rd Div.	10 Grps.

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: Group Lead, High & Low Squadron Lead. GH A/C to fly as Group Deputy Lead.
   
   REMARKS: ____
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 1 Gps. of P-51’s
   
   
8. Other Forces: 4 Gps. P-51's for 1st Division.
   
   
9. Assembly:

   Lead at	14,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   High at	15,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   Low at	13,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   401st at	14,000'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher
   457th at	____	feet on	____	Buncher
   Composite at	____	feet on	____	Buncher

   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Andover to Splasher #11
   Division Assembly Line: Selsey Bill to 50°14’N-01°36’E [Le Crotoy, France]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - U-591, High - H-280, Low - P-038
     c. Camera A/C   N-169, H-280, P-258
      to return at  Continental Coast Out
     d. Spares to turn back at French Coast
     e. REMARKS: Base weather conditions are expected to be critical. Severe icing & turbulence will be found in clouds. Under no circumstances will pilots fly A/C into clouds.
      The High Grps. will fly directly over & guide on Low Grps.
      On bomb run, the High Groups will fly slightly in trail of their respective Low Grps.
      If the Primary Target is attacked the Low Groups should turn sharp left after bombing to allow the High Groups as much unimpeded bomb run as possible.
    
     BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft Baker	RG [Red Green]
    401st	Woodcraft Able	RY
    457th	Woodcraft Screening Force	RRR
    1st Div. Air Commander	Lt. Col. Roper		Cowboy Scouter
    94th CBW Air Commander	Capt. Locher		Woodcraft Able Leader

    
    

    Fighters	Balance 3	Buckeye Red
    Bombers	Vinegrove 3-4	Sun Hat Leader
    Grnd. Control	Mohair

    
    VHF Authentication: "Jockey Boy"
    
    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 22,000’
    
    
15. Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All A/C monitor except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - L-193, T-461, C-753
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] T-384
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F. [Air Force] P-843
    5. Channel “D” - All A/C have A/S [Air/Sea] rescue available except A-358, C-125, G-078, B-349 which have 8th A.F. Fighters.
    
    
16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ____
    2. Expected Runway on return. ____
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

1. Date of Mission - 5 January, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked: The Secondary Target at Koblenz, Germany was attacked by PFF methods.
   2. Force: 94th “B” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including three PFF ships, one GH ship, and two flying spares were scheduled. The GH ship never joined the formation, however.
   3. Position: The 94th "B" Group flew its briefed position in the Division column. The proper spot, however, was not flown until after crossing the French coast.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major Mortimer L. Korges
      	Pilot:	Captain Vernon R. Weatherman
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Arnold Schiffman

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Winfield F. Muffett
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Edwin L. Olsen
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Charles H. Hubbell
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Frank H. Reising

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Robert P. Redman
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. John Z. Miller
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. John W. Bury
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Alan B. Reed

      
      
2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out at the Kings Cliffe buncher at an altitude of 17,500 feet, 3,500 feet above the briefed altitude. This was necessary in order to stay above the cloud cover at the briefed altitude.
   2.  Route Over England: The departure from the buncher was made on time (1009). The briefed route was very closely followed over England, the only divergency being in the actual and briefed altitudes, and slight variances in briefed and actual times. It was necessary to fly above the briefed altitudes because of weather. There was little divergency in reaching the control points over England. The departure point, Selsey Bill, was reached one minute late (1057) at an altitude of 24,500 feet.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: The briefed Division Assembly Line was flown. The 94th "B" Group, however, was not in its briefed position. The French coast was crossed at the briefed point twelve minutes early (1125) at an altitude of 27,000 feet. Although the formation had been in the Division column, it was not in its briefed position behind the 94th "A" Group. Both of these formations executed 360° turns inside the coast and swung into the proper positions without difficulty.
   4.  Flight to Target: The Division column was followed in the flight to the target. There was little divergency from the briefed course. The briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached at 1238 - twenty-two minutes early - at an altitude of 25,000 feet, the briefed height. As the GH ship had never joined the formation, it was impossible to make a GH run. It was decided to attack the secondary target by PFF methods.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The briefed IP for the primary target was used on the attack on the secondary target. The PFF equipment in the Group Lead aircraft had been found to be inoperative at the assembly, but the Group Leader had decided not to abandon the formation and get another ship, as the Deputy Leader (flying in the GH ship) had not joined the formation. The Lead Squadron flew on the wing of the High Squadron and dropped its bombs on it.
      
      The High Squadron performed its own sighting operation and the Lead Squadron dropped its bombs on it. The briefed IP had been reached, but the briefed turn for the primary target had not been made. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot was not used.
      
      The Low Squadron performed its own sighting operation. It was forced to the right by the Lead and High Squadrons as it released its bombs. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used and functioned satisfactorily. The target was found to be completely overcast.
   6.  Flight From Target: In attacking the secondary target, the formation had flown inside of the route briefed for the attack on the primary target. The Lead Squadron took over the lead of the group after leaving the target and joined the rest of the Division Column south of the IP. The briefed route was at first followed with little variance in trailing the preceding formations. Over Belgium, however, the preceding groups were followed in going to the left of course in order to avoid bad weather on the briefed route. As a result of this divergency, departure from the Belgian coast was made to the left of the briefed point. The Belgian coast was departed at 1249½ at an altitude of 19,000 feet. Let-down was not started until mid-channel was reached. The English coast was crossed at the briefed point, Felixstowe, at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The briefed course was followed to base, and the High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas before landing. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support: Very Good.
   8.  Comments: Aircraft 43-38070, pilot Lt Murray, was reported missing. The aircraft was last seen shortly after bombs away with one engine feathered and slowly losing altitude. Its crew has since been reported as safe on the continent; further details are lacking. One aircraft was unable to join the group and flew and bombed with the 384th Group at Neider-Breisig. Meager, inaccurate flak was encountered at the target and at the battle line in the vicinity of Pronsvield. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Weather in the target area was ten-tenths overcast. The Weather Scouting Force was contacted, but no weather information was received.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Three aircraft in the Lead Squadron returned to base early with reported mechanical failures. The two flying spares remained with the formation.

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

Statistical Summary:

	94th “C” COMBAT BOMB WING 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
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Secondary Target	KOBLENZ, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target	10	13	11	34
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	372 x 100# GP	482 x 100# GP	417 x 100# GP	1271 x 100# GP
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.)			384th Gp PFF
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.			1	1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs			38 x 100# GP	38 x 100# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	1	0	1
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	0850	0851	0853
Time of Attack	1254	1253½	1254
Average Time of Flight	6:47	7:00	6:53
Altitude of Release		23,900’	21,900’
Visual or PFF	PFF	PFF	PFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MEAGER & 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	RESULTS UNOBSERVED

The 2 A/C scheduled as flying spares (Lead and High Sqdns.) replaced two of the three abortives in the Lead Squadron.
PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None

GH Aircraft		[FROM]
[42-107]125		384th Gp.
PFF Aircraft
44-8358		351st Gp.
42-97687		351st Gp.
44-8079		351st Gp.

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eudenbach, 5 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0651 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0900 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 16,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1018 hours at Lutterworth.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. S'd on each side of course to lose time.
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   6. Division formation was joined at 1051 hours at Control Point 1.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Made 360 over Continent to lose time.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Pilotage, Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 110.
      3. Actual Drift 5° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1254.
      6. Wind used for bombing 355°/20 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. ___
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. Lead had to bomb off high. Had difficulty getting high in the lead.
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths.
      10. Axis of withdrawal 180°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at Target at 1254 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 50°18'N 07°28'E [Kobern-Gondorf, Germany] at 1318 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 50°18'N 07°28'E [Kobern-Gondorf, Germany] at 1318 hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. GEE, DR [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage and Radio Compass.
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: Out
       2. Gee: OK
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] Thomas C. Kyser, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eudenbach, 5 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0851½ hours.
   2. Group formed at 1011 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 18,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1058 hours at Selsey Bill.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   6. Division formation was joined at ____ hours at ____.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, Pilotage and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 104.
      3. Actual Drift -20
      4. Altitude over Target 26,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1253½.
      6. Wind used for bombing 30°/65 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. ____
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 180°
   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. Gee
   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:] Charles H. Hubbell, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eudenbach, 5 January, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0852 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0920 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 15,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1052 hours at Selsey Bill.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Pilotage, Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   6. Division formation was joined at 1052 hours at Selsey Bill.
   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 pilotage
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 104.
      3. Actual Drift 12° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 23,900.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1254.
      6. Wind used for bombing 28°/42 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths.
      10. Axis of withdrawal 180°
   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. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee 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:] John Bury, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 5 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 598
Squadron or Group - High Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Koblenz, Germany

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? High Sqdn made own sighting with the Lead Sqdn dropping on the high on a Mag. [Magnetic Compass] heading of 116° at 1254 hours.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
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? C-1 Pilot was not used.
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

High Squadron, 94th CBW "B" Group
Bombardier - 1st Lt. Reising, Frank H.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Muffett, Winfield F.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Hubbell, Charles H.

Aircraft B-17G   Z-687  Take-off - 0851 Landed - 1540
Objective - Koblenz, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Squadron - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 24   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 - 38 x 100 Lb. AN-M30 G.P.'s [General Purpose] & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - ____   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On PFF

Information at Release Point:  Lead Sqdn dropped on High Sqdn.

Altitude of Target - + 760		Magnetic Heading Ordered 056° Actual 110°
True Altitude Above Target - 23,900		True Heading 104°
Indicated Altitude - 26,000		Drift, Estimated 10° Right - Actual 10° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +930		True Track 114°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 8,308'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 218K		Time of Release 1253½
Ground Speed Est. 176 Actual 192		Length of Bombing Run - 45 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 10° Actual - 030°		Intervalometer Setting - 75 feet
Wind Velocity Metro 35K Actual 65K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] _____
D.S. - 121.  Trail - 114   ATF - 43.6		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .35 Actual .42		Manual Pilot - X [Used]

Type of Release - 75' Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -22.5 Actual -22
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 10°  Actual 30°  Velocity - Metro 55  Actual 65
Temp C. - Metro -48° C. Actual -45° C.

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 5 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 598
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Koblenz, Germany

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? Low Sqdn performed own PFF sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? Lead and High Squadrons of this group forced us to the left as bombs went away.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Low Squadron, 94th CBW "B" Group
Bombardier - 1st Lt. Reed, Alan B.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Redman, Robert P.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Bury, John W.

Aircraft B-17G   V-079  Take-off - 0852 Landed - 1545
Objective - Koblenz, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 38 x 100 Lb. AN-M30 G.P.'s [General Purpose] & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - ____   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On PFF

Information at Release Point:  

Altitude of Target - 760'		Magnetic Heading Ordered 056° Actual 110°
True Altitude Above Target - 21,900		True Heading 104°
Indicated Altitude - 23,900		Drift, Estimated 10° Right - Actual 12½° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +930		True Track 116°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 8,041'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 218K		Time of Release 1254
Ground Speed Est. 176 Actual 212		Length of Bombing Run - 45 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 10° Actual - 028°		Intervalometer Setting - 75 feet
Wind Velocity Metro 35K Actual 42K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 128.9  Trail - 112   ATF - 41.12		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .36 Actual .39		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - 75' Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -22.5 Actual -22.5
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 10°  Actual 28°  Velocity - Metro 35  Actual 42
Temp C. - Metro -47° C. Actual -44° C.

Tail Gunners Report:
Date - 5 Jan. 1945
Name - Duvall
Squadron - 510

1. Leave Buncher: No. of A/C [Aircraft] - Lead ____ , High ____, Low __12__.
2. A/C at Enemy Coast: Lead ____ , High ____, Low __12__.
3. Abortives - [Ship] 461
4. Spares Filling In: No of A/C - ____  Position - ____
5. Remarks: ____
6. Fighter Escort - Time Sighted: 11:55
7. Flak: Estimated No. of Guns - 10
8. Position from you - ____
9. Time - ____
10. Accuracy - Light - unaccurate [sic]
11. Remarks on Formation - Good
12. Bombs Away: A/C Releasing Late - None
       A/C Releasing Early - None
13. Remarks - Formation on Bomb Run: The formation was good at all times.
14. A/C in trouble: None
15. [Enemy] Fighter Tactics Report - Time of Attacks - ____
16. Number of E/A [Enemy Aircraft] - ____
17. Type of Attacks - ____
18. Number of Passes - ____
19. Type of E/A - ____
20. Remarks - ____
21. Turrets not searching - ____

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] at Koblenz was attacked by PFF methods through 10/10ths clouds, with unobserved results. Both the PFF and GH A/C [Aircraft] of the lead Squadron were not available for bombing purposes, and bombing by the lead squadron was done on the lead A/C of the high squadron. The PFF equipment in this A/C operated only fairly well, and results are uncertain. The low squadron bombed on its own PFF A/C and expects good results. Photographs show no ground detail.
3. No enemy aircraft was encountered, and no claims [of enemy A/C being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Meager, inaccurate flak was encountered at the target and at the battle line in the vicinity of Pronsfield.
5. Weather over the target was 10/10ths overcast.
6. There were no observations of military importance.
7. PFF A/C were used as indicated in paragraph 2 above. The equipment of the lead aircraft was inoperative on the bomb run. Scouting Force was contacted, but no weather information was obtained from this Force. Fighter support was very good. Our A/C C-694 was unable to join this Group and flew and bombed with the 384th Group at Hieder-Breisig. Our A/C G-070 has not returned to base and was last seen shortly after bombs away with one engine feathered and slowly losing altitude.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C A-410: Believe we could have come down from altitude a lot sooner. - Lt. Hays
A/C M-900: Lead was bad today. The let-down was the worst. Group didn't follow the briefed let-down procedure. - Lt. Wiese.
A/C C-753: Why didn't we let down through some of the holes and get off oxygen sooner, instead of staying at altitude over
      England on the return? - Lt. Crutcher.
A/C J-978: F/O [Flight Officer] Eaton flew practice mission last night - landed at 10:30 P.M. and then had to fly mission today. -
      F/O Eaton.
A/C M-650: Flew last night until 10:30. - Lt. Buttel.
A/C F-711: Why did we stay at altitude so long after reaching the English coast on the return trip? - Lt. Berringer.
A/C K-130: Ten minutes early at I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Poor leadership all way - did not stick to briefed route. -
      Lt. Stahl and Lt. Hansen.

    509th Squadron:
A/C J-579: Lt. Foreman did a very nice job of flying formation on this mission. - Lt. Walker.

    510th Squadron:
A/C C-694: On hazy days like today, it would be much easier to land with back to the sun. - Lt. Gottschalk.
A/C L-515: We could have used magnesium flare-pots at end of runway today. - Lt. Gode.

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

Mission Summary Report:

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97193, 509th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot stated #1 engine had an oil leak. Investigation disclosed internal failure of the #1 engine.
   2. Airplane No. 43-38428, 511th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot stated that #2 and #3 engines detonated above 35" MP [Intake Manifold Pressure]. Aircraft ground checked satisfactorily. Aircraft was test flown at 27,000' and investigation revealed #3 engine slightly rough at 2400 RPM and 42" MP.

  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. L-97193 Squadron - 509 - Lead  Date - 5 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive - #1 engine out - broken crankshaft.
   2. Place and altitude - Just after leaving Kings Cliffe buncher at 16,000 ft.
   3. Time 10:15
   4. Position in formation - #3 in the high element, lead sqdn.
   5. Disposition of bombs - brought back.
   6. Remarks ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Elmer G. Johnson, 2nd Lt.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. GH A/C 7125 Squadron - 545 [384th Bomb Group] Lead Date - 5 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive - Took Off 7 min. after last take off. Could not catch formation.
   2. Place and altitude - 20 mi. beyond Belgium Coast 
   3. Time 11:50
   4. Position in formation - Deputy
   5. Disposition of bombs - Brought them back.
   6. Remarks ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Charles E. Daugherty Jr.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. A-43-38428 Squadron - 511th  Date - 5 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: - #2 and #3 engines detonating. Had to use low power settings and could only get 140 MPH indicated. #1 prop change pitch at high altitude and sounded as if running away.
   2. Place and altitude: - 0136 East 5114 North at 27,000
   3. Time: 11:55
   4. Position in formation: - Three in Low Low
   5. Disposition of bombs: - Returned
   6. Remarks: - Could not get enough speed to stay in formation or even join.
     (Pilot's Signature) C.D. Hammett, 2nd Lt.

“J” Form:

1. 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: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (A–8358 PFF), U–8591, O–7595, M–7964, P–7843, L–7193, T–1384, G–6078, N–71692, C–8640, (V–7854 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: J–6579
   Sqdn 545th A/C: (G–7125 GH) 384th Group

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (V–8079 PFF) P–8038, B–6610, N–7665, L–7515, G–7862, M–9001, T–8461, R–1714, S–7512, H–8280, U–7216
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: M–7900, B–7349, K–8130, A–8410, F–1711, J–7978, C–8753, Q–8799, P–7258, G–8954
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (Z–7687 PFF), M–8650, (G–8070 Spare)

2. Target: GU 3960
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T PHT R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T UXK R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T SMP R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T KFD R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0835; Take-Off – 0850; E.T.D. Field – 0850
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1056	18,000 Ft	Selsey Bill

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1137	20,000 Ft	50°14'N-01°36'E [Le Crotoy, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1405	10,000 Ft	51°08'N-02°42'E [Nieuwpoort, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1514	7,000 Ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1555 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 38 x 100 G.P. - No Nose [Fuse] x 1/40 [Tail Fuse]
    Low Squadron: Same
    High Squadron: Same
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2600 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Maj. Korges A/C No & Sqdn. A-8358 PFF (509)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Redman  A/C No & Sqdn. V-8079 (510)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Muffett A/C No & Sqdn. Z-7687 (511)
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Grasmehr, Sgt.

Formation Chart:

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Korges–Weatherman A/C 44-8358 A PFF
			Whittaker A/C 43-38591 U		Daugherty A/C 42-107125 G
	Walker A/C 44-6579 J						Cronin A/C 43-37595 O
Smith, H.F. A/C 43-37964 M		Foreman A/C 42-97843 C				Johnson, E.G. A/C 42-97193 L		Goldsborough A/C 42-31384 T
	Mueller A/C 44-6078 G						Parker A/C 43-37854 V Spare
Hammett A/C 43-38428 A		Quinn A/C 43-38640 C

Lt Daugherty flying the GH ship, 42-107125 G, a 384th Group A/C, took off late and could not catch the formation.
Lt Johnson flying 42-97193 L aborted because #1 engine failed. His position was filled by Lt Parker, the flying spare.
Lt Hammett flying 43-38428 A aborted because two engines weren't operating properly.

94th "A" Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Korges–Weatherman A/C 44-8358 A PFF
			Whittaker A/C 43-38591 U		Goldsborough A/C 42-31384 T
	Walker A/C 44-6579 J						Cronin A/C 43-37595 O
Smith, H.F. A/C 43-37964 M		Foreman A/C 42-97843 C				Parker A/C 43-37854 V		Murray A/C 43-38070 G
	Mueller A/C 44-6078 G
		Quinn A/C 43-38640 C

Lt Goldsborough filled in Lt Daugherty position, who couldn't catch formation.
Lt Murray, the spare aircraft in High Sqdn., filled in Lt. Goldsborough position.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				508th Squadron
				Muffett A/C 42-97687 Z PFF
			Wiese A/C 43-37900 M		Glazier A/C 42-97349 B
	Stahl A/C 43-38130 K						Lowry A/C 44-8410 A
Beringer A/C 42-31711 F		Kale A/C 43-37978 J				Buttel A/C 43-38650 M		Crutcher A/C 43-38753 C
	Parnell A/C 43-38799 Q						Murray A/C 43-38070 G Spare
Sugg A/C 42-97258 P		Wisdom A/C 43-38954 G

Spare Aircraft - Lt Murray filled in Lead Squadron.

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				510th Squadron
				Redman A/C 44-8079 V PFF
			Lawson–Kirkland A/C 42-38038 P		Dinning A/C 44-6610 B
	Cutler A/C 43-37665 N						Cramer A/C 43-37515 L
Brooks A/C 43-37862 G		Blaney A/C 43-39001 M				Gottschalk–Rebo A/C 43-38694 C [*]		Rossen A/C 42-31714 R
	Miller A/C 43-37512 S
Haskins A/C 44-8280 H		Gonske A/C 42-97216 U

[* - Gottschalk flew & bombed with 384th Bomb Group based at Grafton-Underwood.]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 1000 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0530, Officers 0600 Stations: 0815 Start Engines: 0825 Taxi: 0835 Take-Off: 0850  Leave Base: 0850 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0430, Officers 0500]

[Wounded On Mission: 0, Missing 9 - Later returned to Polebrook.]

Missing Air Crew:

• A/C# 43-38070   DS-G  Pilot: Lt. Murray  A/C's 42nd Mission   Pilot's 1st Mission

  Circumstances:

  Aircraft 43-38070 was reported missing after the mission of 5 Jan. 1945. The aircraft was last seen shortly after bombs away with one engine feathered and slowly losing altitude. The Operations Narrative reports that "its crew has since been reported as safe on the continent; further details are lacking." The crew returned to Polebrook and flew another mission on 14 Jan. 1945. The plane, after engine repairs, was returned to Polebrook and flew on mission 288, March 8, 1945.