351st Bomb Group

1. 1. TARGETS:     PLAN "B"
   2. Visual Primary and GH target for today is: Naval Arm. - Nurnberg [Germany]
   3. PFF Primary: Nurnberg R/Y Station [Germany]
   4. Visual Secondary: Nurnberg R/Y Station [Germany]
   5. PFF Secondary: Nurnberg R/Y Station [Germany]
   6. Last Resort: Goppingen [Germany] A/D [Airdrome]
   
   

2. TIMINGS:
   Zero Hour:	- 0830		Stations:	- 0535
   Start Engines:	- 0645		Taxi:	- 0705
   Take Off:	- 0720		Last Take Off:	- 0830
   Target Time:	- 1133		ETR [Estimated Time    of Return]:	- 1520
   Depart English Coast at:	0909	at Felixstowe

   
   

3. LOADINGS:
   Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
   Bombs:	5 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/100 [Fuses] & 5 M-17's - Bomb Altitude 26,500'

   
   
4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual & P.F.F. – 140 FT. - Last Resort - Salvo
   
   
5. Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - 13 minutes before Target for 18 minutes.
     Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 432 units.
   
   
6. Disposition of Forces:
   
   3 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	41st	Attacking	Nurnberg
   2nd	40th	Attacking	Nurnberg
   3rd	1st	Attacking	Nurnberg
   4th	94th	Attacking	Nurnberg

   2nd Division targets are	Nurnberg
   3rd Division targets are	Nurnberg

   
   
7. Fighter Cover: 8 Gps. of P-51's - Balance 2 [Call Sign] Close Support - 2 Gps. of P-51's - Balance 2-7 & 2-8
   
   
8. Assembly:

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

   Combat Wing Assembly Line:  Splasher #6 - Felixstowe
   Division Assembly Line: Felixstowe - Continental Coast
   _1_ minute interval between Groups.
   Reference altitude: 24,000
   
   
9. Call Signs:

   351st	Woodcraft Charlie
   401st	Woodcraft Baker
   457th	Woodcraft Able
   1st Div. Air Commander	Major Strickland - Cowboy Able
   94th CBW Air Commander	Major Spencer - Woodcraft Able

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
    
12. Weather - _____
    
    
13. Communications - _____
    
    
14. Flying Control - _____
    
    
15. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal - Visual - Squadrons; PFF - Group
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C [Aircraft] of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
     c. Camera A/C:  C-753, M-964, Z-696
      return at   03°00'E
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. PFF A/C fly as Lead - Deputy Lead - High & Low Lead
     f. GH A/C fly as None
     g. REMARKS: 
      8 P-51's - Buckeye Blue - Scouting Force
      See Item #4 under #6 - Special Instructions Plan A
      Russian Recognition Signal Feb 21
      No Targets within 100 miles of Russian lines unless assigned
    
    ; BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??
    
    

1. Date of Mission - 21 February, 1945.
   1. Target Attacked:  The secondary target at Nurnberg, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods.
   2. Force: Thirty-nine aircraft, including four PFF ships and three flying spares were dispatched.
   3. Position: 94th "C" Group. Briefed and flew as the last group in the 1st Division Formation.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Lt Col James T. Stewart
      	Pilot:	Captain Norman A. Trapp
      	Navigator:	1st Lt John C. Talbott
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt Robert E. McFarlane

      
      

      	High Squadron
      	Group Leader:	Captain Robert P. Redman
      	Pilot:	Captain Frank H. Wilcox
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt Rolland X. Madsen
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt Jack P. Austin

      
      

      	Low Squadron
      	Group Leader:	Captain Benjamin F. Nay
      	Pilot:	Captain Jay H. Maish
      	Navigator:	1st Lt Melvin L. Ouder
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt Mart G. Smith

2. Narrative.
   1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out very well at the Kings Cliffe buncher. Departure from the assembly point was made 30 seconds early (0830½) at the briefed altitude of 8,500 feet.
   2.  Route Over England: After leaving the buncher, the 94th “C” followed the 94th “B” on the outside (left). Spaulding was reached on course and on time. From that point, the route followed was directly to Control Point #1 in trail of the 94th “A” and “B” Groups. In spite of this attempt to reach Control Point #1 on time, the 94th “C” was 1½ minutes late (0910½). The altitude at that point was 10,200 feet, 1300 feet below the briefed height. The climb after leaving the buncher had been made slowly.
   3.  Division Assembly Line: The first Combat Wing Leader arrived at Control Point #1 late and as a result there were several groups at that point at the same time. Some difficulty resulted in getting into proper position in the Division Column. It was necessary for the 94th “C” to go to the right of the briefed course before crossing the Belgian coast in order to fall back into its briefed spot at last group in the Division Column. The 94th “B” Group was in its proper position, but the 94th “A” Group, by following the briefed route, had gotten ahead of the First Combat Wing formation, which was scheduled to precede the 94th Combat Wing.
   4.  Flight to Target: The 94th “C” Group returned to the briefed route at the Belgian coast. It was crossed one minute late (0942) at an altitude of 14,600 feet, 3,100 feet above the briefed height. The Division Column was followed in the flight to the target. This took the formation to the south of the briefed course for some distance. The planned route was paralleled before passing Mainz, but it later became necessary to go to the north in an attempt to avoid flak in the Frankfurt area. Apparently the flak defenses were set up along the river banks, and so it became necessary to go through the flak at the Rhine River and to attempt to skirt it at Frankfurt. After passing Frankfurt, the formation turned due south, which took it to the right of the briefed route, and turned due east for the run on Nurnberg, This maneuver made the bombing run almost twice as long as had been planned. The briefed IP [Initial point of Bomb Run] was passed on the north. This point was passed at 1150, 28 minutes late. The altitude at that point was as briefed, 26,500 feet.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run: The secondary target at Nurnberg, Germany, was attacked in group formation by PFF methods. The briefed turn was not made at the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. The target was found to be completely covered. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily.
   6.  Flight From Target: After bombing, the 94th “C” followed the Division Column on the withdrawal. It was later necessary for the formation to fly to the left of the briefed course while echeloned to the left in the Division Formation. The 94th “C” closed into the briefed point at the Belgian coast and crossed it at an altitude of 11,000 feet. The formation flew to the left of the briefed course in the flight from Ostend to Felixstowe, but crossed the English coast at the briefed point. Felixstowe was reached at an altitude of 11,000 feet and a gradual let-down procedure was followed which ended three miles east of base. The Lead Squadron landed while the High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas.
   7.  Fighter Support: Very good.
   8.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Meager and inaccurate flak was encountered at the target. Ten-tenths clouds prevailed in the target area and en route. Moderate and persistent contrails were encountered. The Weather Scouting Force was contacted and furnished correct information. It had been contacted twice before the target was reached. The first report indicated that a visual assist would be possible, but the second report said that the target was completely covered.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Two aircraft returned early, one of which attacked a target of opportunity at Wiebach, Germany. The three flying spares returned as planned.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0720 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0800 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 8,500 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0857 hours at 5217 0055E
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. Mickey [Radar], Airplot, Pilotage and Radio
   6. Division formation was joined at 0910½ hours at Felixstowe
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Off course in following Division column.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. Mickey, Wind Plot and Pilotage
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 090
      3. Actual Drift 13° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 26,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1202.
      6. Wind used for bombing 160°/38 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths cloud
      10. Axis of withdrawal 210°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at 49°15'N 10°00'E at 1208 hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at 48°45'N 09°25'E at 1229 hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at 48°45'N 09°25'E at 1229 hours.
   13. Flight home was was (not) as briefed. 
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Mickey and Pilotage.
   15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
   16. Fighter rendezvous' were (not) as briefed.
   17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
       1. Mickey [Radar]: Good
       2. Gee: Out
       3. Radio Compass: Good
       4. Fluxgate: Out
       5. Other Equipment OK

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0722 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0826 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 8,500 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0837 hours at 5247 0015W
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. 
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning] and Pilotage
   6. Division formation was joined at 0909 hours at 5153 0110E
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Cot as Far as 20 mi South of course on 1st leg on continent.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. I.P. 4929 1015E
      2. True heading over target. 110
      3. Actual Drift 8° Right
      4. Altitude over Target 26,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1202.
      6. Wind used for bombing 40°/40 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10 undercast
      10. Axis of withdrawal 200°
   10. Group rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   12. Division rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
   13. Flight home was was (not) as briefed. 
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. DR 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]: Very Poor
       2. Gee: Good but Jammed
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0722 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0740 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 8,500 feet.
   3. Wing assembly was completed at 0910 hours at Felixstowe
   4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Lot of S'ing to avoid other groups.
   5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR, Pilotage, Gee and Radio
   6. Division formation was joined at 0945 hours at 5113 0255
   7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. S'ing and double drifts to avoid, Flak, other formations, and because of wind shifts.
   8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR, Pilotage, Gee and Mickey
   9. BOMB RUN.
      1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. 
      2. True heading over target. 098
      3. Actual Drift 12° Left.
      4. Altitude over Target 25,500.
      5. Time Bombs Away 1202½.
      6. Wind used for bombing 145°/46 knots.
      7. Method of target identification. PFF
      8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
      9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
      10. Axis of withdrawal 190°
   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. slightly south of course.
   14. Methods of navigation on return route. Gee DR 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]: Out
       2. Gee: OK
       3. Radio Compass: OK
       4. Fluxgate: OK
       5. Other Equipment OK

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? Bombing was in group formation - Low's M.H. [Magnetic Compass Heading] was 105°, High's M.H. was 105° - bombs were released at 1202 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

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

Lead Squadron, 94th "C" Group Bombardier - Captain
Pilot - Lt. Col. Stewart, J.T. & Capt. Trapp, N.A.
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Eaton, Donald H.

Aircraft B-17G   Z-375  Take-off - 0720 Landed - 1545
Objective - Nurnberg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 36   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 - 5 x M17 I.B's [Incendiary Bomb]; 5 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  Bombing was in Group Formation

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14.5 Actual -14.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 340°  Actual 160°  Velocity - Metro 25K  Actual 38K
Temp C. - Metro -41° C. Actual -41° C.

1. No leaflets were carried by this group.
2. The three squadrons of this group, flying as “C” Group of the 94th CBW, bombed the secondary target at Nurnburg, Germany by PFF methods. Photos show the target area covered with clouds and smoke. Mickey operators believe the bombfall to be to the right and approximately one mile over the assigned MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. There was meager flak at the target, but it was very inaccurate for our formation. Moderate accurate flak was encountered at St. Goar, and meager accurate flak in the vicinity of Bitburg. Meager to moderate inaccurate flak was encountered north of Frankfurt and north of Freiburg.
5. 10/10 clouds prevailed in the target area and on route. Moderate and persistent contrails were also encountered.
6. No observations of military importance were made.
7. Four PFF A/C [Aircraft] were employed by this Group. All equipment functioned well. Fighter support was very good. The Scouting Force was contacted and its information was correct. None of our crew members were able to see the British target indicator bombs because of the 10/10 cloud coverage. None of our A/C are missing.

    508th Squadron:
A/C 116-Q Our incendiaries were loaded wrong and we could not use the crank on the doors. - Lt. Harpater.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 964-M Leader of the low section, low squadron flew too close and crowded us into the No. 2 man of the Low. He is a good
      smooth pilot though. - Lt. Hammett.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 665-N High element leader, high squadron was good; but No. 3 did not fly formation well. - Lt. Blaney.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 565-Q There should be something in the A/C to clean windows with. - Lt Brennan.
      The cord of the navigator's head-set should be longer. - Lt. Dohun.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38130, 508th Squadron returned early because of a faulty #3 electronic supercharger governor.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron returned early because of extensive battle damage. Investigation revealed #3 and #4 turbo superchargers damaged and the rudder and control cables of the elevator were damaged.
   3. Airplane No. 44-6566, 509th Squadron returned early as planned.
   4. Airplane No. 43-37512, 510th Squadron returned early as planned.
   5. Airplane No. 44-6082, 511th Squadron returned early as planned.

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Nos. 2 & 3 superchargers out
   2. Place and altitude 50°12'N - 08°02'E 24,000'
   3. Time 1052
   4. Position in formation No. 3 in high element of lead
   5. Disposition of bombs dropped at 50°12'N - 08°02'E [Near Heidenrod, Germany]
   6. Remarks None
   7. Time & Date dispatched 1400; 21 Feb '45
     (Pilot's Signature) J.W. Anderson

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Number 3 & 4 turbos shot out, oxygen shot out, Rudder controls shot out, hole in Gas Tank #4
   2. Place and altitude 50°08'N - 08°17'E
   3. Time 1108
   4. Position in formation #2 in Low Low of Lead Sqdn.
   5. Disposition of bombs Salvoed on Weisbaden.
   6. Remarks #3 & #4 engines dropped to 12" hg. salvoed ball turret & excess weight as we were dropping fast
   7. Time & Date dispatched 1445 2/21/45
     (Pilot's Signature) John J. James, 2nd Lt.

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
   2. Place and altitude 50°38'N - 04°02'E
   3. Time 1012
   4. Position in formation Spare
   5. Disposition of bombs Returned
   6. Remarks All ships were in Low Low - Too far back
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Daniel A. Oen

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
   2. Place and altitude 04° E 18,000'
   3. Time 1007
   4. Position in formation High Squadron
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
   6. Remarks Formation Full - Low Squadron Strung Out
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Thomas M. Ryan

1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
   1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
   2. Place and altitude 04°12'E 18,000' Near Brussles
   3. Time 1006
   4. Position in formation ____
   5. Disposition of bombs Brought them back
   6. Remarks 36 ships in formation - Low Box strung out
   7. Time & Date dispatched ____
     (Pilot's Signature) Elvin L. Haskins

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: (Z–8376 PFF), A–8410, C–8753, G–8954, K–8130, M–7900, P–7258, Q–8799, Y–6108
   Sqdn 509th A/C: O–8920, Q–8166, (F–6566 Spare),
   Sqdn 510th A/C: V–8079
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: B–7349
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), L–2955, M–7964
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: A–8428, B–8691, F–7705, H–8435, J–6579, N–8592, Q–6565, U–7216, (D–6082 Spare)

   
   

   c. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, T–8666, Z–7696
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (Y–7651 PFF), G–7862, H–8280, K–7252, L–7515, M–9001, N–7665, P–8038, T–8461, (S–7512 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: (Plan "A" GN-5803) (Plan "B" GR-3668)
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MSY R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T RFX R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T JTS R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T WXX R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. Taxi – Plan "A" 0655
   Plan "B" 0705 Take-Off – Plan "A" 0710
   Plan "B" 0720 E.T.D. Field – Plan "A" 0710
   Plan "B" 0720
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   Plan "A" 0857	11,500 Ft	Felixstowe
   Plan "B" 0909	11,500 Ft	Felixstowe

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   Plan "A" 0941	21,500 Ft	52°44'N-04°38'E [Camperduin, Netherlands]
   Plan "B" 0941	11,500 Ft	51°13'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   Plan "A" 1342	21,500 Ft	52°44'N-04°38'E [Camperduin, Netherlands]
   Plan "B" 1422	9,000 Ft	51°10'N-02°54'E [Leffinge, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   Plan "A" 1432	6,500 Ft	Felixstowe
   Plan "B" 1440	6,500 Ft	Felixstowe

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: Plan "A" 1512 Hours - Plan "B" 1520 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C:
    Lead Squadron: 5 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] - 1/10 x 1/100 Plus 5 x M17 IB [Incendiary Bomb] Fusing 39.5
    Low Squadron: 5 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/100 Plus 5 x M17 IB Fusing 39.5
    High Squadron: 5 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/100 Plus 5 x M17 IB Fusing 39.5
    ___ Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
    
13. Leaders:
    Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Col. Stewart A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8376 PFF (508)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Captain Nay A/C No & Sqdn. B-7701 PFF (509)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Captain Wilcox A/C No & Sqdn. Y-7651 PFF (510)
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Maksimik, John, S/Sgt.