351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #287

Credited Mission #280

 
DATE: 5 Mar. 1945
Target: RR Marshalling Yard, Chemnitz, Germany
 
BRIEFING OUTLINE

  1. Ask 508th, 509th and 510th Operations representatives if their crews are all present.

  2. Read Special briefing poop.

  3. TARGETS:
    1. The Visual Primary for today is: Ruhland [Germany] (Synthetic Oil)
    2. PFF Primary: Chemnitz [Germany] M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard]
    3. Visual Secondary: ____
    4. PFF Secondary: ____
    5. Last Resort Target: Plauen A/F [Airfield]
  4. S-2 [Intelligence] Information:

  5. Weather:

  6. Time Schedule:
    Zero Hour: - 0800Stations: - 0500
    Start Engines: - 0510Taxi: - 0530
    Take Off: - 0545Last Take Off: - 0630
    Intercept Group atC-14at18,000 ft.
    Target Time: - Approx. 1020ETR [Estimated Time
       of Return]:

    - 1630
    Depart English Coast at: ____at ____

    Time on oxygen: 6 hours (approx.)

    TIME TICK [Set your watches.]

  7. Loadings:
     Gasoline: 2,780 Gallons
     Bombs: Lead & Low - 18 x 250# G.P. 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    High Sqdn. 10 x 500# G.P.'s 1/10 x 1/40

  8. Intervalometer Settings: Visual - Salvo, PFF - 250# -50', 500# - 75'

  9. Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - 15 mins before Target - Continue for 18 minutes.
      Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 432 units.

  10. Disposition of Forces:

    3 Divisions will be dispatched. The 1st Air Division will depart England ____ preceded by ____ Division and followed by the ____ Division.
    1st Division will dispatch ____ CBW's of ____ Groups each.
    The order of attack in the 1st Division will be:
    Lead 1stAttackingRuhland
    2nd94thAttackingRuhland
    3rd____Attacking____
    4th____Attacking____
    2nd Division targets are____
    3rd Division targets are____

  11. Fighter Cover: 5 Gps. of P-51's - (4 close [Support] - 1 Area) (Balance 1-3 [Call Sign])

  12. Assembly:
    Lead at18,000feet on C-14 BuncherRed-GreenFlares
    High at19,000feet onC-14BuncherGreen-GreenFlares
    Low at17,000feet onC-14BuncherRed-RedFlares
    401st at____feet on____Buncher____Flares
    457th at____feet on____Buncher____Flares
    Combat Wing Assembly Line: ____
    Division Assembly Line: ____
    1 minutes interval between Groups.
    Reference altitude: 18,000'
    Bombing altitude: 25,000'
    Point for instrument let-down Normal magnetic heading of ____ degrees.

  13. Call Signs:
    351stWoodcraft Able
    401stWoodcraft ____
    457thWoodcraft Baker
    1st Div. Air CommanderLt. Col. Shakley (Swordfish Able)
    94th CBW Air CommanderMaj. Richardson

  14. The following ships will monitor [Radio Channels]- "B" - L-956, B-592, N-665; "C" - 8th A.F. - G-954; "C" - 67th Fighter Wing - B-349.
    Other Communications information will be found on the flimsy.

  15. FLYING CONTROL: _____

  16. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal (Expect Visual)
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      The A/C are: M-900, Low - O-920, K-252
     c. Ball Turret Gunners of the following A/C report to Photo Lab: Q-565, C-592, M-900, B-349, B-610, & C-020
     d. Camera A/C: K-130, A-465, L-515
      return at  ____
     e. Spares to turn back at 06° East.
     f. PFF A/C fly as Lead & Deputy lead of Lead Sqdn. & Lead of High Sqdn.
     g. GH A/C fly as ____
     h. REMARKS: 
       Avoid Dunkerque
       In case of Continental Diversion land at A-39 [Châteaudun, France]
       Gunners Alert while Taxiing

  17. You are reminded not to discuss the target. EXERCISE ALL SECURITY MEASURES.


  BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??



Operational Narrative.
  1. Date of Mission - 5 March, 1945.
    1. Target Attacked:  The secondary target at Chemnitz, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods.
    2. Force: 94th “A” Group. Thirty-nine aircraft, including three PFF ships and three flying spares, were dispatched.
    3. Position: The 94th “A” Group was scheduled to fly as the fourth group in the Division Formation. Due to the bad weather encountered, however, the Division Formation was not flown.
    4. Lead Teams
      Wing Lead
      Air Commander: Major Franklin A. Richardson
      Pilot:Captain John R. Coulam
      Navigator:1st Lt. Joseph A. Glover, Jr.
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Wayne R. Smith

      Low Squadron
      Leader: Captain Benjamin F. Nay
      Pilot:1st Lt. George A. Patterson
      Navigator:F/O Leon R. Phelps
      Bombardier:F/O Leonard L. Lesch

      High Squadron
      Leader: 1st Lt. Henry R. Rossen
      Pilot:2nd Lt. Morris G. Turner
      Navigator:F/O Paul A. Walker
      Bombardier:2nd Lt. Allen G. McDonald
  2. Narrative.
    1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: After the take off, the lead aircraft flew over the King’s Cliffe buncher, reaching it on time (0550). The briefed route was not flown between King’s Cliffe and Splasher #7. Splasher#7 was reached three minutes early (0617), at an altitude of 10,000 feet, 2,000 feet above the briefed altitude. The briefed route was followed from Splasher #7 to the English Coast, which was crossed at an altitude of 13,000 feet.
    2.  Flight to Assembly Point: Departure from the English coast was made at the briefed point. The route flown while crossing the channel was slightly to the left of the briefed course. No difficulty was caused by this divergency, and the coast of Belgium was crossed to the left of the briefed point at an altitude of 17,000 feet. The assembly area was reached four minutes early (0703) at the briefed altitude of 18,000 feet.
    3.  Route Over England: Some difficulty was encountered in the assembly when the assigned buncher (C-14) failed to operate. As a result it was necessary to find the assembly area by mickey [Radar] fixes. Due to the fact that bad weather was also encountered, all of the aircraft of this group were unable to assemble. The majority of the 94th “A” did assemble, however, and departed from the assembly area one minute late (0752).
    4.  Division Assembly Line: After the departure from the buncher, the 94th “A” Group flew due East, thus cutting off the sharp turn south of Brussels, and in order to reach succeeding points on time. The briefed route was contacted at the east end of the Division Assembly Line at the briefed time (0832) at an altitude of 20,000 feet, 2,500 feet below the briefed altitude. Due to the bad weather conditions encountered over the continent, it had been impossible to see any of the other formations scheduled to fly in the First Division Formation. The flight to the target was made alone.
    5.  Flight to Target: The briefed route was followed to the left of the briefed course in an attempt to find better weather. Visibility was poor and other groups could not be seen. The formation returned to the briefed route at approximately 5030-1020. It was in this area that it received the information from the Weather Scouting Force that the primary target was overcast. The decision was made to attack the secondary target at Chemnitz, Germany. A point at 5042-1155 was selected as the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and the run was started on the target.
    6.  Description of Bombing Run: Flight From Target: The secondary target at Chemnitz, Germany was attacked in group formation by PFF methods. The briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was not reached. The target area was found to be completely covered. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. Mickey [Radar] Operators believe that results should be good.
       The target had been attacked from an altitude of 28,000 feet, 3,000 feet above the briefed height. The weather conditions were such at the briefed altitude that it was necessary to climb higher.
    7.  Flight From Target: After bombing, the formation made a 180° turn, contacted the briefed route, and followed it with very little divergency on the withdrawal. Weather on the briefed route between the front lines and the coast made it necessary to fly to the left of the briefed course in the vicinity of Brussels. The coast was crossed slightly to the left of the briefed point at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The briefed route was followed in crossing the channel. The English coast was crossed at Felixstowe at an altitude of 8,000 feet. A direct return to base was made from the English coast. A normal let-down procedure was followed. The High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas before landing.
    8.  Fighter Support: After bombing, the formation made a 180° turn, contacted the briefed route, and followed it with very little divergency on the withdrawal. Weather on the briefed route between the front lines and the coast made it necessary to fly to the left of the briefed course in the vicinity of Brussels. The coast was crossed slightly to the left of the briefed point at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The briefed route was followed in crossing the channel. The English coast was crossed at Felixstowe at an altitude of 8,000 feet. A direct return to base was made from the English coast. A normal let-down procedure was followed. The High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas before landing.
    9.  Comments: No aircraft were lost. PFF was used for bombing and navigational purposes. The Weather Scouting Force was contacted and gave helpful weather information. Approximately eight aircraft from other groups bombed with this group’s formation. Five of our aircraft flew with the 457th Group and two with the 381st Group when they could not locate the 94th “A” Group in the bad weather.
    10.  Aircraft Not Attacking: Two aircraft returned to base early. Two flying spares returned as planned.

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


STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER
351st Bombardment Group
Lead SquadronHigh SquadronLow SquadronTOTALS
Borrowed Aircraft0000
No. of Aircraft Failing to Take Off0000
No. of Aircraft Sorties13131339
No. of Aircraft Airborne Less Unused Spares13121237
No. of Aircraft Credit Sorties13111135
No. of Effective Sorties13111135
No. of Non-Effective Sorties0112
Name of Primary TargetRUHLAND, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Secondary TargetCHEMNITZ, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target13111135
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 231 x 250# GP  197 x 250# GP  110 x 500# GP  428 x 250# GP 
110 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.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
No. of A/C MIA - Total0000
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 Off054505480549
Time of Attack101010101011
Total Time for Mission106:1995:4595:18297:22
Altitude of Release (Indicated)28,000’28,200’27,400’
Visual, H2X, Gee-H, M-H, Eagle, or CombinationH2XH2XH2X
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy0000
Enemy Resistance – Fighter0000
Enemy Resistance – Bombers0000
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft0000
Number of Passes made by Enemy Aircraft0000
Degree of SuccessRESULTS UNOBSERVED - BELIEVED GOOD
Non-Effective Sorties0112
(A) Weather
(B) Personnel 42-1029550101
(C) Enemy Action
(D) Other Non-Mechanical
(E) Mechanical and Equipment 43-376650011
Incidents of Mechanical & Equipment Failure:
(A) Engine0011
(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 Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 5 Mar. 1945
Field Order # 649
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "A" Group
Target - M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard] at Chemnitz, Germany
  1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  PFF
  2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Bombing was in Group Formation on the Lead; High's M.H. [Magnetic Compass Heading] was 090°, Low's was 092°. Time of release was 10:10 hours.
  3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? No (50°42' 11°55')
  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
  [Signed] Wayne R. Smith, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

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

Lead Squadron, 94th "A" Group
Bombardier - 1st Lt. Smith, Wayne R.
Pilot - Major Richardson, F.A. & Capt. Coulam, J.R.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Glover, John A., Jr.

Aircraft B-17G   J-468  Take-off - 0545 Landed - 1345
Objective - M/Y at Chemnitz, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 50°42' 11°55'
Method of Attack - Bombing was in Group Formation on the Lead
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 - 18 x 250 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] and Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On - PFF - Check Points were Good

Information at Release Point:  

Altitude of Target - 1,000Magnetic Heading Ordered 353° Actual 088°
True Altitude Above Target - 26,900True Heading 085°
Indicated Altitude - 28,000Drift, Estimated 8° Right - Actual 25° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +902True Track 110°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 10,040'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KBomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 236KTime of Release 1010 Hours
Ground Speed Est. 146 Actual 200Length of Bombing Run - 35 N.M.
Wind Direction Metro - 340° Actual - 359°Intervalometer Setting - 50 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 70K Actual 70K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 119  Trail - 97.5   ATF - 43A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .55 Actual .50 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 50'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -19 Actual -19
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 340°  Actual 359°  Velocity - Metro 70K  Actual 70K
Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -40° C.



Narrative Teletype Report:
  1. No leaflets were carried by this Group..
  2. The visual primary target, Ruhland, Germany, could not be attacked due to 10/10ths cloud coverage. The three squadrons of this group formed the 94th A Combat Wing and bombed the M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard] at Chemnitz, Germany, the assigned secondary target, by PFF methods. Bombing was done in group formation and the lead Mickey [Radar] operator believes that impact was inside the built-up area of the city.
  3. No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
  4. Two crews reported meager fairly accurate flak at the target; all other crews reported none. Moderate fairly accurate continuous following was encountered both going in and coming out ten miles south of Koblenz. A few crews encountered moderate fairly accurate flak in the vicinity of Frankfurt. Meager flak was observed over Gotha and Brux.
  5. 10/10ths clouds prevailed on the route in and in the target area.
  6. No observations of military importance.
  7. PFF was used for bombing and navigational purposes. All sets worked well. Fighter support was good; however, due to the poor weather conditions they had difficulty in finding the bombers. The Scouting Force was contacted and gave helpful weather information. Our A/C 038-R is missing, circumstances unknown. Approximately eight (8) a/c from other Groups bombed with this Group’s formation. Our A/C 705-D, 082-D, 610-B, and 130-K and 954-G flew with Glatton [457th Bomb Group]. Our A/C 465-A and 956-L flew with Ridgewell [381st Bomb Group].


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 082-D: We could not pick up the buncher we were supposed to form on in France. – Lt. Crawford.
A/C 410-A: In the briefings we’ve had since the new system there has not been sufficient information given, especially target information. – Lt. Sugg.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 617-G: Crew would like to have a better briefing of the mission; otherwise do not believe any necessary. – Lt. Gattens.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 705-V: Assembly was poor. – Lt. Mahnke.
A/C 020-C: Buncher was not working at assembly; when buncher is not working, have lead ship transmit on predetermined frequency, and other ships assemble on him.

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


Mission Summary Report:
  1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
    1. Airplane No. 42-102955, 509th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated he was unable to locate formation.
    2. Airplane No. 44-6108, 508th Squadron, returned early as planned.
    3. Airplane No. 43-38435, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.
    4. Airplane No. 43-37665, 510th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated #4 engine was out. Investigation of engine revealed that #9 cylinder lost all compression. Fire was caused by oil from this cylinder burning on the exhaust collector ring
  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


Abortive Report
Aircraft No. O-435 Squadron - 510  Date - 5 Mar. 1945
  1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
    1. Reason for abortive Spare
    2. Place and altitude 50°5'N 06°E
    3. Time 0833
    4. Position in formation Spare Low Sqd'n.
    5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
    6. Remarks Did not see formation. Was at Control Point 1 on time. Left buncher trying to catch Bassingbourn [91st Bomb Group] which we took for our group. Then had to go to point 1.
    7. Time & Date dispatched ____
      (Pilot's Signature) J.M. Smith


Abortive Report
Aircraft No. L-955 Squadron - 509 - Low  Date - 5 Mar. 1945
  1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
    1. Reason for abortive Not being able to locate Group - chased another group - but were beyond front lines approx 20 miles
    2. Place and altitude Past Front Lines (50°03'N 05°44'E)
    3. Time 0830
    4. Position in formation #3 in Low Element of Low Sq.
    5. Disposition of bombs Returned to base.
    6. Remarks Arrived at C-14 at 07:42 - Located Glatton [457th Bomb Group] - There were several other Groups which I tried to catch but they were over the Front Lines.
    7. Time & Date dispatched ____
      (Pilot's Signature) William A. Day


Abortive Report
Aircraft No. N-7665 Squadron - 510 - High Date - 5 Mar. 1945
  1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
    1. Reason for abortive #4 Engine on fire.
    2. Place and altitude 51°40' 01°20'E 10.000'
    3. Time 0651
    4. Position in formation ____
    5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
    6. Remarks Sparks and smoke was coming out of engine and cowling was red hot, put out fire once and it started again - feathered engine
    7. Time & Date dispatched 0850, 5 March, 1945
      (Pilot's Signature) Elvin L. Haskins


“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, B–7349, D–6082, G–8954, H–8412, K–8130, L–7956, M–7900, P–7258, U–8813, (Q–8799 Spare)
    Sqdn 509th A/C: None
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: (B–7701 PFF), (J–8468 PFF)

    b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: (Y–6108 Spare)
    Sqdn 509th A/C: B–8592, F–6566, G–8617, L–2955, O–8920, P–6907, U–8591, Z–7696
    Sqdn 510th A/C: B–8694, U–7216, A–8465
    Sqdn 511th A/C: C–6952

    c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: None
    Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, T–1384, (L–7676 Spare)
    Sqdn 510th A/C: B–6610, C–9020, K–7252, L–7515, M–9001, N–7665, P–8038, T–9156, U–7705, (O–8435 Spare)
    Sqdn 511th A/C: (M–8455 PFF), G–8872, Q–6565
  2. Target: GQ-1519
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T MNZ R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T MZF R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T RGV R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T NUT R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. Taxi – 0530; Take-Off – 0545; E.T.D. Field – 0545
  5. Time:Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    06269,000 Ft 51°43'N-00°57'E [Bradwell-on-Sea, England]
  6. Time:Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    064915,000 Ft 51°05'N-02°32'E [Bray-Dunes, France]
  7. Time:Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    134410,000 Ft 51°16'N-03°00'E [De Haan, Belgium]
  8. Time:Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    142010,000 Ft Felixstowe [England]
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1501 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 18 x 250 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    Low Squadron: 18 x 250 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: Maj. Richardson A/C No & Sqdn. T-8468 PFF (511)
    Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Nay A/C No & Sqdn. C-6952 (511)
    High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Turner A/C No & Sqdn. M-8455 (511)
  14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By _____



Formation Chart:
94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
508th Squadron
Richardson–Coulam
A/C 44-8468 J PFF
Drought
A/C 43-37900 M
Cutler
A/C 42-97701 B PFF
Sugg
A/C 44-8410 A
Beringer–Wisdom
A/C 43-38813 U
Rohr
A/C 43-38954 G
Russell
A/C 43-37956 L
Dunn
A/C 42-97349 B
Miller
A/C 44-8412 H
Horns
A/C 44-6082 D
Hart
A/C 43-38799 Q Spare
James
A/C 42-97258 P
Westercamp
A/C 43-38130 K


94th "A" Group Lead Squadron Formation Over–Target
508th Squadron
Richardson–Coulam
A/C 44-8468 J PFF
Drought
A/C 43-37900 M
Cutler
A/C 42-97701 B PFF
Sugg
A/C 44-8410 A
Beringer–Wisdom
A/C 43-38813 U
Hart
A/C 43-38799 Q
Dunn
A/C 42-97349 B
Miller
A/C 44-8412 H

[Lt Rohr, Lt Horns and Lt Westercamp flew with 457th BG, Lt Russel flew with 91st BG.] [Lt James flew in High Squadron. Lt. Hart, the flying spare, flew in Lt. Russell's position.]

94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
510th Squadron
Turner–Rossen
A/C 44-8455 M PFF
Stamps–Fisher
A/C 42-97252 K
Dantzer–Kronlein
A/C 42-38038 P
Oakes–Brooks
A/C 43-39020 C
Blaney
A/C 43-39001 M
Mahnke
A/C 43-37705 V
Haskins
A/C 43-37665 N
Haft
A/C 43-38872 G
Adams
A/C 44-6565 Q
Rebo
A/C 43-39156 T
Smith
A/C 43-38435 O Spare
Oen
A/C 43-37515 L
Peterson, A.E.
A/C 44-6610 B


94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation Over Target
510th Squadron
Turner–Rossen
A/C 44-8455 M PFF
Stamps–Fisher
A/C 42-97252 K
Dantzer–Kronlein
A/C 42-38038 P
Oakes–Brooks
A/C 43-39020 C
Blaney
A/C 43-39001 M
Haft
A/C 43-38872 G
Adams
A/C 44-6565 Q
Rebo
A/C 43-39156 T
Oen
A/C 43-37515 L
James
A/C 42-97258 P

[Lt Mahnke and Lt Peterson flew with the 457th BG; Lt James from the Lead Sqdn. flew in Lt Peterson's position; Lt Haskins aborted; Lt Smith, the flying spare, returned as planned.]

94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
509th Squadron
Nay–Patterson
A/C 44-6952 C PFF
Nowakowski
A/C 43-38920 O
Brennan
A/C 43-37696 Z
Potter
A/C 44-6907 P
Mueller
A/C 44-6566 F
Day
A/C 42-102955 L
Hampton
A/C 43-38591 U
Sexton
A/C 42-97216 U
Whittaker
A/C 43-38592 B
Gattens
A/C 44-8617 G
Thomson
A/C 44-6108 Y Spare
Cole
A/C 43-38465 A
Drake
A/C 43-38694 D


94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation Over Target
509th Squadron
Nay–Patterson
A/C 44-6952 C PFF
Nowakowski
A/C 43-38920 O
Brennan
A/C 43-37696 Z
Potter
A/C 44-6907 P
Mueller
A/C 44-6566 F
Hampton
A/C 43-38591 U
Sexton
A/C 42-97216 U
Whittaker
A/C 43-38592 B
Gattens
A/C 44-8617 G
Drake
A/C 43-38694 D

[Lt Day aborted; Lt Cole flew with the 91st Bomb Group; Lt Thomson, the flying spare, returned as planned.]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0800 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: ____ Stations: 0500 Start Engines: 0510 Taxi: 0530 Take-Off: 0545  Leave Base: 0545 

[Wounded On Mission: 0]


The above records were obtained at the National Archives Records Administration and have been declassified by authority NND 745005
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