351st Bomb Group

Group Mission #267

Credited Mission #260

BRIEFING OUTLINE
BRIEFING OFFICER: (IMPORTANT): READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP

1. 1. TARGETS: 
   2. Visual Primary and GH target for today is: A - Lutzendorf, B - Berlin
   3. PFF Primary: Berlin - Plan B only
   4. Visual Secondary: or PFF Plan A - Dresden
   5. PFF Secondary: Plan A, Chemnitz - Plan B - Berlin
   6. Last Resort: Chemnitz, Plan A; Plan B - Perleberg
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0900		Stations:	- 0700
   Start Engines:	- 0710		Taxi:	- 0730
   Take Off:	- 0745		Last Take Off:	- 0850
   Target Time:	- Plan A - 1116; - Plan B - 1120		ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1737
   Depart English Coast at:	0919	at Felixstowe - 19,000 ft.

   
   

3. LOADINGS:
   Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
   Bombs:	10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual – Salvo. - H2X - 75 ft.
   
   
5. Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & Continue for 18 minutes.
     Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 432 units.
   
   
6. Disposition of Forces:
   
   1st, 2nd & 3rd Divisions will be dispatched. The 1st Air Division will depart England 2nd preceded by 3rd Division and followed by the 2nd Division.
   1st Division will dispatch 4 CBW's of 3 Groups each.
   The order of attack in the 1st Division will be:
   

   Lead	40th	Attacking	Same Targets
   2nd	94th	Attacking	Same Targets
   3rd	1st	Attacking	Same Targets
   4th	41st	Attacking	Same Targets
   5th		Attacking

   2nd Division targets are	A Plan - Magdeburg; B Plan - Berlin
   3rd Division targets are	A Plan - Behlan; B Plan - Berlin

   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 10 Gps. of P-51's for 1st Division. Support for 94th B & C is Balance 2-5 & 2-6 [Their Call Signs]
   
   
8. Assembly:

   Lead at	8,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Green	Flares
   High at	9,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Green-Green	Flares
   Low at	7,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Red	Flares
   401st at	9,500'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares
   457th at	9,500'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares

   Combat Wing Assembly Line: Eye to Felixstowe
   Division Assembly Line: Felixstowe to Continental Coast
   1 minutes interval between Groups.
   Reference altitude: 23,000 ft.
   
   
9. Call Signs:

   351st	Woodcraft Baker (Maj. Roper)
   401st	Woodcraft Able
   457th	Woodcraft Charlie
   1st Div. Air Commander	Lt. Col. M. Loughlin - Foxhole Able
   94th CBW Air Commander	Lt. Col. Seawell

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Communications - _____
    
    
14. Flying Control - _____
    
    
15. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
     c. Camera A/C   R-156, U-216
      return at  Continental Coast
     d. Spares to turn back at 04° East.
     e. PFF A/C fly as Lead & Deputy of Lead & Lead of High & Low Sqdns.
     f. GH A/C fly as ___
     g. REMARKS: Units will not attack Plan A Primary unless they are Positively oriented at I.P. & are assured of visual conditions.
      Scouting Force - Plan A or B - Buckeye Red - 25 min. before Foxhole Able arrives at Target.
      Units will remain below High Cloud if encountered.
       Weather indicates possible cloud & contrails at 25,000 ft. over Continent.
    
     BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??
    
    

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

1. Date of Mission - 6 Feb, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked: The Lead and Low Squadrons attacked a Target of Opportunity at Eisfelde, Germany by visual methods.
   2. Force: Lead and Low Squadrons of the 94th "B" Group. Twenty five aircraft, including three PFF ships and two flying spares were dispatched. In addition, four flying spares were dispatched to fly with the High Squadron of the 94th "B" Group (furnished by the 401st Group) and with the Lead, High and Low Squadrons of the 94th "A" Group (401st Group).
   3. Position: The 94th "B" Group flew in its proper position as the fifth group in the Division Formation.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major Leonard B. Roper
      	Pilot:	Captain James M. Gibbons
      	Navigator:	Captain John R. Gulnac
      	Bombardier:	Captain Warren C. Steitz

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Leader:	1st Lt. Joseph C. Robinson
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Gustav A. Bochert
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Albert L. Allen
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Raymond E. Hall

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: Shortly before the take-off, the tower informed the Group Leader that the assembly should be made at the briefed altitude plus two thousand feet. However, it became apparent that the weather at the recommended altitude would not permit an assembly. The Group Leader finally decided that the briefed altitude minus two thousand feet would be the best assembly altitude. The assembly was carried out at that height without difficulty.
   2.  Route Over England: The departure from the assembly point (King's Cliffe buncher) was made at an altitude of 6,000 feet, 2,000 feet below the briefed altitude one minute late (0850). The 94th "B" Group got into position behind the 94th "A" Group shortly after leaving the buncher and followed it over England. The briefed route was not followed in keeping in the proper position behind the 94th "A". In spite of the attempt to make up time by flying an almost direct route to the departure point (Felixstowe), that point was reached five minutes late (0924) at an altitude of 7,200 feet, 2,800 feet below the briefed altitude.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: The preceding formations were followed in the flight across the channel. In doing so, however, it was necessary to fly to the left of course with a gradually increasing variance to mid-channel and then close into the briefed point of entry at the coast of Holland. No difficulties were encountered in doing so. The 94th "B" Group flew in its briefed position as fifth group in the Division Formation.
   4.  Flight to Target: The Dutch coast was crossed at the briefed point at an altitude of 12,000 feet, 8,000 feet below the briefed altitude. It had been necessary to make a slow climb in crossing the channel. Inside of the coast it was necessary to "S" in order to avoid flak seen ahead on the briefed route. Further divergency to the right of the briefed course was made in following the preceding formations. The formation reached the briefed check point northeast of Hanover, but after the turn flew to the right of the briefed course. Before a point on the actual route corresponding to the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached, the Weather Scouting Force reported that the primary target was completely overcast. The Division Leader was heard on VHF saying that the withdrawal might be made via Frankfurt and so a target of opportunity to the south of the briefed course was picked up on the mickey [Radar] set.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: A Target of Opportunity at Eisfelde, Germany, was attacked. A PFF run was anticipated until shortly before the target was reached. However, there were sufficient breaks in the clouds to permit a visual sighting. The Low Squadron did not take interval as it expected to attack by dropping on the Lead Squadron as its (Low) PFF set was inoperative. The Low Squadron bombed on the smoke markers of the Lead Squadron. Haze and clouds presented some interference on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. Results are reported as good.
   6.  Flight From Target: As several groups had been heard over VHF reporting that they would withdraw on the briefed route, the formation returned to it and contacted it at Control Point #4. Several groups tacked on behind the 94th "B" Group and followed it on the withdrawal. The Dutch coast was crossed at the briefed point at an altitude of 20,000 feet. Cycle was contacted and said that an instrument let-down by squadrons could be followed. However, the Group Leader found this impossible and ordered the aircraft to let-down individually. The lead aircraft broke out at 10,000 feet at mid-channel and flew directly to the English coast crossing it to the left of the briefed point. A direct route to base was flown. Bad visibility and rain were encountered at the English coast and made landings very difficult.
   7.  Fighter Support: Good.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost as a result of enemy action. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Meager inacurate flak was encountered at Ymuiden and Nordhausen and none at the target.
      Aircraft 43-38080, pilot Lt. Ashton, and 43-37595, pilot Lt. Vergen were destroyed in a mid-air collision at base while circling the field. There were no survivors.
      The Weather Scouting Force informed the Group Leader that the primary target was overcast and could not be attacked. One aircraft landed at Halesworth with two wounded aboard. One aircraft landed at Knettishall with three engines out.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: One aircraft failed to take off. Two aircraft returned to base early. One aircraft jettisoned its bombs in order to maintain formation. One of the six flying spares dispatched returned as planned, the remainder flew with their respective formations.

For the Operations Officer:   [Signed] Robert B. Stratton, Captain, Air Corps, Statistical Officer

STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER

	351st Bombardmant Group
	Lead Box	High Box	Low Box	Flying Spares   For 94th "A"	TOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off	0	1	0	0	1
No. of A/C Airborne	13	12	1	3	29
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	13	12	1	2	28
No. of A/C Sorties	12	11	1	2	26
No. of A/C Attacking	12	10	1	2	25
No. of A/C Not Attacking	1	2	0	0	3

Furnished flying spares for High Squadron. Flying with 94th "B" Group. It and the High Squadron (401st Gp.) attacked Eisfelde, Germany. Furnished 3 Flying spares for Lead, High and Low Squadrons of 94th "A" Group (401st). One (Low Sqdn) returned as planned, and two remained with main formation and attacked Geissen, Germany.

Name of Primary Target
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
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.)	Eisfelde, Germany			Geissen, Germany
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.	12	10	1	2	25
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	120 x 500# GP	100 x 500# GP	10 x 500# GP	20 x 500# GP	250 x 500# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	1	0	1	2
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 over base	0	1	0	1	2
No. of A/C Lost - Unknown
			One aircraft flew as flying spare with High Sqdn furnished by 401st Gp.	Three aircraft flew as flying spares with 401st (94"A") Gp. 2 attacked, 1 returned as planned
Time of Take Off	0746	0748
Time of Attack	1146	1146
Average Time of Flight	8:05	8:35
Altitude of Release	24,100’	23,540’
Visual or PFF	Visual	Visual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MEAGER AND INACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	GOOD RESULTS

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: ____
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: ____

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Lutzendorf Feb. 6, 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0747 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0851 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 6,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0857 hours at Spalding.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Flew to left of course - in formation with 94th "A".
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, D.R. [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage.
   6. Division formation was joined at 0924 hours at Felixstowe.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Gee, Pilotage, D.R. [Dead Reckoning] and Mickey [Radar].
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. 5010N 1120E.
      2. True heading over target. 328.
      3. Actual Drift 1° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,000.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1146.
      6. Wind used for bombing 330°/60 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Pilotage and PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 8/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 320° T.H. [True Heading]
   10. Group rally was accomplished at Eisfeld at 1146 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at C.P. [Control Point] #3 at 1224 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at C.P. [Control Point] #3 at 1224 hours.
   13. Flight home was was (not) as briefed. Came home singly and straight.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Pilotage, D.R. 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]: Fair
       2. Gee: Eastern Chain Only.
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] J.R. Gulnac, Capt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Box

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Lutzkendorf 6 Feb. 1945

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O [Take Off] at 0747 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0850 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 5,000 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0920 hours at Felixstowe.
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Forced out of Formation by 2nd Division. S'd to get in wing formation.
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Pilotage, Gee, DR.
   6. Division formation was joined at 1000 hours at 5250 0437.
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. 
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Pilotage, Gee, DR and Mickey [Radar]
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. Target of Opportunity attacked.
      2. True heading over target. 330.
      3. Actual Drift 2° Right.
      4. Altitude over Target 24,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1147.
      6. Wind used for bombing 335°/60 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. Bombed on Lead.
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 8/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 335°
   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. Route out changed after T.O. [Target of Opportunity] Attacked to pick up briefed withdrawal route.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee, Mickey and DR
   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: Jammed Over Germany
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

  [Signed:] Albert W. Allen, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 6 Feb., 1945
Field Order # 622
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "B" Group
Target - Target of Opportunity 5½ miles SSE of Fulda, 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? Low Sqdn. dropped on Lead Sqdn. at 1147 on a Mag [Magnetic Compass] Heading of 335°. The Lead Sqdn made own sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 50°10' - 11°20'
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 8/10ths
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? Five minutes before bombs away.
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? Haze and clouds
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? No

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

Lead Squadron, 94th CBW "B" Group Bombardier - Capt. Steitz, Warren C.
Pilot - Major Roper, L.B. & Capt. Gibbon, J.M.
Navigator - Capt. Gulnac, John R.

Aircraft B-17G   376-Z  Take-off - 0747 Landed - 1550
Objective - Target of Opportunity 5½ miles SSE of Fulda, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Railroad Bridge
Initial Point - 50°10' - 11°20'
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 - 10 x 500 Lb., AN-M43 G.P.'s [General Purpose] & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Low Bombed on Lead at 1147 on 335° M.H. [Magnetic Heading]

Altitude of Target - 400'		Magnetic Heading Ordered __° Actual 331°
True Altitude Above Target - 24,100'		True Heading 328°
Indicated Altitude - 25,000		Drift, Estimated 1° Left - Actual 1° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +272		True Track 327°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 15,845'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 225K		Time of Release 1146
Ground Speed Est. 286 Actual 161		Length of Bombing Run - 20 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 270° Actual - 330°		Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 60 Actual 68		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 129.4  Trail - 56   ATF - 40.94		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .657 Actual .187		Manual Pilot ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -17 Actual -16
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 270°  Actual 330°  Velocity - Metro 60  Actual 68
Temp C. - Metro -48° C. Actual -41° C.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

1. Two squadrons of this group, forming the lead and low squadrons of the "B" Group, 94th Wing, bombed as a target of opportunity a village 5½ miles SSE of Fulda (50°33'N-9°41'E). Bombing was done in group formation. Photo cover is complete for the two squadrons but clouds obscure the pattern.
2. Several bursts are seen cutting the railroad line which lies north of the village and connects Fulda with Gersfeld. Damage to the village should be severe.

  [Signed:] Howard L. Schnur, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Asst. Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]

Narrative Teletype Report:

1. No leaflets were carried by this Group.
2. The lead and low squadrons of this Group attacked an unidentified target of opportunity in the vicinity of 5028 N. - 1054 E. Bombing was visual in group formation with the high squadron, which was the 401st Group, lagging slightly behind. Photos show 8/10ths cloud coverage, with the bomb pattern enveloping a small town, with possible hits on a railroad bridge.
3. No enemy aircraft were encountered, and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. There was no flak at the target attacked by this Group. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered at Ymuiden and Nordhausen.
5. Scouting force informed group leader that primary target was 10/10ths cloud covered and could not be bombed as per instructions in Field Order. There were 8/10ths clouds at the target of Opportunity. On returning to the base the Group ran into 4-6/10ths clouds over the Channel, with base of clouds at 12,000 feet, top 16,000 ft. As they approached the east coast of England 10/10ths clouds were encountered at 1,000 to 2,000 feet, and as they got over England it lowered to 500 feet. Landing procedure was done in clouds at 200 ft.
6. Nil. [No observations of Military importance were observed.]
7. Scouting Force contacted group leader and informed him that primary target could not be bombed. Fighter support was good. Two of our aircraft crashed while landing, with all personnel killed. One of our A/C landed at Halesworth with two wounded aboard. One of our A/C landed at Knettishall with three engines out.
   
   Special Requested Information: Formation passed over Zuider Zee at 20,000 feet, which was above the clouds. No attempt was made to bomb the primary target because of information furnished by the Scouting Force. Weather at primary was unknown. The let-down on return was started at the enemy coast and continued almost all the way to England. First attempted a let-down by squadrons, but later had to change to individual let-down. Maj. Roper, air commander, thought that the mission was very poorly planned, and very definitely should not have been flown.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Mission Summary Report:

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 44-6566, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37696, 509th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated he lost #2 engine. Investigation revealed a spark plug was out of #2 cylinder, #2 engine.
   3. Airplane No. 43-37862, 510th Squadron, returned early because a crew member became ill.

  [Signed:] Otto R. Vasak, Major, Air Corps, Station S-4 [Engineering] Officer

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. F-6566 Squadron - 509 (F/S [Flying Spare] with 401st)  Date - 6 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive #4 Prop ran away
   2. Place and altitude 52°N 2°E 12,000'
   3. Time 0940
   4. Position in formation #3 High Element, High Squadron
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned
   6. Remarks #4 Tachometer oscillated between 2200 and 2700 after takeoff - Instruments went out and prop started to run away - Feathered - Tried unfeathering several times - No success.
     (Pilot's Signature) Raymond H. Mueller

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. G-7862 Squadron - 510 - Lead  Date - 6 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Personnel - Sick man on board - Tail Gunner
   2. Place and altitude 52°11'N 01°09'E - 6,000 ft.
   3. Time 0920
   4. Position in formation Lead Sqdn. Lead ship of Low Low Flight.
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
   6. Remarks Tried to have man grounded before takeoff.
     (Pilot's Signature) Robert W. Brooks

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. Z-7696 Squadron - 509 - Low  Date - 6 Feb. 1945

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive: Loss of #2 Engine
   2. Place and altitude: 52-38N 0015E 5,000'
   3. Time: 0904
   4. Position in formation: #3 Low Sq. Low Flight
   5. Disposition of bombs: Landed with bombs aboard.
   6. Remarks: 
     (Pilot's Signature) Paul H Quinn

“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: (Z–8376 PFF), Q–8799, (A–8410 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), R–6156
   Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, G–7862, H–8280, K–7252, L–7515, M–9001, S–7512, T–8461
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: Z–7697, (U–8591 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (Z–7687 PFF), A–8428, D–6082, F–7705, H–8435, J–6579, M–8650, N–8592, Q–8080, U–7216, X–6802

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (C–8640 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: Plan "A" - GQ 1512 - Plan "B" - GH 487
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T LTD R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T TWS R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T PUZ R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T MUW R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – Plan "A" 0730 - Plan "B" 0730; Take-Off – Plan "A" 0745 - Plan "B" 0745; E.T.D. Field – Plan "A" 0745 - Plan "B" 0745;
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   Plan "A" 0919 Plan "B" 0919;	10,000 Ft   10,000 Ft	Felixstowe   Felixstowe

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   Plan "A" 0959 Plan "B" 0959	20,000 Ft   20,000 Ft	52°40'N-04°37'E   52°40'N-04°37'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   Plan "A" 1605 Plan "B" 1416	20,000 Ft   20,000 Ft	52°40'N-04°37'E  52°40'N-04°37'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   Plan "A" 1656 Plan "B" 1700	5,000 Ft   5,000 Ft	Cromer  Cromer

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: Plan "A" 1737
   Plan "B" 1741 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "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: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Major Roper A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8376 PFF (508)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt Robinson A/C No & Sqdn. Z-7687 (511)
    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 Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				510th Squadron
				Gibbons–Roper A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Adams A/C 43-37515 L		Cutler A/C 42-97701 B
	Rossen A/C 42-97252 K						Turner A/C 43-39001 M
Purvis A/C 43-38461 T		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S				Lubozynski A/C 43-38799 Q		Lawson A/C 44-8280 H
	Brooks A/C 43-37862 G						Blaney A/C 44-8410 A Spare
Gonske A/C 43-38465 A		Rebo A/C 44-6156 R [Failed Take-Off]

Flying Spare for High Sqdn. (401st) - Nowakowski A/C 43-38640 C
Flying Spare for Lead Sqdn. (401st) - Vergen A/C 43-37595 O [Collision with 43-38080 Q while trying to land at Base.]
Flying Spare for High Sqdn. (401st) - Mueller A/C 44-6566 F
Flying Spare for High Sqdn. (401st) - Smith A/C 43-37964 M

94th "B" Combat Group - Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				510th Squadron
				Gibbons–Roper A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Adams A/C 43-37515 L		Cutler A/C 42-97701 B
	Rossen A/C 42-97252 K						Turner A/C 43-39001 M
Purvis A/C 43-38461 T		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S				Lubozynski A/C 43-38799 Q		Lawson A/C 44-8280 H
	Blaney A/C 44-8410 A
Gonske A/C 43-38465 A

Flying Spare for High Sqdn. (401st) - Nowakowski A/C 43-38640 C [Stayed with Formation]
Flying Spare for Lead Sqdn. (401st) - Vergen A/C 43-37595 O [Collision with 43-38080 Q while trying to land at Base.]
Flying Spare for High Sqdn. (401st) - Smith A/C 43-37964 M [Stayed with Formation]

94th "B" Combat Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				511th Squadron
				Bochert–Robinson A/C 42-97687 Z PFF
			Fox A/C 44-6579 J		Ashton A/C 43-38080 Q
	Maish A/C 43-38435 H						Kasper A/C 43-38650 M
Sandel A/C 44-6802 X		Gattens A/C 43-38592 N				Langdon A/C 43-37705 F		Rice–Horns A/C 44-6082 D
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A						Wefel A/C 43-38591 U Spare
Quinn A/C 43-37696 Z		Mahnke A/C 42-97216 U

94th "B" Combat Group - Low Squadron Formation Over–Target
				511th Squadron
				Bochert–Robinson A/C 42-97687 Z PFF
			Fox A/C 44-6579 J		Ashton A/C 43-38080 Q
	Maish A/C 43-38435 H						Kasper A/C 43-38650 M
Sandell A/C 44-6802 X		Gattens A/C 43-38592 N				Langdon A/C 43-37705 F		Rice–Horns A/C 44-6082 D
	Taylor A/C 43-38428 A
Quinn A/C 43-37696 Z		Mahnke A/C 42-97216 U

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0900 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0400; Officers 0430 Stations: 0710 Start Engines: 0720 Taxi: 0730 Take-Off: 0745  Leave Base: 0745 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0300; Officers 0330]

[Wounded On Mission: 2]
[Killed in Action: 19]

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

Clouds were down to 200 feet over the base when the planes returned, making landing difficult. Observers in the control tower were horrified when two planes collided while trying to land. They were Lt. Ashton in 43-38080 and Lt. Vergen in 43-37595.
All crewmembers were killed.

Killed in Action - A/C 43-38080:

• Pilot - 1st Lt Ashton, Edward R. O-806032 511th
• Co-pilot - F/O Bowman, George Y. T-62947 511th
• Navigator - 2nd Lt Cornell, Donald A. O-2064528 511th
• Bombardier - 2nd Lt McNeill, John F. O-782949 511th
• Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Folks, John P. 38391623 511th
• Radio Operator - S/Sgt Allman, James S. 18136207 511th
• Waist Gunner - Sgt Nelson, John Y. 39215872 511th
• Radar Operator - S/Sgt Cook, Bruce Shaffer 33344598 511th
• Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Wieland, Harold R. 32985509 511th
• Tail Gunner - Sgt Connelly, John C. 35585041 511th

Burial Records:

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

• 1st Lt Ashton, Edward R. - Buried - Plot B Row 3 Grave 31, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• F/O Bowman, George Y. - Buried - Plot F Row 6 Grave 120, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• 2nd Lt Cornell, Donald A. - Buried - Lincoln Memorial Park Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska
• 2nd Lt McNeill, John F. - Buried - Lakeside Cemetery Conway, Horry County, South Carolina
• S/Sgt Folks, John P. - Buried - Plot Section E Site 3, Alexandria National Cemetery Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
• S/Sgt Allman, James S. - Buried - Plot Block E North, Greenwood Cemetery Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas
• Sgt Nelson, John Y. - Buried - Plot Plot B Row 6 Grave 28, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• S/Sgt Cook, Bruce Shaffer - Buried - Plot B Row 7 Grave 11, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Sgt Wieland, Harold R. - Buried - Unknown
• Sgt Connelly, John C. - Buried - Plot C Row 4 Grave 54, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom

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