23 Feb 1945 Target:

Group Mission #278

Credited Mission #271

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DATE: 23 Feb. 1945

Target: RR Marshalling Yard at Plauen, Germany

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

1. TARGETS:
2. Visual Primary and GH target for today is: Eger [Cheb, Czechoslovakia]
3. PFF Primary:
4. Visual Secondary: Any Marshalling yard or RR facilities in Germany east of bomb Line. Priority will be given to marshalling yards rolling stock and servicing facilities - not junctions, bridges, etc.
5. PFF Secondary: [Same]
6. Last Resort: [Same]

TIMINGS:
Zero Hour:	- 0845		Stations:	- 0615
Start Engines:	- 0625		Taxi:	- 0635
Take Off:	- 0650		Last Take Off:	- ____
Target Time:	- 1241		ETR [Estimated Time of Return]:	- ____
Depart English Coast at:	0908	at Felixstowe

LOADINGS:
Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
Bombs:	All A/C: 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]

Intervalometer Settings: Salvo.
Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - discretion of CBW [Combat Bomb Wing] Commander
Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 216 units.

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	1st A-B	Attacking	Hof
2nd	1st C, 94th A	Attacking	Eger
3rd	94th B-C	Attacking	Bamberg
4th	40th A-B	Attacking	Bayreuth
5th	40th C, 41st A	Attacking	Plaven
6th	41st B-C	Attacking	Zwickaw

2nd Division targets are	Fulda, Meiningen, Gera, Wimar
3rd Division targets are	Crailsheim, Forchen, Ceske, Buolejovice

Fighter Cover: 10 Gps. of P-51's
Balance 2-2 [Call Sign] Close Support
Balance Extra target & withdrawal support.

Assembly:

Lead at	16,500'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Green	Flares
High at	17,500'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Green-Green	Flares
Low at	15,500'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Red	Flares
401st at	16,500'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares
457th at	15,000'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares

Combat Wing Assembly Line: Metfield to Felixstowe
Division Assembly Line: Felixstowe to 52°45’N-04°37’E [Petten, Netherlands]
1 minutes interval between Groups.
Reference altitude: 12,000

Call Signs:

351st	Woodcraft Able (Maj. Roper)
401st	Woodcraft Charlie
457th	Woodcraft Baker
1st Div. Air Commander
94th CBW Air Commander	Major Gorham

Navigator - _____
S-2 - _____
Weather - _____
Communications - _____
Flying Control - _____
Special Instructions:
a. Type of Bombing Formation - Sqdns.
b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
c. Camera A/C: C-020, Q-565, H-435
return at Continental Coast
d. Spares to turn back at 04° East.
e. PFF A/C fly as Lead in each Sqdn - Deputy of Lead Sqdn.
f. GH A/C fly as None
g. REMARKS: Odd numbered groups bomb at 12,000
Even numbered groups bomb at 13,500

Note - On Field Order Para. 4

BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

Date of Mission - 23 February, 1945.

Target Attacked: The Last Resort Target at Plauen, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods.
Force: 94th “A” Group. Thirty-seven aircraft, including four PFF ships, and one flying spare, were dispatched.
Position: The 94th “A” Group did not fly in its briefed position as fourth group in the First Division Formation. Some difficulty was encountered in getting into the Division Formation before reaching the Dutch coast.

Lead Teams

	Group Lead
	Air Commander:	Major John D. Gorham
	Pilot:	Captain Robert P. Redman
	Navigator:	Captain John R. Gulnac
	Bombardier:	Captain Warren C. Steitz

	High Squadron
	Group Leader:	Captain Harvey W. Powell
	Pilot:	1st Lt Raymond H. Mueller
	Navigator:	1st Lt Harry U. Perry
	Bombardier:	1st Lt Edward H. Anderson

	Low Squadron
	Group Leader:	1st Lt Robert S. Parnell
	Pilot:	1st Lt Edwin L. Olson
	Navigator:	F/O John H. Barndon
	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. William P. Hearn

Narrative.
1. Squadron and Group Assembly: As the weather ship recommended, the assembly was carried out at the briefed altitude plus three over the Kings Cliffe buncher. Due to the necessity of climbing to the higher altitude, departure from the buncher was made eleven minutes late (0845).
2. Route Over England: The 94th “B” and “C” Groups were informed of the new assembly altitude (19,500 feet) of the “A” Group and of the necessity of taking a straight course to the departure point from the English coast rather than following the briefed route. This was acknowledged by both groups. Felixstowe, the briefed departure point, was reached at an altitude of 19,500 feet, 3,000 feet above the briefed altitude on time (0908).
3. Division Assembly Line: Due to the fact that the 94th “A” Group was 3,000 feet above the briefed altitude and the other groups of the Division Formation, some essing was necessary in flying the Division Assembly Line in order to get into the Division column. The 94th “A” Group decreased its altitude while crossing the channel, while the rest of the Division Formation was climbing. At mid-channel, the 94th “A” had let-down to 17,000 feet. It then got into the Division Formation and climbed with it on the remainder of the flight to the enemy coast. The group was not entirely in position in respect to slot and altitude until shortly before reaching the Dutch coast. Due to the fact that the preceding formations had departed from the English coast ahead of time, the 94th “A” Group was unable to get into its briefed position as fourth group in the Division Column. It is believed that it flew in the seventh slot.
4. Flight to Target: The coast of Holland was crossed at the briefed altitude of 19,500 feet and slightly to the right of the briefed point. The formation was seven minutes late (0952) at that point. The briefed route was followed with little divergency to the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Shortly after passing over the Zuider Zee, the let-down was started. The turn before the IP was overrun, but the briefed route was contacted just past the briefed IP. A PFF run was started on the primary target at an altitude of 13,500 feet, 200 feet below the briefed altitude. It soon became apparent that the primary target, because of its smallness, could not be picked up by the mickey set [Radar] satisfactorily to permit bombing. The Combat Wing Air Commander ordered the 94th “A” Group not to drop its bombs.
5. Description of Bombing Run: The Formation passed over the briefed primary target and used it as an IP for the bombing run on the Last Resort Target at Plauen, Germany. Bombing was done in group formation, all aircraft dropping on the lead aircraft. The Group Lead Aircraft made a PFF sighting. The target was completely overcast. No difficulties were encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily.
6. Flight From Target: It had been necessary for the formation to go toe the right of the briefed course to attack the Last Resort Target. It crossed over the briefed route and paralleled it to the left in order to avoid flak from the Schweinfurt area, which was seen in the area of the briefed course, and also to catch up to the Division Column. The formation increased its altitude to 14,000 feet. The briefed route was contacted south of Strasbourg. Previous divergency had been necessary in order to attempt to catch up to preceding groups, and later divergency had been necessary in order to stay in the Division Column. All aircraft were low on gas. South of Brussels, the Combat Wing Air Commander and several other aircraft left the formation in order to land on the continent for refueling. The Deputy Leader took over the lead position and led the formation on the remainder of the flight to base. The Belgian coast was crossed to the right of the briefed point at an altitude of 9,000 feet. In crossing the channel, it was necessary to fly to the right of course in order to stay in the Division Column. The English coast was crossed at Felixstowe at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Weather reports indicated that the weather over England would permit the formation to let-down at the English coast and fly between two layers of clouds to base. It was found, however, that there was no altitude at which the visibility was good enough to permit this. An instrument let-down was made and a direct route flown to base. Landings were carried out with difficulty in very poor visibility.
7. Fighter Support: Very good.
8. Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. There was no flak at the target which was attacked. Intense flak was observed at Schweinfurt and Stuttgart. The Weather Scouting Force furnished accurate weather information. Just as the formation was attacking the target, the Weather Scouting Force was heard to report that visual targets were numerous along the withdrawal route. It is believed that the 94th “B” Group was the first group to receive this message in time to take advantage of it.
  The status of aircraft as of 1200 hours, 24 February, is as follows:
  Known to have landed on Continent: 10 (Fuel Shortage)
  Landed in England (Other than base): 6 (Weather and fuel shortage)
  Unaccounted for: 0
9. Aircraft Not Attacking: Two scheduled aircraft failed to take off. One aircraft returned to base early. The flying spare replaced the abortive aircraft.

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

STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER 638

	351st Bombardment Group
	Lead Squadron	High Squadron	Low Squadron	TOTALS
Borrowed Aircraft	0	0	0	0
No. of Aircraft Failing to Take Off	1	1	0	2
No. of Aircraft Sorties	12	12	13	37
No. of Aircraft Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	12	13	37
No. of Aircraft Credit Sorties	12	11	13	36
No. of Effective Sorties	12	11	13	36
No. of Non-Effective Sorties	0	1	0
Name of Primary Target	EGER [Czechoslovakia]
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Secondary Target	Any M/Y or RR Facilities in Germany and East of Bomb Line
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)	PLAUEN, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT	12	11	13	36
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	141 x 500# GP	131 x 500# GP	155 x 500# GP	427 x 500# GP
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 MIA - Total	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C MIA - Flak
No. of A/C MIA - Flak and E/A
No. of A/C MIA - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C MIA - Accident over Enemy Terr.
No. of A/C MIA - Other and Unknown
Time of Take Off	0648	0649	0647
Time of Attack	1223	1223	1223
Total Time for Mission	116:35	108:29	116:35	341:39
Altitude of Release (Indicated)	13,500’	13,700’	13,500’
Visual, H2X, Gee-H, M-H, Eagle, or Combination	H2X	H2X	H2X
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MEAGER AND INACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Number of Passes made by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	RESULTS UNOBSERVED
Non-Effective Sorties	0	1	0	1
(A) Weather
(B) Personnel	0	1	0	1
(C) Enemy Action	12	12	13	37
(D) Other Non-Mechanical	12	11	13	36
(E) Mechanical and Equipment	12	11	13	36
Incidents of Mechanical & Equipment Failure:	0	0	0	0
(A) Engine
(B) Oil System
(C) Fuel System
(D) Supercharger
(E) Propeller and Governor
(F) Communication System
(G) Guns and Turrets
(H) Bomb Release
(I) Bombay Doors
(J) Electric System
(K) Instruments
(L) Oxygen Equipment
(M) Bomb Sights
(N) A/C in General
Comments

____ A/C borrowed as follows: None
____ A/C loaned as follows: None

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eger 23 February, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O at 0722 hours.
2. Group formed at 0845 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 19,500 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0900 hours at 5207 0045E
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Approx. 5 ships in formation at time to depart so lead ship decided to circle buncher once more, then go directly to Felixstowe.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, Radio.
6. Division formation was joined at 0908 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. Mickey [Radar], Gee
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was ~~not~~ as briefed.
  2. True heading over target. 324.
  3. Actual Drift -11°
  4. Altitude over Target 13,300
  5. Time Bombs Away 1223.
  6. Wind used for bombing 229°/42 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. PFF
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10 cloud
  10. Axis of withdrawal 259°
10. Group rally was accomplished at - Bombed in Group Formation
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. Mickey, Gee and Pilotage.
15. Winds aloft were ~~(not)~~ called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~(not)~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: OK
  2. Gee: OK
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] John W. Martin, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Deputy Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eger 23 February, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O [Take Off] at 0650 hours.
2. Group formed at 0847 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 19,500 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0908 hours at Felixstowe.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Difficulty in forming so we circled buncher till formation was completed then went direct to CP. [Control Point] No. 1
5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee, and Mickey [Radar]
6. Division formation was joined at ____ hours at ____
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed. Except for variations in altitudes. Missed turn before I.P.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR, Gee and Mickey.
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed. Used Primary Target for I.P. on another Target.
  2. True heading over target. 330.
  3. Actual Drift 4° Left.
  4. Altitude over Target 13,700.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1223½.
  6. Wind used for bombing 240°/40 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. Mickey
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. Started run on primary. Failed to Bomb. Bombed Target PFF Secondary.
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
  10. Axis of withdrawal ____
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, 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: Poor Volume
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] H.W. Perry, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Eger 23 February, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O [Take Off] at 0648 hours.
2. Group formed at 0846 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 18,500 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0900 hours at 5201 0051.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee and Mickey [Radar].
6. Division formation was joined at 0908 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. Pilotage and Mickey
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was (not) as briefed.
  2. True heading over target. 330.
  3. Actual Drift +10°
  4. Altitude over Target 13,500.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1223.
  6. Wind used for bombing ____.
  7. Method of target identification. PFF
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths.
  10. Axis of withdrawal 250°
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 ~~(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]: Good
  2. Gee: Out on route over England.
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] J.H. Brandon, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 23 Feb. 1945
Field Order # 638
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th "A" Group
Target - Target of Opportunity - Plauen, Germany

Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Bombing was in Group Formation on the Lead Sqdn. Low's M.H. [Magnetic Compass Heading] was 334° and High's M.H. was 336°. Bombs were released at 1223 Hours.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Eger, Czechoslovakia
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

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 "A" Group
Bombardier - Captain Steitz, Warren C.
Pilot - Major Gorham, J.D. & Capt. Redman, R.P.
Navigator - Captain Gulnac, John R.

Aircraft B-17G Z-376 Take-off - 0745 Landed - 1515
Objective - Target of Opportunity - Plauen, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard] near center of town - PFF
Initial Point - Eger, Czechoslovakia
Method of Attack - Bombing was in group formation on the lead sqdn.
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 36 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 12 x 500 G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M43 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On (PFF)

Information at Release Point: Low's M.H. [Magnetic Compass Heading] was 334, High's M.H. was 336°.

Altitude of Target - ___		Magnetic Heading Ordered 333° Actual 332°
True Altitude Above Target - 12,300		True Heading 328°
Indicated Altitude - 13,480		Drift, Estimated 3° Left - Actual 3° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target - 1000		True Track 325°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 3,309.1'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - A.G.L.D.
True Air Speed - 184K		Time of Release 1223
Ground Speed Est. 162 Actual 163		Length of Bombing Run - 13 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 350° Actual - 290°		Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 20 Actual 42		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 185.6 Trail - 40 ATF - 28.56		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .52 Actual .51		Manual Pilot - _____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved 10/10ths cloud
Mean Temp. Metro -8 Actual -8
Winds - Altitude - 15,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 350° Actual 290° Velocity - Metro 42 Actual 42
Temp C. - Metro -8° C. Actual -8° C.

Narrative Teletype Report:

No leaflets were carried by this Group.
Three squadrons of this Group formed the 94th “A” Combat Wing and bombed the marshalling yards at Plauen, Germany, as a PFF last resort target. Bombing was done in group formation on the lead PFF aircraft and Mickey [Radar] operators who followed through estimated that the results were good. Photo coverage was not available due to clouds covering the target.
No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
There was no flak at the target bombed by this Group. Meager flak was observed at Jena and Zeitz. Moderate flak was observed at Merseburg. Intense flak was observed at Schweinfurt and at Stuttgart. At Offenburg meager flak was encountered, accurate for height but poor for deflection.
10/10ths clouds prevailed along the route in, and in the target area, until about 10 degrees 52 minutes East on the route out, where it broke to 5/10ths or less.
Ellwangen M/Y at 4857-1008, Aalen M/Y at 4851-1006 at 1314 hours, and Goppingen M/Y at 4843-0940 at 1321 hours, were all reported to be very active and well loaded. At 4828-0912 a number of roads were observed to converge in a woods which appeared to have an underground installation of either a military stores or ammunition dump.
Four PFF aircraft were employed, and the equipment used by the crews interrogated worked well. Fighter support was very good. Scouting Force furnished accurate weather information. Either because of weather conditions over home base, or lack of fuel, the following A/C [Aircraft] landed at bases in England: A-410 at Warboys, G-617 at Upwood, V-854 at Newmarket, Z-696 at Mandelsham, K-252 at Wittisham, and Q-565 at Wormingford. Our A/C F-705 landed at B-53 on the continent. Nine of our A/C are still unaccounted for.

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

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

508th Squadron:
A/C B-3349: Good navigation lead. - F/O Bateman.
A/C M-900: Only one time check, and only got approximate time. - Lt Wiese.
A/C H-435: Tail gunner of the deputy lead of the low squadron was firing his guns, and the bullets went right past our wing tip.
This happened just west of the Rhine. There were no fighters. Lead of low flight never did have continuous throttle
settings and was always chopping them, so we went flying past. - F/O Clarac.

510th Squadron:
A/C F-566: Air speed was 145 on route in, forcing near groups to hold back. - Lt Gottschalk.
A/C s-512: Tell them to stay away from over us on bomb run. No. 3 of the high in the lead flew over us on two bomb runs.
- Lt. Collette.

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

Mission Summary Report:

Airplane No. 42-97843, 509th Squadron returned early because Pilot claimed strong gasoline fumes throughout aircraft. Aircraft was ground checked and no leak whatsoever could be found in the fuel system. Aircraft was check flown twice. First flight revealed a faint oder [sic] of gasoline and second flight was normal.

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

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. P-7843 Squadron - 509 - High Date - 23 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Very intense odor of gasoline especially in bomb bay and radio room even seeping into oxygen system.
2. Place and altitude Over buncher 20,000 ft.
3. Time 0830
4. Position in formation #2 low of high squadron.
5. Disposition of bombs Brought back bombs
6. Remarks ____
7. Time & Date dispatched ____
(Pilot's Signature) Chas. D. Hammett
GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
1. Cause (if mechanical) ____
2. Responsibility ____
3. Type of abortive ____
(Eng. Officer's Signature) ____
SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
1. Responsibility ____
2. Action Taken ____
(Squadron C.O.'s Signature)
GROUP S-3's [Operations] STATEMENT:
1. Comments ____
2. Credit ____
(Operations Officer's Signature) ____
To Group Commander for information and remarks.

Intense odor of gas especially in bomb bay and radio room on ground before take-off and crew chief said he thought tokyo tanks were overflowing due to attitude of plane. Opened windows, took out radio hatch, cut off #3 booster pump and left switches as were so as to create no spark. At 20,000 level flight at buncher very intense odor still persisted, even to seeping into oxygen lines and crew members were getting sick. I called tower over 5240 and explained situation and asked if advised to land and after they checked, was cleared to land. Gee box was also inoperative making use of radio necessary.
[Signed] Chas. D. Hammett

“J” Form:

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),
Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), F–6566 Spare
Sqdn 510th A/C: B–6610, C–9020, G–7860, K–7252, S–7512
Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8691, C–8694, F–7705, M–8813, U–7216 Spare

b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group Low Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: (U–7384 PFF), A–8410, B–7349, G–8954, L–7956, M–7900, Q–8799, Y–6108, K–8130 Spare
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: None
Sqdn 511th A/C: H–8435, N–8592, D–6082, G–8872

c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group High Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C:
Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, G–8617, L–2955, M–7964, O–8920, P–7843, Q–8116, R–6156, T–8666, V–7854, (Z–7696 Spare)
Sqdn 510th A/C: (X–8468 PFF)
Sqdn 511th A/C: Q–6565

Target: GH-578

W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MUA R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T JMR R/T TIPSTAFF
Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T TRN R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NOG R/T PARTNERSHIP

Taxi – 0635; Take-Off – 0650; E.T.D. Field – 0650
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)

0908 16,500 ft Felixstowe
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)

0945 19,500 ft 52°45'N-04°37'E [Leihoek, Netherlands]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)

1453 13,500ft 51°13'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)

1528 13,500ft Felixstowe
E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1610 Hours
MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H" Going In - "N" Coming Out
Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
Lead Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
Low Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
High Squadron: 12 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
___ Squadron:
Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
Leaders:
Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Major Gorham A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8376 PFF (508)
Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Parnell A/C No & Sqdn. U-8374 PFF (508)
High Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Powell A/C No & Sqdn. X-8468 PFF (510)
Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
Edwin J. Simon 1st Lt. Q-8116 (509)

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
0908	16,500 ft	Felixstowe

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
0945	19,500 ft	52°45'N-04°37'E [Leihoek, Netherlands]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
1453	13,500ft	51°13'N-02°55'E [Ostend, Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
1528	13,500ft	Felixstowe

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

Formation Chart:

94th CBW "A" Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				510th Squadron
				Redman–Gorham A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Fisher–Smith A/C 44-6610 B FTO*		Dinning A/C 42-97701 B PFF
	Turner A/C 43-38691 B						Oakes A/C 42-97252 K
Gonske A/C 43-38694 C		Gottschalk A/C 44-6566 F				Adams A/C 43-37705 F		Blaney A/C 43-38813 M
	Brooks A/C 43-37862 G						Peterson A/C 42-97216 U
Rebo A/C 43-39020 C		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S

[* FTO - Failed Takeoff.]

94th CBW "A" Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
				510th Squadron
				Redman–Gorham A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Peterson A/C 42-97216 U		Dinning A/C 42-97701 B PFF
	Turner A/C 43-38691 B						Oakes A/C 42-97252 K
Gonske A/C 43-38694 C		Gottschalk A/C 44-6566 F				Adams A/C 43-37705 F		Blaney A/C 43-38813 M
	Brooks A/C 43-37862 G
Rebo A/C 43-39020 C		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S

[Lts Fisher & Smith, in 44-6610, Failed Take-off. Their position was filled by Lt Peterson, the flying spare.]
[Lts Redman, Adams & Peterson landed at B-53 (Merville, France) on the Continent. Lt Oakes landed at Wittisham.]

94th CBW "A" Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Powell–Mueller A/C 44-8468 X PFF
			Johnson, E.G. A/C 43-38920 O		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q
	Foreman A/C 43-38666 T						Quinn A/C 44-8617 G
Smith A/C 43-37964 M		Hammett A/C 42-97843 P				Whittaker A/C 43-38640 C		Maddux A/C 42-102955 L
	Parker A/C 44-6156 R FTO*						Wefel A/C 43-37696 Z Spare
Thomson A/C 44-6565 Q		Ablanalp A/C 43-37854 V

[* FTO - Failed Take-off]

94th CBW "A" Group High Squadron Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Powell–Mueller A/C 44-8468 X PFF
			Johnson A/C 43-38920 O		Crews A/C 43-38116 Q
	Foreman A/C 43-38666 T						Quinn A/C 44-8617 G
Smith A/C 43-37964 M						Whittaker A/C 43-38640 C		Maddux A/C 42-102955 L
	Wefel A/C 43-37696 Z
Thomson A/C 44-6565 Q		Abplanalp A/C 43-37854 V

[Lt Hammett aborted the mission.]
[Lt Parker Failed Take-Off. Lt Wefel, the flying spare, filled his position.]
[Lt Quinn landed at Upwood, Lt Wefel at Mandelsham, Lt Thompson at Wormingford, Lt Abplanalp at Newmarket]

94th CBW "A" Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				508th Squadron
				Parnell A/C 44-8374 U PFF
			Kale A/C 44-6108 Y		Glazier A/C 42-97349 B
	Murray A/C 43-38799 Q						Beringer A/C 44-8410 A
Wisdom A/C 44-6082 D		Buttel A/C 43-38954 G				Wiese A/C 43-37900 M		Ryan A/C 43-38872 G
	Hansen A/C 43-37956 L						Harkins A/C 43-38130 K Spare
Gattens A/C 43-38592 N		Sandel A/C 43-38435 H

[Lt Beringer landed at Warboys]
[Lt Harkins, the flying spare, stayed with the mission.]
[Lts Murray and Ryan landed on the continent.]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0845 BST [British Standard Time] Briefing: Enlisted Men 0330; Officers 0400 Stations: 0615 Start Engines: 0625 Taxi: 0635 Take-Off: 0650 Leave Base: 0650 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0230; Officers 0300]

[Wounded On Mission: 0]

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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #278

Credited Mission #271