351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #261

Credited Mission #254

Briefing Outline:

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary & G-H: Aschaffenburg [Germany] Tank Depot
   3. PFF Primary: Aschaffenburg - M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard]
   4. Visual Secondary: 
   5. PFF Secondary: 
   6. Last Resort: Pforzheim [Germany] R/Y [Rail Yard]
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0930
   Stations:	- 0715
   Start Engines:	- 0725
   Taxi:	- 0735
   Take Off:	- 0750
   Target Time:	- ____
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- ____

   
     Last T.O. [Take Off] 0900 Hrs.
   
     Gasoline 2,780 Gallons
   
   

3. LOADING:
   Lead -	6 x 500 Lb. G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 – 1/100 [Fuses] Plus 6 x [500 Lb.] M17 IB's [Incendiary Bomb]
   High -	Same
   Low -	Same
   Composite -	___

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Primary [Target] GH - 140'; Visual – Salvo. Secondary [Target] Visual - Salvo; PFF - 100'
   
   
5. Chaff: Each A/C Carrying 360 Units: Commence Release 11 mins. before target & continue for 15 mins.
   
   

6. Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
   "A" Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	351	Aschaffenburg
   "B" Gp. in 94 CBW	457	Aschaffenburg
   "C" Gp. in 94 CBW	401	Aschaffenburg
   1 Div. Lead	1 Gp - 41A	Aschaffenburg
   2nd CBW	3 Gps - 40A	Aschaffenburg
   3rd CBW	3 Gps - 1st A	Aschaffenburg
   4th CBW	94A	Aschaffenburg
   2nd Div.	150 A/C Following 3rd Division	Heilbronn M/Y
   3rd Div.	360 A/C Following 1st Division	Mannheim - Armament & M/Y

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: Group Lead & Deputy, High & Low Squadron Lead. Combination GH & H2X A/C to fly Gp. Lead.
   
   REMARKS: ____
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 6 Gps. of P-51’s Close Support
   
   
8. Other Forces: 2 Gps. of P-51’s Target Support
   
   
9. Assembly:

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

   
   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Hadleigh to Dungeness
   Division Assembly Line: Dungeness to 50°53’N-01°37’E [11 miles SW of Calais, France]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - If GH - Group Bombing; If Visual or PFF Bomb by Squadrons.
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - M-900, High - F-705, Low - S-512
     c. Camera A/C   P-258, N-169, U-216
      to return at  Continental Coast Out[bound]
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. REMARKS: 2 minute interval between Groups.
       8 P-51's c/s [Call Sign] Buckeye Red arriving in target area 20 minutes before Division Leader will relay weather info.
    
     BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft Able	RG [Red Green]
    401st	Woodcraft Charlie	RY
    457th	Woodcraft Baker	RY
    1st Div. Air Commander	Cowboy Able
    94th CBW Air Commander	Woodcraft Able	RG

    
    

    Fighters	____	____
    Bombers	____	____
    Grnd. Control	____

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - ____		____
    C.P. 2 - ____		____
    ____		____
    _____		____

    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 24,000’
    
    
15. Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - ____
    2. Channel “B” - ____
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] ____
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F. [Air Force] ____
    5. Channel “D” - ____
    
    
16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. ____
    2. Expected Runway on return. ____
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. ____
       
       

Operational Narrative.

1. Date of Mission - 21 Jan. 1945
   1. Target Attacked:  The secondary target at Aschaffenburg, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods.
   2. Force:  94th “A” Group. Thirty-seven aircraft, including three PFF ships and one GH ship from the 303rd Group, were dispatched.
   3. Position: It is believed that the 94th “A” flew as seventh group in the Division Formation. It was briefed to fly as eighth.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Lt Col James T. Stewart
      	Pilot:	Captain Evan A. Poston
      	Navigator:	1st Lt John C. Talbott
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. George H. Plaut

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Leader:	1st Lt. Benjamin F. Nay
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt Donald L. Fish
      	Navigator:	1st Lt John P. Curley
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt Wayne A. Grundish

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Leader:	1st Lt Robert L. Cutler
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt George F. Adams
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt William H. Tabb
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt Malcolm S. Burr

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The Group Leader was delayed in his take-off from the 303rd base, when his GH ship was changed. The deputy took off from base and started forming the formation over the Kings Cliffe buncher. By the time the Group Leader reached the assembly area, the group was nearly formed.  The Group Leader then took over the formation and completed the assembly.
   2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly area was made on time (0850) at the briefed altitude of 9,000 feet. The weather ship reported that Point C should be reached at briefed plus three, but later changed it to the briefed altitude. The briefed course was closely followed. The 94th “B” and “C” Groups fell into position behind the 94th “A” without difficulty. High fog and clouds were encountered on the leg to Splasher #8, and the High Squadron became separated from the Lead and Low Squadrons. The turn to Dungeness was made slightly short of Splasher #8. The departure point, Dungeness, was reached at the briefed altitude of 15,000 feet three minutes late (0947).
   3.  Division Assembly Line: The briefed course was closely followed in crossing the channel. The High Squadron was heard over VHF attempting to contact the Lead and Low Groups, but due to the fact that the VHF was being used excessively by another formation attempting to contact one of its squadrons, it was not possible to forward the necessary information to the High Squadron that would permit it to join the Lead and Low Squadrons immediately. The French coast was crossed at the briefed point at the briefed altitude of 15,000 feet two minutes late (0955). It is believed that six, rather than seven groups were ahead of the 94th “A” Group in the Division Column.
   4.  Flight to Target: The flight to the target was made on the briefed route with very slight variance. The High Squadron reached the Lead and Low Squadrons in the vicinity of the front lines and flew in its assigned spot. The briefed IP was reached one minute late (1149) at an altitude of 24,000 feet, 2,000 feet above the briefed altitude. Cloud cover and heavy contrails had made it necessary to increase the bombing altitude.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The GH equipment was found to be inoperative3. The Leader could not let his Deputy take over for a PFF run on the secondary target due to the fact that the mickey set was operative for navigation purposes but could not be used for bombing. The high Squadron was told to lead the group formation on the bombing run. A PFF sighting was made by the High Squadron and the Lead Squadron dropped on it. The briefed turn was made at the IP. The target was completely covered. No interference was encountered on the bomb run, and the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] is reported as having functioned satisfactorily.  The Low Squadron performed its own sighting operation on the secondary target. No interference was encountered on the bombing run, and the C-1 Pilot is reported as having functioned satisfactorily.
   6.  Flight From Target: After attacking the secondary target, the formation closely followed the briefed route on the withdrawal. It was necessary, however, to go to the right of and to the north of the briefed route before departing from the Belgian coast in order to avoid clouds on the briefed route. Departure from the Belgian coast was made to the right of the briefed point in the vicinity of Ostende. The altitude at that point was 10,000 feet. After leaving the coast, the formation gradually closed into the briefed route and crossed the English coast at the briefed route and crossed the English coast at the briefed point, Felixstowe, at an altitude of 7,000 feet. At that point, the formation was one minute early (1513). The deputy took over the lead in the vicinity of Cambridge, while the Group Leader left the formation to land the GH ship at the 303rd Group base. A direct route to base was flown, the High and Low Squadrons going to their respective stand-off areas before landing. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support: Very good.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. No flak was encountered. Ten-tenths cloud coverage was encountered on the route in and persisted in the target area. Dense, persistent contrails were observed. The Weather Scouting Force was not contacted by the Group Lead.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Four aircraft returned to base early. One flying spare returned as planned.

  [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	1	0	0	1
No. of A/C Airborne	12*	13	12	37
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	12*	12	12	36
No. of A/C Sorties	12*	8	12	32
No. of A/C Attacking	12*	8	12	32
No. of A/C Not Attacking	0	4	0	4
Name of Primary Target	ASCHAFFENBURG, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	12	8	12	32
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	74 x 500# GP  67 x 500# IB	47 x 500# GP  48 x 500# IB	71 x 500# GP  72 x 500# IB	192 x 500# GP  187 x 500# IB
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	0751	0752	0755
Time of Attack	1202½	1202½	1205
Average Time of Flight	7:32	8:12	8:07
Altitude of Release	22,200’	22,500’	21,660’
Visual or PFF	PFF	PFF	PFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	NONE	NONE	NONE
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

  * - Includes 1 GH aircraft from 303rd Group

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: GH A/C 8125 - 303rd Bomb Group
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None

PFF Aircraft From 351st Bomb Group
44-8358
44-8079
42-97701

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on ASCHAFFENBURG (PFF) 21 JAN., 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0813 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0835 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 9,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0845 hours at Kings Cliffe.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Pilotage and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   6. Division formation was joined at 0947 hours at Dungeness.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, Mickey and DR [Dead Reckoning]
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 004°.
      3. Actual Drift 5° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 24,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1202½
      6. Wind used for bombing 250°/40 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Mickey
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. Had to allow High Sqdn take over Lead due to failure of Mickey apparatus.
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10
      10. Axis of withdrawal 130°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at 49°40'N 09°30'E at 1208 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 48°40'N 08°40'E at 1231 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 48°27'N 08°20'E at 1239 hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed. Stayed 5 mi. right of course on way home in order to miss Dunkirk.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   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 of Order
       2. Gee: Good
       3. Radio Compass: Good
       4. Fluxgate: Good
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] John C. Talbott, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on ASCHAFFENBURG (PFF) 21 JAN., 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0753 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0853 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 10,100 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at ____ hours at ____.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Weather caused slight changes.
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Pilotage and DR [Dead Reckoning]
   6. Division formation was joined at 1104 hours at C.P. [Control Point] #2
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Change in altitude for weather.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Mickey and DR.
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 010°.
      3. Actual Drift 10° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 24,400.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1202¼.
      6. Wind used for bombing 327°/42 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Mickey
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. Fluxgate out
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10
      10. Axis of withdrawal 170°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at 49°45'N 09°30'E at 1208 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. Slight diversion north of course on leaving the continent.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Mickey and DR [Dead Reckoning].
   15. Winds aloft were not called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were not as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: Good
       2. Gee: Bad
       3. Radio Compass: Good
       4. Fluxgate: Out
       5. Other Equipment Interphone Bad

  [Signed:] John F. Curley, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on ASCHAFFENBURG (PFF) 21 JAN., 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0755 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0810 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 9,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0956 hours at C.P. [Control Point] #2.
   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 1040 hours at 49°28'N 04°13'E.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was not flown as briefed. Almost as briefed except off to the right at point before the I.P. and S'd back on course.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, Pilotage, Mickey and D.R.
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. For Lead. For our Sqdn we were over to left a few miles taking our interval.
      2. True heading over target. 010°.
      3. Actual Drift 6° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 23,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1205.
      6. Wind used for bombing 260°/25 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Mickey
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None except a little prop wash from Sqdn. ahead for about a minute.
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10 Clouds.
      10. Axis of withdrawal 170° T.H. [True Heading]
   10. Group rally was accomplished at 49°45'N 05°30'E at 1210 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 48°43'N 08°30'E at 1230 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 48°43'N 08°30'E at 1230 hours.
   13. Flight home was was not as briefed. Slight diversion 20 miles north of course just after leaving the continental coast.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. D.R., Mickey, Pilotage and 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:] Wm. H. Tabb, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 21 Jan., 1945
Field Order # 611
Squadron or Group - High Sqdn., 94th CBW "A" Group
Target - [R.R.] Marshalling Yards at Aschaffenburg, 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 Squadron made own PFF sighting operation with the Lead Squadron dropping on the High on a Mag. [Magnetic Compass] heading of 015° at 1202½ 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? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] William B. Lyttle, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

High Squadron, 94th CBW "A" Group Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Grundish, Wayne A.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Nay, Benjamin F.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Curley, John P.

Aircraft B-17G   V-079  Take-off - 0753 Landed - 1605
Objective - Marshalling Yards - Aschaffenburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Two Squadron
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 - 6 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose], 6 x 500 Lb I.B's [Incendiary Bombs] - Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Lead dropped on High (015° at 1202½ hours)

Altitude of Target - 360'		Magnetic Heading Ordered 010° Actual 016°
True Altitude Above Target - 22,500		True Heading 010°
Indicated Altitude - 24,400		Drift, Estimated 7° Right - Actual 10° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +475		True Track 020°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 11,110.9
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 208K		Time of Release 1202½
Ground Speed Est. 219 Actual 185		Length of Bombing Run - 15 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 260° Actual - 327°		Intervalometer Setting - 100 feet
Wind Velocity Metro 25 Actual 42K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 134.6  Trail - 52.5   ATF - 37.82		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. 53.1 Actual .541		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - 100'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -22.6 Actual -22.6
Winds - Altitude - 22,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 260°  Actual 327°  Velocity - Metro 25  Actual 42K
Temp C. - Metro -48° C. Actual -51° C.

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 21 Jan., 1945
Field Order # 611
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th CBW "A" Group
Target - [R.R.] Marshalling Yards at Aschaffenburg, 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 Squadron 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? None
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] William B. Lyttle, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

Low Squadron, 94th CBW "A" Group Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Burr, Malcolm S.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Cutler, Robert L.
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Tabb, William H.

Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 0750 Landed - 1615
Objective - Marshalling Yards - Aschaffenburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed - 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 - 6 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose], 6 x 500 Lb I.B's [Incendiary Bombs] - Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 130'		Magnetic Heading Ordered 010° Actual 016°
True Altitude Above Target - 21,660		True Heading 010°
Indicated Altitude - 23,500		Drift, Estimated 6° Right - Actual 6° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +475		True Track 016°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 10,808.5
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 210K		Time of Release 1205
Ground Speed Est. 219 Actual 219		Length of Bombing Run - 15 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 260° Actual - 260°		Intervalometer Setting - 100 feet
Wind Velocity Metro 25 Actual 22K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 138  Trail - 52.   ATF - 37.		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .54 Actual .519		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - 100' Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -22.5 Actual -22.
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 260°  Actual 260°  Velocity - Metro 25  Actual 22K
Temp C. - Metro -48° C. Actual -51° C.

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The three squadrons of this Group bombed as a Secondary target by PFF methods, the M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] at Aschaffenburg, Germany. The Gee-H equipment in the lead A/C and the PFF equipment in the Deputy Lead A/C of the Lead Squadron both went out and forced them to relinquish the lead to the High Squadron. The High Squadron bombed by PFF methods and the Lead Squadron dropped on the smoke markers of the High Squadron. The Low Squadron made a separate run and bombed by PFF methods. Mickey Operators state that the bomb run was good and estimate good results.
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. No flak was encountered during the mission.
5. Ten-tenths cloud coverage was encountered on the route in and persisted in the target area. Dense persistent contrails were observed.
6. There were no observations of military importance.
7. The Gee-H equipment of the Lead A/C and the PFF equipment in the Deputy Lead A/C of the Lead Squadron went out before the target. The High Squadron assumed the lead and it’s equipment worked well. The Low Squadron made its own bomb run and the PFF equipment worked efficiently. Fighter support was very good. The Scouting Force was not contacted by the Group Leader. None of our A/C are missing.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

    510th Squadron:
A/C S-512 The ammunition in our A/C is gradually being used up and is not being replaced. – Lt. Rodgers.
A/C G-862 The Low squadron flew too high and close to the Lead squadron; the low section was in prop wash during the whole
      mission. – Lt. Brooks.

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

Mission Summary Report:

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38640, 509th Squadron, returned early because pilot could not catch formation; pulling 42” Hg [Mercury] and 2400 RPM.
   2. Airplane No. 44-6566, 509th Squadron, returned early because #2 turbo froze up and increase power in #3 resulted in internal engine failure.
   3. Airplane No. 42-97843, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   4. Airplane No. 43-37705, 511th Squadron, returned early because of foaming in oil tank. Pressure forced oil from filler cap. Lost very little oil (approximately 2 quarts).
   5. Airplane No. 43-38694, 511th Squadron, returned early because of faulty propeller governor.

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

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. F-566 Squadron - High  Date - 21 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Lost #2 Turbo and #3 Engine completely - vibrated excessively before going out.
   2. Place and altitude 23,000' 48°30'N 07°20'E
   3. Time About 11:15
   4. Position in formation #3 in High Element - High Sqdn.
   5. Disposition of bombs Dropped in Channel
   6. Remarks Attribute Engine failure to high power settings necessary to stay in formation
     (Pilot's Signature) Raymond E. Butler

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. C-694 Squadron - 511 - High  Date - 21 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive #2 prop ran away - only control of prop was by throttles
   2. Place and altitude 50°52'N 01°48'E 23,200 ft.
   3. Time 0958
   4. Position in formation Low section Lead
   5. Disposition of bombs Point A 52°19'N 02°41'E
   6. Remarks #2 prop governor was changed yesterday because of runaway prop.
     (Pilot's Signature) Harold C. Johnson

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. F-705 Squadron - 511 - High  Date - 21 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: Oil Leak on no. 4
   2. Place and altitude: French coast 26,000
   3. Time: 10:00
   4. Position in formation: No. 3 High Lead
   5. Disposition of bombs: Brought them back.
   6. Remarks: None
     (Pilot's Signature) R.H. Fox

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. C-640 Squadron - High  Date - 21 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Couldn't catch formation pulling 42" Hg 2400 R.P.M.
   2. Place and altitude 25,000 - 50°10'N 02°40'E
   3. Time 0930
   4. Position in formation High Sqdn. - Low Element - 3 Position
   5. Disposition of bombs ____
   6. Remarks Could not keep up with formation - tried to get in other formation, but was full.
     (Pilot's Signature) Donald B. Drought

“J” Form:

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, B–7349, C–8753, G–8954, J–7978, L–7956, M–7900, P–7258, Y–6108, (K–8130 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (A–8358 PFF), V–7854
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   Sqdn 360th A/C: (Z–8439 GH) 303rd Bomb Group

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), L–7193, N–7169,
   Sqdn 510th A/C: F–7124, G–7862, H–8280, K–7252, L–7515, M–9001, N–7665, S–7512, T–8461
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, F–6566, (P–7843 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (V–8079 PFF)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: A–8428, C–8694, F–7705, H–8435, J–6579, M–8650, N–8592, Q–8080, U–7216

2. Target: GN-5881
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T WUG R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T LOD R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T UKT R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T KSL R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 0735; Take-Off – 0750; E.T.D. Field – 0750
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0944	15,000 Ft	Dungeness

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0953	15,000 Ft	50°53'N-01°37'E [1.75 miles SW of Wissant, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1440	12,000 Ft	51°05'N-02°30'E [6 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1514	10,000 Ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1600 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/100 Plus 6 M17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    Low Squadron: Same
    High Squadron: Same
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Col. Stewart A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8439 (360)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Cutler A/C No & Sqdn. B-7701 PFF (509)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Nay A/C No & Sqdn. V-8079 PFF (510)
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

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

Formation Chart:

94th "A" Combat Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Col. Stewart–Poston A/C 8125 Y GH
			Wiese A/C 43-37900 M		Maj. Roper–Dinning A/C 44-8358 A PFF
	Sullivan A/C 43-37956 L [FTO*]						Stahl A/C 42-97349 B
Sugg A/C 44-8410 A		Kale A/C 43-37854 V				Murray A/C 43-37978 J		Ash A/C 43-38954 G
	Peterson A/C 43-38753 C						Wisdom A/C 43-38130 K Spare
Hansen A/C 44-6108 Y		James A/C 42-97258 P

[* - FTO - Failed Takeoff. Lt Sullivan's and crew are not on the Load List but plane number is on J Form. On formation chart his name is crossed off and his position is shown being filled by Lt Kale. My conclusion is that the plane failed to takeoff.]

94th "A" Combat Group - Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Col. Stewart–Poston A/C 8125 Y GH
			Wiese A/C 43-37900 M		Maj. Roper–Dinning A/C 44-8358 A PFF
	Kale A/C 43-37854 V						Stahl A/C 42-97349 B
Sugg A/C 44-8410 A		Wisdom A/C 43-38130 K				Murray A/C 43-37978 J		Ash A/C 43-38954 G
	Peterson A/C 43-38753 C
Hansen A/C 44-6108 Y		James A/C 42-97258 P

[Lt Kale filled Lt. Sullivan position and Lt Wisdom, the flying spare, filled Lt Kale's position.]

94th "A" Combat Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				511th Squadron
				Nay A/C 44-8079 V PFF
			Fox A/C 43-37705 F		Ashton A/C 43-38080 Q
	Johnson, H.C. A/C 43-38694 C						Lambert–Maish A/C 44-6579 J
Gattens A/C 43-38592 N		Kasper A/C 43-38650 M				Butler A/C 44-6566 F		Rice A/C 43-38435 H
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A						Sandel A/C 42-97843 P Spare
Drought A/C 43-38640 C		Mahnke A/C 42-97216 U

94th "A" Combat Group - High Squadron Formation Over–Target
				511th Squadron
				Nay A/C 44-8079 V PFF
			Kasper A/C 43-38650 M		Ashton A/C 43-38080 Q
							Lambert–Maish A/C 44-6579 J
Gattens A/C 43-38592 N								Rice A/C 43-38435 H
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A
		Mahnke A/C 42-97216 U

  Lt. Fox, Lt. Johnson, Lt. Butler, Lt. Drought and Lt. Sandel all aborted the mission.

94th "A" Combat Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				510th Squadron
				Cutler A/C 42-97701 B PFF
			Wilcox A/C 43-37512 S		Cramer–Gray A/C 43-39001 M
	Hickel A/C 43-37515 L						Rossen–Blaney A/C 43-37665 N
Lawson A/C 44-8280 H		Brooks A/C 43-37862 G				Oakes A/C 42-97252 K		Carle A/C 42-107124 F
	Gottschalk A/C 43-38461 T
Kirkland A/C 43-37964 M		Rebo A/C 42-97169 N

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0930 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0400; Officers 0430 Stations: 0715 Start Engines: 0725 Taxi: 0735 Take-Off: 0750  Leave Base: 0750 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0300; Officers 0330]

[Wounded On Mission: 0]

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