351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #262

Credited Mission #255

Briefing Outline:

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary: Sterkrade [Germany] – Synthetic Oil Plant
   3. GH Primary: Sterkrade [Germany] – Synthetic Oil Plant
   4. Visual Secondary: Rheine [Germany] Marshalling Yards
   5. PFF Secondary: Rheine [Germany] Marshalling Yards
   6. Last Resort: Any target identified as being within Germany and not prohibited by existing instructions.
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 1100 1130 1200
   Stations:	- 0840 0910 0940
   Start Engines:	- 0850 0920 0950
   Taxi:	- 0900 0930 1000
   Take Off:	- 0915 0945 1015
   Target Time:	- 1223 1253 1333
   ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1457 1527 1557
   Last Take Off:	- 1045 1115

   
     Gasoline 2,300 Gallons
   
   

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

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Primary Visual or G.H. – Salvo. Secondary or P.F.F. – 75 FT. Visual - Salvo
   
   
5. Chaff: Release 2 mins. before I.P. & continue for 21 mins. Each A/C – 504 units.
   
   

6. Disposition of Forces	[Bomb Group]	Target	Time of Departure
   "A" Gp. in 94 CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	401	Sterkrade
   "B" Gp. in 94 CBW	351	Sterkrade
   "C" Gp. in 94 CBW	457	Sterkrade
   1 Div. Lead	1st	Sterkrade
   2nd CBW	94th	Sterkrade
   3rd CBW	41st	Sterkrade
   4th CBW
   2nd Div.
   3rd Div.

   
   PFF A/C to fly as: Lead & Deputy Lead of both boxes.
   
   REMARKS: ____
   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 4 Gps. of P-51’s (Close Support for 94A, B & C & 41st A - [Call Sign] Balance 1-2. 1 Group will Arrive Control Point 3 at 0842. Arrive at Rhine at 1026.
   
   
8. Other Forces: ____
   
   
9. Assembly:

   Lead at	18,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher
   High at	____	feet on	____	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 #5 to Great Yarmouth
   Division Assembly Line: Great Yarmouth to 52°40’N-04°37’E [Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands]
   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Group
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - Q-116, High - ____, Low - M-900
     c. Camera A/C   F-124, J-978, 
      to return at  03° East.
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. REMARKS: Woodcraft Baker code word for "Abandon Mission" - Howe-Baker-Love.
      Units are advised to avoid well developed cumulus clouds and associated icing.
    
      BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!
    
    
14. CALL SIGNS:

    	CALL SIGN	FLARES	NAME
    351st	Woodcraft Baker	RG [Red Green]	Major Roper
    401st	Woodcraft Able	RY	Major DeJonckheere
    457th	Woodcraft Charlie	RY	Major Spencer
    1st Div. Air Commander	Swordfish Able Leader		Major Klette
    94th CBW Air Commander	Woodcraft Able Leader		Major DeJonckheere

    
    

    Fighters	____	____
    Bombers	____	____
    Grnd. Control	____

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    ____		____
    ____		____
    ____		____

    
    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 24,000’
    
    
15. Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All monitor except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - ____
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W. [Fighter Wing] ____
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F. [Air Force] ____
    5. Channel “D” - All available except ____
    
    
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 - 22 January, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked:  The Lead Squadron attacked the primary target at Sterkrade, Germany. The Lead aircraft of the Low Squadron attacked the secondary target at Rheine, Germany. The remaining aircraft, with the exception of one in the Low Squadron which attacked the primary target, dropped their bombs on the deputy of the Low squadron when he fell out of formation and jettisoned his bombs. All sightings were visual.
   2. Force: 94th “B” Group. Twenty-six aircraft, flying as Lead and Low Squadrons, were dispatched. Two GH ships from the 379th Group, two PFF ships and two flying spares were included.
   3. Position: The 94th “B” Group flew as the fifth group in the Division Formation, its briefed position.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major Leonard B. Roper
      	Pilot:	Captain Vernon R. Weatherman
      	Navigator:	1st Lt Thomas C. Kyser
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt Arnold Schiffman

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Group Leader:	Captain Joseph S. Angelini
      	Pilot:	1st Lt William C. Kniering
      	Navigator:	1st Lt Elmer T. Nelson
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt Harold E. Akers

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out without difficulty at the Kings Cliffe buncher.
   2.  Route Over England: The formation departed from the assembly area on time (1131) at the briefed altitude of 18,000 feet. The briefed route was closely followed over England. The departure point from the English coast was made on time at an altitude of 23,000 feet, 2,000 feet above the briefed height, because of weather.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: After departing from the English coast, the formation swung to the right of the briefed course in order to permit it to get behind the 94th “A” Group and to have the proper interval. The briefed route was again contacted at mid-channel and was followed to the coast of Holland. The formation crossed the Dutch coast at an altitude of 26,000 feet, the briefed height, and three minutes late (1243). The 94th “B” Group was then flying in its briefed position.
   4.  Flight to Target: The 94th “B” Group found it necessary to fly to the left of the briefed course inside of the coast in order to permit it to increase the interval between itself and the preceding group. This was done without difficulty and the proper interval was reached before making the turn to the south to the IP. Due to the fact that a GH run was started on the primary target before the briefed IP was reached, the formation swung to the right of the briefed route in following the LOP [Line of Position] curve. The actual IP was reached to the right of and east of the briefed point as a result. The altitude at that point was the briefed height of 26,000 feet and the formation was five minutes late (1317).
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: A visual run was made on the primary target. The Lead Squadron performed its own sighting operation. The target area had six-tenths cloud cover, but the immediate target area was zero to two-tenths covered. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. A malfunction in the lead aircraft caused a delay in release which caused the pattern to fall over the MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
      
      A release malfunction in the Lead aircraft of the Low Squadron prevented it from attacking the primary target. The formation started to the secondary target, but shortly before reaching it, the deputy ship fell out of formation in order to jettison its bombs. The other aircraft dropped on it when it was believed that the deputy was taking over the squadron lead. The Lead aircraft of this squadron continued to the secondary target and attacked it visually. The C-1 Pilot functioned satisfactorily.
   6.  Flight From Target: After bombing, evasive action was necessary because of accurate flak in the target area. For this reason, the formation did not contact the briefed route until 52°27'N, 07°10'E was reached. From that point, however, the briefed route was closely followed to the Dutch coast. Departure from the coast of Holland was made four minutes early (1420) at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Due to weather along the briefed route, the formation flew to the right of the briefed course while crossing the channel. The English coast was crossed to the north of Felixstowe, the briefed point, at an altitude of 11,000 feet. The deputy took over the lead position shortly before reaching the English coast and led the formation directly to base. The briefed route over England was not followed due to battle damage suffered by most of the ships. The lead ships of the Lead and Low Squadrons flew to the 379th Group base. Landings were carried out without difficulty. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support: Very good.
   8.  Comments: Aircraft 44-6078, pilot Lt. Goldsborough, was last seen straggling behind the formation soon after bombs away. Nothing further has been heard from this aircraft. Two other aircraft have been reported as having landed on the continent. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Moderate to intense, accurate flak was encountered in the primary target area. Two-tenths clouds were encountered in the target area and moderate non-persistent contrails prevailed at all times above 19,000 feet. The Weather Scouting Force furnished satisfactory information.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: There were four failures to attack. All of these aircraft returned to base early. The flying spares remained with the formation.

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

Statistical Summary:

	351st Bombardment Group
	Lead Group	Low Group	TOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off	0	0	0
No. of A/C Airborne	13*	13*	26
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	13	13	26
No. of A/C Sorties	12	10	22
No. of A/C Attacking	12	2	14
No. of A/C Not Attacking	1	11	12
Name of Primary Target	STERKRADE, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary	12	1	13
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	120 x 500# GP	10 x 500# GP	130 x 500# GP
Name of Secondary Target	RHEINE, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target		1	1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		10 x 500# GP	10 x 500# 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.)		Jettisoned at 51°43'N 06°59'E
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.		8	8
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		80 x 500# GP	80 x 500# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total	1	0	1
No. of A/C Lost - Flak	1	0	1
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	1010	1012
Time of Attack	1328½	1348
Average Time of Flight	5:24	5:30
Altitude of Release	24,350’	23,840’
Visual or PFF	Visual	Visual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	INTENSE AND ACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0
Degree of Success	UNOBSERVED	FAIR

* - Includes one GH ship per squadron from 379th Group.
Two Aircraft of Lead Sqdn Landed on Continent (42-97193 & 43-37957)

A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows:  GH A/C From 379th Group 44-8034 & 44-8110
A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C of 351st Group: 44-8376 & 42-97701

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on STERKRADE (VISUAL) 22 JAN. 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1010 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1131 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 18,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1159 hours at splasher 5.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, DR [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage.
   6. Division formation was joined at 1206 hours at Great Yarmouth.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, D.R., Mickey and Pilotage
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. Gee-H I.P. was 5 miles right and we hit G.H. I.P.
      2. True heading over target. 185°.
      3. Actual Drift 4° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 26,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1328½.
      6. Wind used for bombing ____.
      7. Method of target identification. Visual
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None, Heavy Flak
      9. Weather over Target. Visual
      10. Axis of withdrawal 10° T.H. [True Heading]
   10. Group rally was accomplished at Bombed in Group Formation.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 52°27'N 07°10'E at 1350 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 52°43'N 06°20'E at 1400 hours.
   13. Flight home was was (not) as briefed. Had lost engine and gasoline and had to take short cut home after leaving enemy coast, 15 miles north of Felixstowe and went on straight course home.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee, D.R. 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 until shot out.
       5. Other Equipment Interphone shot at Target.

  [Signed:] Thames C. Kyser, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Box

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on RHEINE SECONDARY (VISUAL) 22 JAN. 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0913 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1123 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 17,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 1207 hours at Great Yarmouth.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Pilotage and Radio.
   6. Division formation was joined at 1225 hours at 5216N 0304E.
   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 Mickey
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. I.P. was 7 miles West (G.H. I.P.) No briefed I.P. for secondary target.
      2. True heading over target. 60°.
      3. Actual Drift 5° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1348.
      6. Wind used for bombing 05°/18 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Pilotage and Mickey
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. Visual.
      10. Axis of withdrawal 005°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at Not Made at ____ hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at Not Made at ____ hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 52°36'N 06°10'E at 1407 hours.
   13. Flight home was (was not) as briefed. 
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee 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:] Elmer T. Nelson, Jr., 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Box

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 22 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 612
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Sterkrade, Germany

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  Visual
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Lead Squadron performed own sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 6/10 cloud cover over the area. Target was 0 - 2/10.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? Pilotage
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? A malfunction caused a delay in release which caused the pattern to fall over.

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] George H. Plaut, 1st Lt, Air Corps, Ass't Group Bombardier. Lead Squadron, 94th CBW "B" Group

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Schiffman, Arnold
Pilot - Maj. Roper, L.B. & Capt. Weatherman, V.R.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Kyser, Thomas C.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-034  Take-off - 0958 Landed - 1532
Objective - Sterkrade, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
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 - 10 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - +130		Magnetic Heading Ordered 173° Actual 192°
True Altitude Above Target - 24,350		True Heading 185°
Indicated Altitude - 26,000		Drift, Estimated 4° Left - Actual 4° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +130		True Track 181°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 13,281
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 220K		Time of Release 1328½
Ground Speed Est. 237 Actual 224K		Length of Bombing Run - 10 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 320° Actual - 335°		Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 20K Actual 35K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 129  Trail - 56   ATF - 41.00		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .545 Actual .53		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -27 Actual -26
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 320°  Actual 335°  Velocity - Metro 20K  Actual 35K
Temp C. - Metro -54° C. Actual -52° C.

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 22 Jan. 1945
Field Order # 612
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Rheine, Germany Secondary Target

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  Visual
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Lead A/C made sighting with only one A/C dropping with him.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 51°56'N - 07°10'E
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 0 - 2/10 in target area.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? Pilotage
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? Malfunction prevented Lead A/C dropping on the Primary Target.
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] George H. Plaut, 1st Lt, Air Corps, Ass't Group Bombardier. Lead Squadron, 94th CBW "B" Group

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Akers, Harold E.
Pilot - Capt. Angelini, Joseph S.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Nelson, Elmer T.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-810  Take-off - 1013 Landed - 1635
Objective - Rheine, Germany - Secondary Target
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Marshalling Yards
Initial Point - 51°56'N - 07°10'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - Two   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 - 10 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Only two A/C bombed the secondary.

Altitude of Target - +130		Magnetic Heading Ordered 173° Actual 067°
True Altitude Above Target - 23,840		True Heading 060°
Indicated Altitude - 25,500		Drift, Estimated 5° Left - Actual 5° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +130		True Track 65°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 13,066.7
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 220K		Time of Release 1348
Ground Speed Est. 237 Actual 208K		Length of Bombing Run - 23 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 320° Actual - 050°		Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 20K Actual 18K		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 129.7  Trail - 56   ATF - 40.7		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .55 Actual .51		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - short of M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact]
Mean Temp. Metro ___ Actual ___
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 320°  Actual 050°  Velocity - Metro 22K  Actual 18K
Temp C. - Metro -54° C. Actual -54° C.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

1. The lead squadron of this group attacked as a primary target the Ruhr Chemical Co. at Sterkrade, Germany. Photo cover is incomplete due to violent evasive action by the camera ship.
2. Approximately twenty bursts can be seen on the ground in the vicinity of the SE end of the target area and smoke markers indicate that the pattern will fall in this area.  There is one near miss on a row of storage buildings but other damage is negligible. The full size of the pattern cannot be estimated, but the approximate center of the pattern is 4,301 feet over the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
3. A small concentration of bombs from the low squadron can be seen hitting just short of the M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard at Rheine, Germany, the secondary target. There are no hits on the M/Y and the center of the concentration is 972 feet short of the briefed MPI.

  [Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The Lead Squadron bombed the synthetic Oil plant at Sterkrade, Germany visually. Preliminary study of the photos shows the major portion of the bombs falling in the SE section of the target but results are unobserved. The Low squadron was unable to release its bombs at the Primary because of a bomb bay malfunction and proceeded toward the Secondary target. The Deputy Lead of this Squadron was hit by flak and two engines went out. In order for this A/C to remain with the formation it was necessary to salvo the bombs and all but the Squadron Lead A/C, believing that the Deputy had taken over and was bombing the target, released their bombs at an approximate position of 5143N – 0659E. The Lead A/C continued on and bombed the Secondary, the M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] at Rheine, with fair results.
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Moderate to intense, accurate flak was encountered in the primary target area, starting about four minutes before this target and lasting until six minutes after. At Rheine flak was meager and generally inaccurate.
5. 2/10 clouds were encountered in the target area and moderate non-persistent contrails prevailed at all times above 19,000 feet.
6. In the Almelo area, 5220 to 5240 N – 0625 to 0640 E, there were groups of vehicles scattered all over the area; about 2000 were dispersed along roads and in woods.  Photos show that our target had been hit previously and was smoking.
7. The PFF equipment employed by this Group was used for navigational aids only and it worked well. Fighter support was very good. The Scouting Force furnished satisfactory information. Three of our A/C are missing. A/C 193-L was seen with No. 1 prop windmilling but it is believed that this A/C landed in Belgium.  A/C 957-D was seen to straggle and heard to call for fighter support just after bombs away. A/C 078-G was last seen straggling soon after bombs away. Nothing further has been heard from any of these A/C.

Track Chart:

[The Track Chart was not in the Mission documents folder in the National Archives.]

Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 258-P Our flying lead of high element, low squadron was not up to par due to intense and complete frost on windows of
      cockpit. – Lt Ash.
A/C 753-C Why don’t they let everyone know what’s going on over V.H.F.? – Lt. Johnson.
A/C 900-M Lead ship corrections on bomb run were too severe and sudden. – Lt. Wiese.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 116-Q Very good Group lead. – Lt. Ramsey

  [Signed:] Benjamin L. Berkow, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 [Intelligence] Officer.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. M-964 Squadron - 509  Date - 22 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Engine failure (#2). Engine ran rough from 2,000' up. Excessive oil blowing out of oil breather.
   2. Place and altitude 5220 - 0202 - 21,000'
   3. Time 1214
   4. Position in formation Low section lead, Lead squadron
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned.
   6. Remarks None
     (Pilot's Signature) George T. Walker
2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Cause (if mechanical) Internal Failure. Piston ring failure.
   2. Responsibility Engineering
   3. Type of abortive Mechanical
     (Eng. Officer's Signature) John w. Freeman, Capt., Air Corps
3. SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Responsibility Mechanical Failure
   2. Action Taken Abortion legitimate, no action.
     (Squadron C.O.'s Signature) Franklin A. Richardson, Major, Air Corps.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. D-405 Squadron - 508 - Low  Date - 22 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Engine Failure - #1 Engine out.
   2. Place and altitude Kings Cliffe 12,000 ft.
   3. Time 11:00
   4. Position in formation High Element in Low Squadron.
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned to base.
   6. Remarks 
     (Pilot's Signature) J.F. Lowery.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. H-280 Squadron - 508  Date - 22 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: #2 Engine Failure - Runaway prop wouldn't feather - wouldn't throttle down.
   2. Place and altitude: 10 mi. East of Great Yarmouth - 21,000'
   3. Time: 1213
   4. Position in formation: #3 Low in Low Group
   5. Disposition of bombs: Returned
   6. Remarks: Excessive speed required too much power to stay with formation.
     (Pilot's Signature) Robt. H. Murray

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. J-978 Squadron - 508 - Low  Date - 22 Jan. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Broken Crankshaft on #4 Engine
   2. Place and altitude 5235N - 0450E 25,500'
   3. Time 1251
   4. Position in formation #2 - Low Low
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
   6. Remarks ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Henry L. Kale
2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Cause (if mechanical) Internal failure. Sun gear bolts sheared.
   2. Responsibility Engineering
   3. Type if abortive Mechanical
     (Eng. Officer's Signature) John W. Freeman, Capt., Air Corps
3. SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
   1. Responsibility Engineering
   2. Action Taken None
     (Squadron C.O.'s Signature) James T. Stewart, Lt. Col., A.C., Commanding.
4. GROUP S-3's [Operations] STATEMENT:
   1. Comments None
   2. Action Taken ____
   3. Credit ____
     (Operations Officer's Signature) Carl C. Hinkle Jr., Major, Air Corps
5. To Group Commander for information and remarks.

“J” Form:

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: (Z–8376 PFF),
   Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, G–6078, L–7193, M–7964, N–7169, Q–8116
   Sqdn 510th A/C: D–7957, F–7124, L–7515, T–8461, (P–8038 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   Sqdn 526th A/C: (GH–Y-8034) 379th Bomb Group

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, C–8753, D–8405, J–7978, K–8130, M–7900, P–7258, Q–8799, Y–6108
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: H–8280, (K–7252 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   Sqdn 524th A/C: (GH–Y-8110) 379th Bomb Group

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "B" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: GQ-1517A
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T PSV R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T ___ R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T JVK R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T ___ R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – 1000; Take-Off – 1015; E.T.D. Field – 1015
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1106 1206	21,000ft	Great Yarmouth

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1140 1240	26,000ft	52°40'N-04°37'E [Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1324 1424	22,000ft	52°40'N-04°37'E [Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1414 1514	5,000ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1457 1557 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H" & "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    Low Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    High Squadron: None
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2300 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Maj. Roper A/C No & Sqdn. Y-8034 GH (526)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Angelini A/C No & Sqdn. Y-8110 (524)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: None A/C No & Sqdn. ____
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

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

Formation Chart:

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Roper–Weatherman A/C 44-8034 Y GH-PFF
			Hammond A/C 43-38116 Q		Daugherty A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
	Walker A/C 43-37964 M						Johnson, E.G. A/C 43-37957 D
Hammet A/C 43-38461 T		Whittaker A/C 42-97193 L				Maddux A/C 42-97169 N		Claggett A/C 43-38640 C
	Goldsborough A/C 44-6078 G						Quinn A/C 42-38038 P Spare
Potter A/C 42-37515 L		Vergen A/C 42-107124 F

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Roper–Weatherman A/C 44-8034 Y GH-PFF
			Hammond A/C 43-38116 Q		Daugherty A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
	Whittaker A/C 42-97193 L						Johnson A/C 43-37957 D
Hammet A/C 43-38461 T		Quinn A/C 42-38038 P				Maddux A/C 42-97169 N		Claggett A/C 43-38640 C
	Goldsborough A/C 44-6078 G
Potter A/C 42-37515 L		Vergen A/C 42-107124 F

[Lt. Walker aborted the mission. His position was filled by Lt Whittaker. The flying spare, Lt Quinn filled Lt Whittaker's position.]

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Angelini A/C 44-8110 Y GH-PFF
			Wiese A/C 43-37900 M		Robinson A/C 42-97701 B PFF
	Peterson A/C 44-6108 Y						Lowery A/C 43-38405 D
Murray A/C 44-8280 H		James A/C 43-38799 Q				Wisdom A/C 43-38130 K		Ash A/C 42-97258 P
	Sugg A/C 44-8410 A						Hansen A/C 42-97252 K Spare
Lamb A/C 43-38753 C		Kale A/C 43-37978 J

94th "B" Combat Bomb Group Low Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Angelini A/C 44-8110 Y GH-PFF
			Wiese A/C 43-37900 H		Robinson A/C 42-97701 B PFF
	Peterson A/C 44-6108 Y						Ash A/C 42-97258 P
Lamb A/C 43-38753 C		James A/C 43-38799 Q				Wisdom A/C 43-38130 K		Hansen A/C 42-97252 K
	Sugg A/C 44-8410 A

[Lt. Lowery aborted the mission and his position was filled by Lt. Ash.
Lt. Ash's position was filled by the flying spare, Lt. Hansen.
Lt. Murray aborted the mission and his position was filled by Lt. Lamb.
Lt. Kale also aborted the mission.]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 1200 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: ____ Stations: 0940 Start Engines: 0950 Taxi: 1000 Take-Off: 1015  Leave Base: 1015 

[Killed in Action: 1]
[Prisoner of War: 8]
[Wounded On Mission: 1]

Description of the Mission printed in the book "The 351st Bomb Group in WWII" written by Ken Harbour & Peter Harris.

Used with permission.

Two squadrons flying with the 94th “B” Group made another trip to the synthetic oil plant at Sterkrade. The lead squadron bombed the primary target visually, hitting the southeast corner of the target area. The leader of the low squadron was unable to get his bombs away at the primary target. He led the squadron towards the secondary, the Rheine marshalling yards, but as the planes approached the target, the deputy lead ship was hit by flak, lost two engines and salvoed bombs to reduce weight. The rest of the squadron, with the exception of the leader, dropped at the same time, well short of the target.

Flak at both targets damaged 11 planes. Lt. Johnson and Lt. Whittaker were forced to land their damaged planes in Belgium. Lt. Goldsborough, in 44-6078, was seen straggling soon after bombing. With two engines out of commission, Lt. Goldsborough, struggling to maintain height and speed, made for the Allied lines in Holland. When he thought that he had reached the Allied lines, and at only 2,000 feet he gave the order to bail out. Unfortunately, Sgt. Shirts hesitated too long and was taken to his death with the aircraft.  The rest of the crew landed between the lines. A patrol of Canadian soldiers came to their rescue, but before they could return to their own lines, all were captured by the Germans.

Missing Air Crew Report (MACR):

• A/C# 44-6078   RQ-G  "Hard Hearted Mama"  Pilot: Lt. Goldsborough  A/C's 55th Mission   MACR # 12011

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in Missing Air Crew Report:
  I, Reinhold W. Vergen, 0-826035, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 42-107124 on a mission to Sterkrade, Germany on 22 January 1945. Just after the target, Lt Goldsborough, who was flying on my left, suddenly veered to the left, flew level for a few minutes, and then went into a steep climb. He leveled out and went off on a west heading which should have brought him to Belgium. His plane was under control after he leveled off from the climb. I saw no parachutes and heard nothing over VHF. It is impossible to say what the reason for his leaving the formation was, since there were no visible signs of damage to his ship.  Flak was heavy in the area, however, and damage may have been done internally somewhere.
  [Signed] Reinhold W. Vergen, 2nd Lt, Air Corps.
  
  One crew member stated on an Individual Casualty Questionnaire filed in the MACR to the question -
  Did Sgt Shirts bail out? "To my knowledge, yes."
  Where? "He was the last one to leave; actually in friendly territory near Arnhem, Netherlands."
  Was he injured? "According to crewmen in nose, no."
  Where was he when last seen? "Near the nose hatch, ready to leave."
  Any hearsay information? "The next to the last man from the nose to leave stated that Sgt. Shirts was conscious and apparently uninjured. Received letters from Canadians [soldiers] who witnessed our trouble found our plane and said that no bodies were found. Also said that nine chutes were seen in the air."
  Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: "Since the Germans were shooting at us with small arms while we were descending in our chutes (probably thinking we were going to land in friendly territory) and also since one man was hit by that firing, I believe that it was highly possible that could have been the fate of Shirts."
  
  Another crewmember, Sgt. Ramsey P. Fendall, stated, "I was flying waist gunner on this day. When the pilot gave the order to bail out we were directly above the Canadian - German front and I immediately went to the waist door and pulled the emergency release and kicked the door out. I looked back and saw the radio operator behind me and the ball-turret gunner was leaving his turret and securing his parachute. Everyone in the rear of the aircraft were uninjured and bailed out.  After we all assembled as German prisoners that night we knew nothing of Sgt. Shirts excepting that he was the last one to leave the aircraft (if he did leave) and that the next to last one to leave said that Shirts was conscious and also nodded approval to bail out after he saw the others leave. According to a letter received by [from] the Canadians, they stated that nine parachutes were seen in the air, and that no bodies were found in the wreckage of the aircraft. Therefore, it is quite probable that Shirts did bail out. Canadian letter was written by L-54901 Cpl. Alex R. Schmitz, G.H. Q 8 Canad. Recce. Reg't (14CK) Canadian Army."
  
  The Top Turret Gunner, Carl F. Miller, reported that himself and the Co-pilot, Charles Balik, both suffered broken legs.
  
  The Co-pilot, Charles F. Balik, reported that the plane was at 20,000 feet and was on fire when they parachuted.
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Goldsborough, Richard M., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Balik, Charles F., Injured and sent to a German Hospital. POW in Germany. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - F/O Romanishin, John, POW in Germany. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Nose Gunner - Sgt Shirts, George F., Killed in Action.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Miller, Carl F., POW at Stalag 12A to 9B Limburg An Der Lahn Hessen-Nassau, Prussia 50-08. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Kennedy, Thomas F. Jr., POW in Germany. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Fendall, Ramsey P., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Kalapp, John M., POW in Germany. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Rushing, Jack T., POW in Germany. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  Burial Records:
  
  • Shirts, George F., Buried in McDaniel Cemetery, Cameron, Clinton County, Missouri.