351st Bomb Group

1. Roll Call and Aircraft Assignment.

   Stations	0705
   Start Engines	0805
   Taxi	0815
   Take Off	0830

   
   
2. Target, Loading and Gasoline Load:
   I.G, Farben @ Ludwigshaven, Koblenz & Saarbrucken or Any industrial city Central Germany [that] will not disrupt bombing or fighter escort.
   700 gal. or 1 BB [Bomb Bay Tank] + 1700 [Gals. in Main Tanks]
   Max Load Incendiaries
3. S-2 [Intelligence] –
4. Operations - Wing Formation - 94th C.B.W [Combat Wing] Third in 1st Division.
   Lead Box - 351st   High Box - 384th   Low Box - 401st
   
   

   Diversions -	1st Division	40th, 41st, 94th, 1st, 1 CBW [Combat Wing] from 2nd Division.
   	2nd Division
   	3rd Division	4 CBW's + 1 from 2nd Division 20 mins. earlier
   	Mediums

   
   Fighter Cover -
   2 Groups P-47's from 5145-0510 [30 mi. SE. of Rotterdam].
   2 Groups P-38's from 5010-0720 [60 mi. W. of Frankfurt] to target at target & out.
   1 Group P-47's from 4940-0540 [20 mi. W. of Luxembourg City] [to limit of range].
   1 Group P-47's from 4935-0610 [Luxembourg City] [to limit of range].
   1 Group P-47's from 4945-0500 [50 mi. W. of Luxembourg City] [to limit of range].
   4 Squadrons Spit [Spitfire] 9's from 5000- 0330 [20 mi. SE. of Cambrai, France]
   
5. Navigator -
6. Weather -
7. Special Instructions -
   PFF [Pathfinder Force aircraft] Code for I.P. [Initial Point of Bombing Run] - "Sea Anchor"
   Authentication - "Sunshine"
   Visual bombing- "Pop Corn"
   Code Word "Baker" for Koblenz, "Charlie for "Saarbrucken.
   Bomb over & not short so bombs will go in town.
   
   1. Group Assembly - Buncher @ 17,000'
   2. Signals for Bombing - Flare, B'B [Bomb Bay] doors [open], VHF [Transmission] "IP"
   3. Pictures (Photos) -
   4. Deputy Leaders are - Maginnis in PFF, Clay then Robertson
      Weather report by Division on W/T ½ hour after target.
   5. Lead Crews Report to S-2 [Intelligence] for Additional Instructions
   6. Bombardiers, Navigators and Radio Operators report to Special Briefing.
8. Dismissal of all but Pilots and Co-Pilots.

9. 			[Radio]
   	Call Sign	Flares	Channels	Tail Letter
   94th C.B.W. [Combat Wing]	Ragweed	RY [Red Yellow]	A
   351st A	Ragweed Red	RY	A	J
   384th	Ragweed Blue	G	A	P
   401st	Ragweed White	R	A	S
   Composite Group			B
   Air Commander			B
   1st C.B.W.	Goonchild	RR		A, L
   40th C.B.W.	Bulpenn	YY		B, G, H
   41st C.B.W.	Fatgal	GG		C, K, P
   U.S. Fighters	Denver One		D
   Bombers	Goldsmith One Seven		D
   Grnd. Control	Tackline		D
   R.A.F. Fighters	Garlic One		C
   Bombers	Goldsmith 1 - 7		C
   Grnd. Control	Spicecake

   
   V.H.F. Authentication - Day Break
10. Colors of the day:

    Time	Color	Ident.	Challenge
    0700 - 1300	RR [Red Red]	Z	H
    1300 - 1900	Y-YR	J	L

11. Special Instructions -
    
    1. [Planes] To Monitor Channel "A"- All until CBW assembled except PFF & Clay ("B" all the time).
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "B"- All except below after CBW Assembly.
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "C"- 9749-Z, 7845-F
       [Planes] To Monitor Channel "D"- 9861-X, 1192-R
    2. Let-Down - [Compass] Heading from Splasher #7
       351st A - 340° mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
       351st B
       401st
       
12. Taxi Plan - Flying Control.
13. Any Questions?

1. General Narrative. Twenty (20) aircraft of the 351st Group took off at 0831 – 0857. The formation at take off is shown on the attached form. The Group assembly was made over Deenethorpe at 0940 at 15,000 feet. Assembly was made difficult by cloud layer from 10,000 feet upwards. The Lead Group (351st) leader considered Deenethorpe as the best point for the Combat Wing assembly. The high Group was well above the lead Group and due to the poor weather conditions, the Combat Wing assembly was not made. The route to Clacton was followed as planned after the group found a clear area at 18,000 feet. Just before point “A” was reached it was necessary to break up the formation in order to get through a thick layer of clouds. Neither of the other two (2) groups of the Combat Wing was met at point “A”. The Combat Wing leader ordered the other two (2) groups over VHF to follow the flight plan for a rendezvous at point “Z”. Two (2) circles were made at this point and flares were fired. Only one seven (7) ship squadron joined the five (5) ship squadron of the lead group. This formation tacked on to the last Combat Wing to pass as a high-high Combat Box. This was done at 1033 hours at Clacton.
   
    One third of the way across the channel the PFF ship and five (5) of the lead group and four (4) of the lead group remaining, and [was?] still attached to the First Combat Wing. The enemy coast was crossed as briefed at 1055. The course deviated slightly from the briefed plan on the southernly leg. The bombing run was made on a magnetic heading of 158° instead of 163° as ordered. Ten-tenths clouds covered the target. The four (4) ships of this group bombed on the PFF flares of the First Combat Wing in formation as shown on the attached form.
   
    Fighter cover was picked up just inside the enemy coast at 1103. Continuous cover was furnished to the target and back across the channel. The briefed route was followed on the return. The remaining aircraft reached the base and landed at 1507 where it was learned [that] two (2) of our aircraft had bombed with the 92nd and the 303rd Groups.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking Aircraft 42-29858, 42-29749, 42-29831, 42-3136, 42-39905, 42-29849 and 42-37780 returned to base before being dispatched when they could not locate the formation in the bad weather. Aircraft 42-29821 crashed at Sutton Bridge before being dispatched. Aircraft 42-39835 returned early before being dispatched with high oil temperature and low oil pressure on the number three (3) Engine. Aircraft 42-31192 returned from 51°42’N - 02°36’E due to number two (2) Engine failure and failure to locate the formation. Aircraft 42-29848 and 42-29925 turned back from 51°45’N - 03°31’E when ice formed on the wings. Both of these aircraft were dispatched. Aircraft 42-31481 returned from 51°05’E - 03°38’E when it failed to join the formation.
   
    Eleven (11) aircraft were dispatched and four (4) returned early after being dispatched. The remaining seven (7) aircraft attacked the target. Aircraft 42-39761 flew with the 303rd Group and 42-37845 with the 92nd Group. Aircraft 42-29882 returned from 50°51’N - 06°00’E when the #3 and #4 engines went out. Bombs were jettisoned on enemy territory.
3. Lost Aircraft- Aircraft 42-29821 went into a spin after being caught in prop wash, and exploded at 6,000 feet. Six (6) men were killed. Four (4) suffered minor injuries.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0830 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0940 hours at 15,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at NEVER hours at _____ feet.
   4. Began climb at 1004 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1055 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 10/10ths. Tops 16,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 3 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 280 degrees. 36 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. GEE, Pilotage, Radio, DR [Dead Reckoning]
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. DRIFT METER
   9. Joined task force at 1016 hours at Clacton.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1033 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1055 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1103 hours.
       2. Coming back: Continuous hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 280 degrees.
       2. 36 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: GEE
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1148 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 150 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 26,500 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1156 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: PFF - TARGET OVERCAST
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: RADIO COMPASS ERRATIC. GEE TIME BASE MUTILATED. PFF SHIP ABORTED.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 51°45'N - 05°10'E
       2. Time 1106 hours.
   17. Comments: RENDEZVOUS HAMPERED BY WEATHER.

1. The 351st Bomb Group took off as scheduled and briefed, and formed on the Deenrthorpe Buncher. The weather condition was very poor and I know that I would have a hard time getting the Wing formation to the point of departure on the English coast. There were very many scattered layers of strato-cumulus clouds varying in altitude from about 10,000 feet to above 20,000 feet above our base and Deenethorpe. After climbing up to 15,000 feet over the buncher, I thought that would be the most favorable altitude for the Wing assembly. I notified both other Groups that we would assemble at that altitude. However, the 384th Bomb Group came in at about 18,000 feet and I could see him fairly well through the thin cloud layer. I then asked the 384th Group Leader if he was in the clear, and he notified me that he was between two layers of clouds and could see my formation very well beneath. Just before departing for our point “A”, the low Group made another 360° turn and since they were about at the same altitude I was, I figured they would get in trail to remain above the layer of clouds below us. Since I could see the High Group so well, and he had already told me it was clear ahead, and that he was between two layers of clouds, I began to climb up to his altitude and all went very well until just before reaching Point “A”. I ran into a very thick layer of clouds and knew that I would have to break up my formation to get through. I called over VHF and told them to do so and continued to climb and broke out about a minute and a half later with five ships fairly near me. They fell in formation and about that time I saw two Squadrons of the 384th just a little above me. So I called them and told them I was just below them. A few minutes later, after reaching Point “A”, I couldn’t see either of the other Groups and tried calling them on VHF. The 384th leader said he had lost most of his formation and the 401st leader also said he was flying alone. I then told them I was completely in the clear and tried making S’s to slow up for everyone to catch up. That didn’t seem to help as I didn’t see anyone else around so I called and told them to follow the briefed flight plan and I would be circling over Point “Z” and firing flares. I made two circles over the Point and after I had exhausted my supply of flares only one Squadron of seven ships joined my Squadron of five and I tacked on to the last Combat Wing that went by, flying as a fourth box on it. We went all the way to the target that way and dropped our bombs off the High Group of the Combat Wing.
2. The fighter cover was very good all the way in and out from the target. The whole of the target area was obscured by clouds.
3. The flak over the target was heavy barrage type, but not accurate. We only saw about six enemy fighters during the whole trip.

Bombardier - Wallace, Harvey H., Captain   Pilot - Le Doux, Elzia, Major Navigator - Korf, Leonard L., 2nd Lt.
Aircraft # 42-37825  Take-off - 0831  Landed - 1507
Objective - Ludwigshaven, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - I.G. Farben, Industry
Initial Point - 49°50'N - 07°50'E
Method of Attack - Squadron
Number of Planes in Group - 4    Composite Group -
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation:
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - PFF   Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group -    Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - M-47A1's 100 lb. Incendiaries
Number of Bombs Loaded - 42 Per A/C    Released - 42 per A/C
Fusing, Nose -    Tail -
Synchronization - On

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -12½° Actual -13°
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310° Actual 293°  Velocity - Metro 69 Actual 50  Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -39° C.

Ludwigshaven
Target: I. G. Farben Chemical Works
They cover an area 3 miles long & 1 mile wide & are largest in Europe.
Since Huls was knocked out they supply the bulk of enemy synthetic rubber.
Also, all kinds of explosives.
Raid of 30 Dec. believed very successful as all PFF [Pathfinder Aircraft] markers coincided.
However – such a large target takes a lot of bombs.

Detailed description of reasons why aircraft did not attack:

The following A/C were not dispatched, and returned early due to weather conditions:
A/C 42-29858, 42-29749, 42-29831, 42-3136, 42-39905, 42-39849 [The J Form shows this aircraft completed the mission but 42-29849 piloted by Robertson aborted], and 42-37780.
A/C 42-39835 – was not dispatched [Did not leave English air space]. High oil temperature and low oil pressure on #3 Engine.
A/C 42-31192 – was dispatched. #2 Engine failure.
A/C 42-29848 – was dispatched. Ice formed on wings.
A/C 42-29925 – was dispatched. Ice formed on wings.
A/C 42-31481 – was dispatched. Failed to reach formation.
A/C 42-29821 – was not dispatched. Went into a spin after being caught in prop wash, and exploded at 6,000 feet.
A/C 42-29882 – was dispatched. Returned early with #2 and #3 engines out after having dropped its bombs on German territory.

[Signed:] Robert B Stratton, Captain, Air Corps, Statistical Officer

Target - Ludwigshaven
1. Route followed. - Overflakkee - Heusden - 3 mi. W. of Mönchen-Gladbach - 3 mi. E. of Düren - Target - Schopp - Le Crotoy
2. Visibility at Target. - 10/10 cloud. Light contrails.
3. No. of A/C over Target: 8
4. General Axis of attack. - 158° Magnetic.
5. How long did formation fly straight and level before bombing? - 2 minutes
6. Turn after bombing. - Right turn to approximately 215°
7. Position of Group in relation to other Groups: Lead Group of 94th CBW
8. What evasive action was taken? - Shallow right and left turns
9. A short description of Flak en route. - Moderate flak, accurate for height but poor for deflection, was encountered over Walcheren at 22,000 feet at 1057. What appeared to be a barrage was fired from the Ruhr Valley, starting at 1129; most of it was low, but some was fairly accurate. Flak from Bonn at 1130 was moderate and fairly accurate for both height and deflection. At the target at 1156, flak was meager and inaccurate, most of it being low, with a few white bursts high. Meager inaccurate flak was seen over Saarbrücken at 1245. A/C 882-L [42-29882], which flew back alone on two engines, reported intense flak over Brussels at 10,600 feet at 1155 which was accurate for both height and deflection but was avoided by evasive action, and meager inaccurate flak over Dunkirk at 9,600 feet at 1300, inaccurate for both height and deflection. A/C 845-F [42-37845] which lost our formation and flew with the 92nd Group, reported intense flak over the target, accurate for both height and deflection; this crew also reported that the aim of flak fired at following Groups seemed to be completely disrupted by chaff thrown out by the 92nd Group.
10. Any other comments, phenomena, etc. -

1. The following are the comments made by crew members during today’s mission:
A/C 882 – L [42-29882]: Found screwdriver in elevator. – S/Sgt. Epley.  Should have tools in A/C. – Whole crew.
A/C 834 – F [42-39834]: Tower was called for flares but they were not fired. – Lt. Pryor.
A/C 761 – D [42-39761]: 10/10 clouds over target area, but leader of triangle “C” did a very good Job of leading; all points were hit on them. – Lt. Oslund.

[Signed] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Following is the summary of hot news as gathered at today’s interrogation:
A/C V-849 [42-39849], flying at 26,000 feet, observed a B-17 at 1336 hours at a position approximately 50 miles from the English coast making two slow turns and then going straight down. The A/C was seen to hit the ground at 1345 hours. One parachute was seen to come out.

[Signed:] John L. Scott, Major, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-29858, 508th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   2. Airplane No. 42-31192, 508th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   3. Airplane No. 42-29749, 509th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   4. Airplane No. 42-39835, 510th Squadron, returned early because of high oil temperature and low oil pressure. Investigation revealed the shutters on #3 Oil Cooler were malfunctioning.
   5. Airplane No. 42-29831, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   6. Airplane No. 42-29848, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   7. Airplane No. 42-39905, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   8. Airplane No. 42-29925, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   9. Airplane No. 42-31481, 510th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   10. Airplane No. 42-3136, 511th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   11. Airplane No. 42-37780, 511th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
   12. Airplane No. 42-29849, 511th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation due to bad weather.
2. Battle Damage: - None.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that a total of 12,005 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition, including lost A/C, was expended on the Mission of 7 January, 1944.

2. The Armament Malfunctions reported as none.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 7 January, 1944.

1. Following are the deficiencies and disabilities as determined by interrogation:
509th Bombardment Squadron:
 A/C 849 – Right and left glove, and shoes too cold. – Sgt. Travis.

511th Bombardment Squadron:
 A/C 834 – Shoes burned out. – Sgt. McCracken.

[Signed:] Robert J. Cater, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer

Aircraft No. 192-R [42-31192] Squadron 508   Pilot - Thomas D. Garner, 2nd Lt.
Time of Abortive - 1046  Location when Aborted - 51°42’N - 02°36’E
Reason - Failure of #2 engine.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Thomas D. Garner
Altitude: 23,000’   Disposition of Bombs: None Dropped

Aircraft No. 848-F [42-29848] Squadron 510   Pilot - Procak
Time of Abortive - 1015  Location when Aborted - French Coast – Approx. 51°40’N - 3°00’E
Reason - Icing slowed ship down – No. 1 engine oil pressure was dropping
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] G. J. Procak
Altitude: 23,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 925-L [42-29925] Squadron 510th   Pilot - McClusky, Sterling L.
Time of Abortive - 1051  Location when Aborted - 51°44’N - 3°01’E
Reason - Ice on wings. #2 exhaust ring burned out.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Sterling L. McClusky
Altitude: 23,500’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 3136-P [42-3136] Squadron 511   Pilot - Lt. Turbyne
Time of Abortive - 1100  Location when Aborted - 52°41’N - 1°30’E
Reason - Sq. Leader (384) aborted his squadron and 3136-P.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed:] [No Signature]
Altitude: 23,000’   Disposition of Bombs: _____

Aircraft No. 1481-B [42-31481] Squadron 510   Pilot - Lt. Chalmers
Time of Abortive - 1058  Location when Aborted - 51°45’N - 03°38’E
Reason - Failure to catch formation & failure of interphone system.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak off islands of West Kapelle & Flakkee
[Signed] Robert P. Chalmers
Altitude: 22,500’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 9835-N [42-39835] Squadron 510th Lead   Pilot - Lt. W. R. Raser
Time of Abortive - 0920  Location when Aborted - Deenethorpe Splasher
Reason - #3 oil temp - 110° C. and climbing; #3 oil press. 65# & climbing
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] W.R. Raser
Altitude: 8,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Returned Note: Called into 94th and 1st Div.

Aircraft No. 9905-C [42-39905] Squadron 510   Pilot - Lt. Grunow
Time of Abortive - 1100   Location when Aborted - Clacton
Reason - Could not find formation
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] A.E. Grunow 1st Lt.
Altitude: 21,000’  Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 749-Z [42-29749] Squadron 509th   Pilot - Lt. W.E. McLawhorn
Time of Abortive - 1025   Location when Aborted - Vicinity of the Wash [The Wash is a large coastal bay North East of Polebrook]
Reason - Separated from Group in the soup and excessive icing
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] W. E. McLawhorn, 2nd Lt.
Altitude: 21,000 ft.   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 831-H [42-29831] Squadron 510th   Pilot - Eickhoff, J.T
Time of Abortive - 1035  Location when Aborted - 51°50’N - 02°00’E
Reason - Failure to locate the Combat [Wing] and inability to find a group with a missing ship in it.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] John T. Eickhoff
Altitude: 21,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 780-G [42-37780] Squadron 511   Pilot - P.G. Anderson
Time of Abortive - 1040  Location when Aborted - Clacton
Reason - Late at Clacton – All 4 engines cyl. head temp. 260° on 35 inches & 2300 RPM. Used over 900 gals. in 3 hrs. time. Wouldn’t have continued if I had been on time.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] P.G. Anderson
Altitude: 18,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

Aircraft No. 849-U [42-29849] Squadron 511   Pilot - Robertson, C. E.
Time of Abortive - 1045  Location when Aborted - Mid Channel
Reason - Unable to form
Enemy Opposition Encountered - No
[Signed] Charles E. Robertson
Altitude: 20,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Bombs not dropped

Aircraft No. 858 [42-29858] Squadron 508   Pilot - Richard J. Roper
Time of Abortive - 1040   Location when Aborted - Mid Channel
Reason - Couldn’t locate formation – then finally got in a formation over coast & the whole group turned back
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Richard J. Roper
Altitude: 23,000’   Disposition of Bombs: Brought back

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

   a. 94th C.B.W. [Combat Wing] Lead Box
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 9882–L, 1192–R*, 9858–G 9849–V*, 9821–F	(5)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9861–X, 9749–Z, 7845–F*	(3)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1481–B*, 9848–F, 9831–H, 9925–L, 9905–C* 9835–N*	(6)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 3136–P, 7780–G*, 9761–D*, 9834–F*, 7835–Q*, 9849–U	(6)

   * - A/C with outer wing tanks [Tokyo Tanks]
2. Target: G.S.38
   
3. W/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 Call Sign	TDP Daisy Chain		Squadron	510 Call Sign	SDN Paramount
   Squadron	509 Call Sign	WTW Riding Whip		Squadron	511 Call Sign	PBR Thick Frost

4. Lead Box: Taxi – 0815;     Take-Off – 0830;     E.T.D. Over Field – 0830

5. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   1026	20,000 Ft	Clacton

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   1352	20,000 Ft	50°15'N - 01°30'E

7. Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   1419	15,000 Ft	Beachy Head

8. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return): 1509 Hours
9. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "N"
10. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: [A/C with] Tokyo [Tanks] 42 M-47A1 Incendiaries, Non Tokyo 21 M-47A1 Incendiaries
    509 Squadron: [A/C with] Tokyo [Tanks] 42 M-47A1 Incendiaries, Non Tokyo 21 M-47A1 Incendiaries
    510 Squadron: [A/C with] Tokyo [Tanks] 42 M-47A1 Incendiaries, Non Tokyo 21 M-47A1 Incendiaries
    511 Squadron: [A/C with] Tokyo [Tanks] 42 M-47A1 Incendiaries, Non Tokyo 21 M-47A1 Incendiaries
    PFF A/C from 482nd Group - 6 x 500 GP [General Purpose] Fuse - 1/10 Nose 1/40 Tail
11. Fuel Load of each A/C: PFF 2500 Gallons, Tokyo 2400 Gallons, Non Tokyo 2100 Gallons
12. Group Leader:
    a. Lead box: Name: E. Ledoux Rank: Major A/C: Q-7825 Sqdn. 511th
13. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    NONE
14. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
15. Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	9882–L	0842½	1437	509	9861–X	0831½	1505
    	1192–R	0839	1153		9749–Z	0835	1127
    	9858–G	0843	1159		7845–F	0834	1507
    	9849–V	0840	1509
    	9821–F	0912	Crashed
    510	1481–B	0857	1301	511	3136–P	0837	1150
    	9848–F	0840½	1213		7780–G	0837½	1137
    	9831–H	0841	1129		9761–D	0836½	1442
    	9925–L	0838½	1202		9834–F	0838	1504
    	9905–C	0839½	1151		7825–Q	0831	1507
    	9835–N	0842	0925		9849–U	0836	1209
    				482 Group PFF	3486–D	0832½	1245

    A/C 7845-F landed at Molesworth
    PFF A/C 3486-D landed at Alconbury

    Report Compiled By Irvin C Muesing, Cpl.
    
    

    Sqdn.	A/C Letter	Designation	Box	Remarks
    510	9835–N	Abortive	Lead	#3 oil temp 110° - #3 oil pressure 65# - climb

 The briefed target was a chemical factory at Ludwigshafen. Twenty planes took off, led by Major Ledoux and Lt. Carson with Lt. Heldman as navigator and Captain Wallace as bombardier. Bad weather over England caused great difficulty in forming, forcing 13 planes to return without attacking. Bombing was on Pathfinder markers, but dense cloud in the target area made it impossible to observe the results. About 25 enemy planes were seen, which included the inevitable ME 109s and FW 190s and a couple of ME 110s. None of these attacked the Group. Flak was meager and inaccurate. All planes returned to England. However, as Lt. H.J. Anderson, piloting 42-29821, was descending over the coast, the ship was caught in prop-wash and disintegrated in mid-air. The plane crashed at Sutton Bridge with Lt. Anderson, Lt. O. E. Webb, Lt. W.H. Udick, S/Sgt. R.J. Allen, S/Sgt. F. H. McNamara, and S/Sgt. Leonard Edwards being killed. Lt. B.L. Finnell was injured, but the other crew members escaped.

[The Aircraft Not Attacking Report describes that A/C 42-29821 - Was not dispatched [Did not leave England]. Went into a spin after being caught in prop wash, and exploded at 6000 feet.
Notes on the Loading List report that the Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt. Finnell, suffered a broken leg, Top Turret Gunner, T/Sgt. William Reilly, suffered a chest injury, Radio Operator, T/Sgt. Dominick Curcio, suffered an ankle injury, and Right Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. Buddie Wolfe, suffered a scalp Laceration.]

• 1st Lt. Harvey J. Anderson Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Plot: C BLO, 14271
• 2nd Lt. Douglas E. Webb Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, Plot: B, 524
• 2nd Lt. William H. Udick Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Plot F, Row 5, Grave 17, Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
  
• S/Sgt. Richard J. Allen Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Grove Lawn Cemetery, Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana
• S/Sgt. Frank H. McNamara Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Brookside Memorial Park, Houston, Harris County, Texas, Plot: Section 10: MASONIC TERRACE
• S/Sgt. Leonard N. Edwards Died on 7 Jan. 1944
  Buried: Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton, Franklin County, Maine