12 Mar 1945 Target: Swinemunde, Germany

Group Mission #292

Credited Mission #285

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DATE: 12 Mar. 1945

Target: Naval Installations at Swinemunde, Germany

BRIEFING OUTLINE

Ask 508th, 509th and 510th Operations representatives if their crews are all present.
Read Special briefing poop.
TARGETS:
1. The Visual Primary for today is: Swinemunde [Germany]
2. PFF Primary: ____
3. Visual Secondary: Rostock [Germany]
4. PFF Secondary: ____
5. Last Resort Target: Grossenbrode [Germany] A/F [Airfield]
Remarks: This target is crowded with shipping, latest PRU coverage showing a heavy concentration of both merchant vessels and war ships. It is reported that it is being used as an evacuation port from Russia and Norway and that heavy traffic is being handled. A pocket battleship, probably the Admiral Scheer, is located in the main channel near our MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
S-2 [Intelligence] Information:
Weather:

Time Schedule:

Zero Hour:	- 0900		Stations:	- 0655
Start Engines:	- 0705		Taxi:	- 0725
Take Off:	- 0740		Last Take Off:	- 0845
Intercept Group at	Cromer	at	7,000 ft.
Target Time:	- 1239		ETR [Estimated Time of Return]:	- 1633
Depart English Coast at:	0926	at Cromer

Time on oxygen: 3½ hours

TIME TICK [Set your watches.]

Loadings:

Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
Bombs:	5 x 1000 G.P. 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] (High Sqdn. Nose Fuse - Instantaneous)

Intervalometer Settings: PFF - Minimum; Visual - Salvo
Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - 6 mins after IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] - Continue for 12 minutes.
Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 288 units.

Disposition of Forces:

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

Lead	94th A	Attacking	Swinemunde - Transportation
2nd	94th B	Attacking	Swinemunde - Transportation
3rd	94th C	Attacking	Swinemunde - Transportation
4th	40th A	Attacking	Swinemunde - Transportation
5th	40th B	Attacking	Swinemunde - Transportation

2nd Division targets are	Swinemunde - Wetzlar
3rd Division targets are	Swinemunde - Siegen

Fighter Cover: 6 Gps. of P-51's - Close Support

Assembly:

Lead at	7,000	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Green	Flares
High at	8,000	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Green-Green	Flares
Low at	6,000	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: Kings Lynn - Cromer
Division Assembly Line: Kings Lynn - Cromer - 54°00’N-06°00’E [47 miles North of Dokkum, Netherlands]
2 minutes interval between Groups.
Reference altitude: 22,000'
Bombing altitude: 22,000'
Point for instrument let-down Kings Cliffe magnetic heading of 30 degrees.

Call Signs:

351st	Woodcraft A - Able
401st	Woodcraft C - Charlie
457th	Woodcraft B - Baker
1st Div. Air Commander	Gen. Lacey
94th CBW Air Commander	Gen. Lacey

The following ships will monitor [Radio Channels]- "B" - S-512, M-964, D-082; "C" - 8th A.F. - A-465; "C" - 67th Fighter Wing - H-280.
Other Communications information will be found on the flimsy.
FLYING CONTROL: _____
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
a. Type of Bombing Formation - Individual Sqdn. Runs
b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
The A/C are: Lead - O-435, Low - G-954, High - P-907
c. Ball Turret Gunners of the following A/C report to Photo Lab: Lead - C-020, M-001; High - C-640, B-592; Low - G-954, M-900
d. Camera A/C: Lead - N-665, High P-907, Low G-954
return at ____
e. Spares to turn back at ____
f. PFF A/C fly as Lead & Deputy Lead of Lead Sqdn., Lead of High & Low Sqdn.
g. GH A/C fly as - None
h. REMARKS:
Read Paragraph F-5 [on Field Order]
Scouting Force - 6 P-51's - Buckeye Red [Call Sign]
You are reminded not to discuss the target. EXERCISE ALL SECURITY MEASURES.

BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??

Operational Narrative.

Date of Mission - 12 March, 1945.

Target Attacked: The No. 2 Target at Swinemunde, Germany, was attacked by PFF methods.
Force: 94th “A” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including four PFF ships and two aircraft scheduled as flying spares, were dispatched.
Position: The 94th “A” Group flew in its briefed position as the Lead Group of the First Division Formation.

Lead Teams

	Division Lead
	Air Commander:	Brigadier General Julius K. Lacey
	Pilot:	Captain James M. Purcell
	Navigator:	Major Nelson E. Matthews
	Bombardier:	Captain Warren c. Steitz

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

	High Squadron
	Leader:	Captain Frank H. Wilcox
	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Arthur R. Leibrock
	Navigator:	2nd Lt. Roland X. Madsen
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Jack P. Austin

Narrative.
1. Squadron and Group Assembly: The assembly was carried out without difficulty over the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 7,000 feet. The group formed quickly and was in formation twenty-five minutes before the briefed departure time.
2. Route Over England: Departure from the assembly area was made on time (0851). The formation overshot the turn at Donington in order to lose time. The briefed course was followed to the left of the briefed course between Donington and Kings Lynn. By the time Point D (Kings Lynn) was reached, the 94th Combat Wing had formed completely.
3. Division Assembly Line: The formation gradually returned to the briefed route while flying the last leg of the route over England. Cromer was reached at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the briefed height, and 1½ minutes early (0924½). The formation followed the briefed route for the first part of the flight across the channel. Shortly after passing 04°00’E, groups of the Third Division were observed ahead of the First Division flying at such a low airspeed that it was evident that it would be necessary to deviate from the briefed route in order to avoid overrunning them. As a result, the formation performed a large double drift to the north between that point and the Danish coast. Because of this maneuver, the last portion of the Division Assembly Line (from 04°26’E to 06°00’E) was not flown as briefed.
4. Flight to Target: After passing 06°00’E (the end of the Division Assembly Line) the formation gradually closed into the briefed route and crossed the coast of Denmark slightly to the left of the briefed point at an altitude of 17,000 feet, 2,000 feet above the briefed height, and three minutes early (1120). It was thought that sufficient time had been killed to permit the preceding groups to get out of the way, but they were encountered again and another double drift was necessary before reaching the east coast of Denmark. This was completed and the formation returned to the briefed route at approximately 11°00’E. The preceding formations were then observed going to the north of the briefed course. The Division Leader did not consider it advisable to attempt to cut inside of the preceding groups and follow the briefed route because of fear of being cut off on the bomb run. As a result, the preceding Third Division groups were followed to the north. A double drift was again performed with the hope that sufficient interval between the First Division and the lagging groups ahead could be made. But once again the preceding formation went to the north and the Division Leader was forced to do likewise. The result of these necessary maneuvers put the Division Lead Group about twenty miles to the north of the briefed route. A new IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was set up north of the briefed point at 54°54’N - 14°28’E. This point was reached at an altitude of 22,000 feet, the briefed height, and four minutes early (1223) for the briefed time of the briefed IP.
5. Description of Bombing Run: The new IP was from 60 to 65 miles to the north of the target. Slight corrections were necessary in order to take up the proper heading. The bomb bay doors were opened when the formation was about 40 miles from the target.
  
  The squadrons took interval without difficulty. The secondary target (Swinemunde, Germany) was attacked by PFF methods. Each squadron made its own sighting operation. The briefed turn was not made at the briefed IP. The target was found to be completely overcast, with tops at approximately 5,000 feet. In all cases the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used and was reported as having performed satisfactorily. No other factors affecting bombing accuracy were encountered.
  
  After bombing, the smoke markers of the three squadrons were observed to have fallen close together, as did the smoke markers of the following groups. Results are believed to have been good, for smoke was seen pushing through the cloud cover over the target.
6. Flight From Target: After bombing, the formation rallied [returned to formation] quickly and departed from the target on the briefed course. The straggling groups of the Third Division which had caused so much difficulty before the IP had apparently increased their airspeed, for no further trouble was received from them. Some evasive action was carried out after bombing. While crossing the Danish coast, the formation flew to the north of the briefed course in order to avoid flak from the vicinity of Kiel. Departure from the Danish coast was made at an altitude of 18,000 feet from the briefed point. In flying across the North Sea, the formation flew a gradually increasing divergency to the north of the briefed route to 05°00’E because of a wind shift. Adjustment in the heading was made and the formation gradually returned to the planned course, crossing the English coast at the briefed point of entry (Cromer) at an altitude of 8,000 feet. The briefed route was followed from Cromer to base. The High and Low Squadrons went to their respective stand-off areas before landing. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
7. Fighter Support: Good.
8. Comments: No aircraft were lost. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Meager, inaccurate continuous following flak was encountered at the target. Weather en route was clear of clouds over the North Sea, but clouds of eight to ten-tenths were encountered inland. PFF units were employed for navigational aid and bombing. All sets worked well. The Weather Scouting Force was contacted and furnished accurate weather information.
9. Aircraft Not Attacking: There were no failures to attack. One flying spare returned early as planned.

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

STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER <

	351st Bombardment Group
	Lead Squadron	High Squadron	Low Squadron	TOTALS
Borrowed Aircraft	0	0	0	0
No. of Aircraft Failing to Take Off	0	0	0	0
No. of Aircraft Sorties	13	12	13	38
No. of Aircraft Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	12	13	37
No. of Aircraft Credit Sorties	12	12	13	37
No. of Effective Sorties	12	12	13	37
No. of Non-Effective Sorties	0	0	0	0
Name of Primary Target	SWINEMUNDE, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	12	12	13	37
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	60 x 1000# GP	60 x 1000# GP	65 x 1000# GP	185 x 1000# GP
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.)
(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	0735	0738	0737
Time of Attack	1240	1240:20	1240:30
Total Time for Mission	111:21	106:54	114:11	332:26
Altitude of Release (Indicated)	22,000’	21,000’	22,600’
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

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

Narrative Teletype Report:

No leaflets were carried by this Group.
The three squadrons of this Group bombed by squadron formation the No. 2 (PFF) target which was Swinemunde dock area. Photos show no ground detail because of the 10/10 cloud cover over the target; however, they do show a mushroom of black oily smoke rising about 1,000 feet above the cloud. All Mickey [Radar] Operators (4) believe the bomb run to be very good and returns from the target were as briefed.
No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
Meager, inaccurate continuous following flak was encountered at the target. On the way to the target, a few bursts of flak were observed in the distance over Heligoland [an island 38 miles NW of Cuxhaven, Germany] and in the vicinity of Lutjenholm [Germany].
Weather en route was clear of clouds over the North Sea but clouds of 8-10/10 were encountered inland; over the target clouds were 10/10ths.
Much shipping activity was seen at Kiel Bay and the Fehnarn Belt. At 55 11N 11 00E saw two convoys of four large vessels and five small ones on a heading of 310 degrees. At 5433 N 1133 E there appeared to be a convoy forming with about 20 transports. At 5440N 1010 E seven transports and what appeared to be a cruiser heading in a southeasterly direction. At 5430N 1020 E at 1335 hours saw a convoy of about 15 ships and what is believed to have been an aircraft carrier, one submarine and the rest made up of tankers and freighters.
PFF units were employed for navigational aid and bombing. All sets worked well. Fighter support was good. The Scouting Force was contacted and was effective. None of our a/c is missing.

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on Swinemunde, 12 March, 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O at 0735 hours.
2. Group formed at 0825 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 7,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0911 hours at Kings Lynn.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Deviated north of Kings Lynn to lose time.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, DR [Dead Reckoning] and Radio.
6. Division formation was joined at 0924½ hours at Cromer.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Route to 0430 E deviations from there to IP were to avoid units of 3rd Div. which were late.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR, Gee, Mickey [Radar] and Pilotage
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was not as briefed. IP 14 mi. north of briefed IP to remain behind 3rd Division units.
  2. True heading over target. 206.
  3. Actual Drift +5°
  4. Altitude over Target 22,000.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1240.
  6. Wind used for bombing 316°/19 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. PFF
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths
  10. Axis of withdrawal 236°
10. Group rally was accomplished at 53°48'N 13°55'E at 1244 hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at 53°54'N 13°35'E at 1248 hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at 53°54'N 13°35'E at 1248 hours.
13. Flight home was ~~was (not)~~ as briefed.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. Pilotage, DR, Mickey and Gee.
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: Eastern chain to 0700E. NE chain out
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] N.E. Matthews, Maj., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 12 March, 1945
Field Order # 655
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th CBW "A" Group
Target - Naval installations at Swinemunde, 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? Squadron made own PFF sighting operation.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? No - 54°54'N 14°28'E
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? ____
Any Interference on Bomb Run? Two groups kept "S-ing" in front of us which made us miss the briefed I.P.
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, Captain, Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Lead Squadron, 94th CBW "A" Group
Bombardier - Capt. Steitz, Warren C.
Pilot - B. Gen. Lacey, J.W. & Capt. Purcell. J.H.
Navigator - Maj. Matthews, Nelson E.

Aircraft B-17G D-468 Take-off - 0735 Landed - 1627
Objective - Swinemunde, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Naval Installations - PFF
Initial Point - 54°54'N 14°28'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 5 x 1000 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] AN-M44 & Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 0		Magnetic Heading Ordered 188° Actual 209°
True Altitude Above Target - 22,189		True Heading 206°
Indicated Altitude - 22,000		Drift, Estimated 2° Left - Actual 4° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target -400		True Track 211°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 12,214.2'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - Mercury-Agld
True Air Speed - 212K		Time of Release 1240
Ground Speed Est. 260 Actual 232		Length of Bombing Run - 59 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 355° Actual - 316°		Intervalometer Setting - Minimum
Wind Velocity Metro 48 Actual 22		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 137.5 Trail - 38.6 ATF - 38.61		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .62 Actual .57		Manual Pilot ____

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved - PFF
Mean Temp. Metro -9.5 Actual -9.8
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 355° Actual 316° Velocity - Metro 48 Actual 22
Temp C. - Metro -28° C. Actual -24° C.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Mission Summary Report:

Abortives and Flying Spares:
1. Airplane No. 42-97252, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.

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

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. K-252 Squadron - 510 Date - 12 Mar. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
2. Place and altitude Coast Denmark - 54°30'N 08°25'E at 15,000 Ft.
3. Time 1110
4. Position in formation #4 in Hi element of Lead [Squadron]
5. Disposition of bombs returned to base
6. Remarks Flak encountered at Denmark coast - V2 bomb observed 53°55'N 05°08'E - Formation perfect till started climb near Danish coast.
7. Time & Date dispatched ____
(Pilot's Signature) George W. Stamps

“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: None
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: A–8465, B–6610, C–9020, D–8694, H–8280, M–9001, N–7665, O–8435, S–7512, T–9156, (F–7252 Spare)
Sqdn 511th A/C: D–8664 PFF), (J–8468 PFF)

b. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group Low Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, B–7349, C–8753, D–6082, G–8954, H–8412, K–8130, M–7900, P–7258, U–8813, Y–6108
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: None
Sqdn 511th A/C: (V–8079 PFF)

c. 94th Combat Wing "A" Group High Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: None
Sqdn 509th A/C: A–8428, B–8592, C–8640, G–8617, M–7964, O–8920, P–6907, R–6156, U–8591, V–8070, Z–7696, (L–2955 Spare)
Sqdn 510th A/C: None
Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)

Target: GH-5485

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

Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T UXF R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T TUM R/T TIPSTAFF
Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T PPX R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T WVD R/T PARTNERSHIP

Taxi – 0725; Take-Off – 0740; E.T.D. Field – 0740
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)

0926 7,000 ft Cromer
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)

1123 15,000 ft 54°30'N-09°00'E [Schobull, Germany]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)

1402 14,000 ft 54°30'N-09°00'E [Schobull, Germany]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)

1604 5,000 ft Cromer
E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1633 Hours
MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
Lead Squadron: 5 x 1000 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
Low Squadron: 5 x 1000 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
High Squadron: 5 x 1000 G.P. - Inst. Nose x 1/40
___ Squadron:
Fuel Load of each A/C: 2780 Gallons
Leaders:
Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Brig. Gen. Lacey A/C No & Sqdn. D-8664 PFF (511)
Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: Lt. Robinson A/C No & Sqdn. V-8079 (511)
High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Wilcox A/C No & Sqdn. L-8045 (511)
Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
Joseph F. Capicotto S/Sgt M-9001 510th Sqdn.
Walter S. Lipinski S/Sgt G-8617 509th Sqdn.

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
0926	7,000 ft	Cromer

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
1123	15,000 ft	54°30'N-09°00'E [Schobull, Germany]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
1402	14,000 ft	54°30'N-09°00'E [Schobull, Germany]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
1604	5,000 ft	Cromer

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

Formation Chart:

94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				510th Squadron
				Gen. Lacey–Purcell A/C 44-8664 D PFF
			Kirkland A/C 43-38435 O		Maj. Gorham–Maish A/C 44-8468 J PFF
	Brooks A/C 43-39020 C						Blaney A/C 43-39001 M
Bone A/C 44-6610 B		Oen A/C 44-8280 H				Haskins A/C 43-37512 S		Gottschalk A/C 43-38465 A
	Smith A/C 43-39156 T						Stamps A/C 42-97252 K Spare
Mahnke A/C 43-38694 D		Adams A/C 43-37665 N

[Lt Stamps, the flying spare, returned as planned.]

94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				509th Squadron
				Wilcox A/C 44-8045 L PFF
			Nowakowski A/C 43-38920 O		Day A/C 43-37696 Z
	Potter A/C 44-6907 P						Whittaker A/C 44-8617 G
Hampton A/C 43-38070 V		Drake A/C 43-38640 C				Thomson A/C 44-6156 R		Smith A/C 43-37964 M
	Wefel A/C 43-38592 B						Sexton A/C 42-102955 L Spare
Workman A/C 43-38428 A		Cole A/C 42-97193 D

[Lt Sexton, the flying spare, stayed with the formation.]

94th "A" Combat Bomb Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
				508th Squadron
				Robinson A/C 44-8079 V PFF
			Murray A/C 43-38954 G		Bennett A/C 42-38038 P
	Hansen A/C 44-8410 A						Sugg A/C 42-97349 B
Westercamp A/C 43-38130 K		Hart A/C 42-97258 P				Ryan A/C 43-38813 U		Sandel A/C 44-6082 D
	Dunn A/C 44-6108 Y
Sprecher A/C 44-8412 H		Barnard A/C 43-38753 C

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0900 BST [British Standard Time] Briefing: ____ Stations: 0655 Start Engines: 0705 Taxi: 0725 Take-Off: 0740 Leave Base: 0740

[Killed in Action: 1]
[Wounded On Mission: 0]

Killed in Action:

S/Sgt. Harry Charm, the Waist Gunner on Lt. Mahnke's crew, was killed on Mission 292, 12 March 1945
Buried: Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, Plot: H, 8003

Click on Photo to Enlarge

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

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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #292

Credited Mission #285