351st Bomb Group

1. Check to see that all Pilots know Assignment.
2. Time Schedule:

   A Box			______ Box
   Stations –	0835		Stations -	_____
   Start Engines –	0845		Stations -	_____
   Taxi -	0855		Taxi -	_____
   Take Off -	0910		Take Off -	_____
   Leave Base -	0910		Leave Base -	____

3. Target – Liepzig
4. Bomb Loading: High Box – M47's [Incendiaries] Lead Box – 500 lb.
      Low Box - M47's  Composite -
   Gasoline Loading – 800 gallons in Tokyos - one Bomb Bay [Tank] in Non-Tokyos.
   Chaff – 94th CBW and the lead group of the 1st (A) CBW. Commence discharge of chaff at IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] for 8 min. - 1 unit/3 sec.
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets]– Low Box one A/C [Aircraft] 7845-F
5. Wing Formation – 94th C.B.W. – Lead in 1st Division.
   Lead Box – 401st. High Box – 401st  Low Box – 351st
   Composite Box – Lead Sqdn. ____ High Sqdn. ____ Low Sqdn. – ____
6. Fighter Cover: ____
7. 1st CBW will fly abreast of, and guide right on the 94th CBW.
8. Group Assembly is: Buncher - LD. [Lead]; 10,000’, Hi 12,000’, Lo 8,000’
9. Navigator - _____
10. S-2 - _____
11. Weather - _____
12. Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Windrag
    Visual Bombing -	Slapstick
    I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] -	_____
    Authenticator –	Mad House
    Recall -	_____

13. Special Instructions – Radio silence will be observed except where use is absolutely necessary by Combat Wing Leader. Pilots will be reminded that when VHF control light is off they are on the air.
14. Lead Crews Report to Target Room.
15. Dismiss all but Pilots and Co-Pilots.
16. Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Tail Letters
    351 A	Ragweed Red	R [Red]	J
    351 B			J
    401 A	Ragweed White	RY [Red Yellow]	S
    401 B	Ragweed Silver	G [Green]	S
    457th
    Composite
    94th C.B.W.	Ragweed	RY [Red Yellow]	J S
    1st C.B.W.	Goonchild	RR [Red Red]	A L
    40th C.B.W.	Bullpen	YY [Yellow Yellow]	B G H
    41st C.B.W.	Fatgal	GG [Green Green]	C K P

17. 	Call Sign	Channel
    U.S. Fighters	Denver One-One	C (U.S.)
    Bombers	Goldsmith One-One	_____
    Grnd. Control	Tackline	_____
    R.A.F. Fighters	Call Command Sector	_____
    Bombers		_____
    Grnd. Control		_____

18. Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	RG	O	C
    1300 – 1900	R-RR	P	Z

19. Special Instructions –
    1. Ships to Monitor Channel "B" – 994-T, 721-S
    2. Ships to Monitor Channel "C" – (U.S.) 192-R, 725-L
    3. • Let Down on Splasher # 11
       • Let Down Headings 351 A – 280 degrees mag.[Magnetic Compass Heading]
       • Let Down Headings 351 B –  degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings 401 A – 290 degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings 401 B – 300 degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings 457 –  degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings Composite –  degrees mag.
    4. If smoke screen covers aiming point Bombardiers will aim for industrial center of town. There will be no direct communication with RAF Fighters. If communication is desired, contact American Ground Sector Control Station.
20. Flying Control. –
21. Any Questions?

1. Check to see that all Pilots know Assignment.
2. Time Schedule:

   B Box			______ Box
   Stations –	0850		Stations -	_____
   Start Engines –	0900		Stations -	_____
   Taxi -	0910		Taxi -	_____
   Take Off -	0925		Take Off -	_____
   Leave Base - _____		Leave Base -	____

3. Target – Oschersleben [Aschersleben]
4. Bomb Loading: High Box – M-47A1's Lead Box – _____
      Low Box -  Composite Box – _____
   Gasoline Loading 800 gals. In Tokyo. 1 bomb bay tank. [in Non-Tokyo A/C]
   Chaff 40th B. Ahead will drop chaff 1 unit every 3 sec. 8/min. at IP.
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets]– __
5. Wing Formation – 1st CBW (B) 6th in 1st Division.
   Lead Box – ____ High Box – ____ Low Box – ____
   Composite Box – Lead Sqdn. ____ High Sqdn. ____ Low Sqdn. – ____
6. [Target Assignments]:
   4 CW's [Combat Wings] of 1st Division on Liepzig
   1st CW B on Ashersleben
   41st CW B on Bernberg
   3 CW's of 2nd Division on Gotha, Brunswick, Halberstad
   6 CW's of 3rd Division on Posin and Tutow.
7. Group Assembly is: Splasher 6 - 12,000ft.
8. Navigator - _____
9. S-2 - _____
10. Weather - _____
11. Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Windbag
    Visual Bombing -	Dogpatch
    I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] -	_____
    Authenticator –	Madhouse
    Recall -	_____

12. Special Instructions –
    Radio silence will be observed except where use is absolutely necessary by CBW Leader.
    Pilots will be reminded that when VHF Control light is OFF they are on the air.
    If smoke screen covers aiming point bombardiers will aim for industrial center of town.
    
13. Lead Crews Report to Target Room.
14. Dismiss all but Pilots and Co-Pilots.
15. Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Tail Letters
    91 B	Peppboy Brown	RY [Red Yellow]	A
    351 B	Peppboy Silver	RG [Red Green]	J
    381 B	Peppboy Green	RR [Red Red]	L
    401 B			S
    Composite
    94th C.B.W.	Ragweed	RY [Red Yellow]	J S
    1st C.B.W.	Goonchild	RR [Red Red]	A L
    40th C.B.W.	Bullpen	YY [Yellow Yellow]	B G H
    41st C.B.W.	Fatgal	GG [Green Green]	C K P

16. 	Call Sign	Channel
    U.S. Fighters	Denver one six	C (U.S.)
    Bombers	Goldsmith one six	_____
    Grnd. Control	Tackline	_____
    R.A.F. Fighters		_____
    Bombers		_____
    Grnd. Control		_____

17. Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	RC	O	C
    1300 – 1900	R – RR	P	Z

18. Special Instructions –
    Note: All ships to monitor "B" Channel
    1. Ships to Monitor Channel "A" –
    2. Ships to Monitor Channel "C" – (U.S.) 848-F, 852-H
    3. Ships to Monitor Channel "C" – (R.A.F.)
    4. • Let Down on Splasher # 7
       • Let Down Headings 351 A – ___degrees mag.[Magnetic Compass Heading]
       • Let Down Headings 351 B – 330 degrees True
       • Let Down Headings 401 A – ___degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings 401 B – ___degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings 457 – ___degrees mag.
       • Let Down Headings Composite – ___degrees mag.
19. Flying Control. –
20. Any Questions?

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft, including one flying spare, took off at 0910, and formed the low box of the 94th Combat Wing at 8,000 feet. Two aircraft of the 401st Group flew in the low squadron of this box, one of which was believed to have been shot down before the target. The other 401st aircraft flew the entire mission and bombed from the low box. The combat wing assembly was executed easily, and the briefed route was followed to the target. Departure of the English coast was four minutes late at 1049, crossing the enemy coast approximately one minute late at 1131, and target time was six minutes early at 1342.
    The primary target was bombed visually with a manual run after a misunderstanding on the method to be used. This was caused by a temporary lapse of VHF communication with the combat wing leader. The bomb run was made by seventeen aircraft in trail of the lead box. Results of the lead and low boxes were good, according to photos taken by this box.
    Flak at the target was heavy and accurate. Fighter attacks were made on this box before the I.P. by approximately 40 ME-109’s, generally from the nose and tail. This concentration was rapidly broken up by P-47’s. One aircraft of the 401st Group flying in this box was shot down by this attack, and one aircraft, 42-31763, was knocked out of formation. It was subsequently flown home by the navigator and engineer, the pilot and co-pilot having been mortally wounded. The bombardier bailed out over Germany. Five members of the crew bailed out over Polebrook, but the remaining four were killed in the crash near Stilton. Cause of the accident is unknown. No other aircraft were lost.
    The route out was as briefed. Some difficulty was encountered due to the combat wing leader’s difficulty in maintaining proper air speed. Considerable essing finally closed the wing up.
    This box landed partly at Glatton due to the Polebrook field being closed because of the impending crash of A/C 42-31763.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Twenty aircraft of the low box of the 94th Combat Wing formation took off and formed as indicated on the attached diagram. One of these, A/C 42-30499, returned early as planned from mid-channel, and was not dispatched. A/C 42-30994, dispatched, returned early when the #1 oil pressure dropped to 35 PSI. Investigation revealed an airlock in the oil pump. A/C 42-31763 released its bombs before the target when hit by flak. This ship left the formation to return to base and subsequently crashed after five of the crew members had parachuted over the home field. The remaining seventeen aircraft attacked the target, as is indicated in the diagram of the formation over the target. No aircraft are missing.

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft of the high box of the 351st Group began taking off at 0923 and proceeded to Splasher #7 where they assembled at 12,000 feet. Some difficulty was encountered in the 1st Combat Wing assembly. The wing was assembled and the high box was in good position at the enemy coast at 1141 hours. Good combat wing formation was held until the primary was reached. At this point the combat wing leader ordered visual bombing on any target of opportunity as the primary was obscured. This box bombed the industrial area in the town of Staszfurt, Germany with excellent results. The run was made on C-1 Auto-pilot, but the turn away from bombing was too soon to obtain pictures. Results were claimed to be excellent.
    Difficulty in rallying was encountered due to the diversion of targets chosen by the boxes in this particular combat wing, but the rally was accomplished after several minutes.
    Flak over the target was light and accurate. Attacks on this box by enemy aircraft were very weak, only one ship being damaged by enemy machine gun fire. Approximately fifteen fighters were reported during the mission.
    Fighter support was excellent throughout the entire mission. The route out was uneventful except the deviation in flight plan by the combat wing leader due to an unknown reason. Landfall was made at 1600, and a squadron let-down was executed on Splasher #7.
    Each squadron was directed to land at Glatton due to an impending crash landing at the home base. All aircraft of this box returned to England.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Twenty aircraft, as shown in the attached diagram, took off and formed the high box of the 1st Combat Wing formation. Of these, two aircraft, 42-39848 and 42-29835, both dispatched, returned because of internal failure of #4 Engines. A/C 42-37825 returned after having been dispatched because of an oil leak in the #3 Engine. A/C 42-30866 which was also dispatched, returned early because of a runaway #3 propeller, according to the pilot’s report. The remaining sixteen aircraft of this box attacked a target of opportunity (Staszfurt) as indicated on the attached formation diagram. No aircraft are missing.

1. The 351st Bombardment Group took off as briefed and assembled on the Deenethorpe Buncher. The Wing assembled and followed the briefed route, departing England four (4) minutes late.
2. The briefed route was followed to the target and the Group was attacked by approximately forty (40) ME-109’s. One B-17 was knocked out of the Group, subsequently crashed in England, killing four (4) men.
3. The Bombing Run was started by PFF [Pathfinder Force] at the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and was then changed to visual bombing when the target came in view halfway down the run. Because of the shortness of the run and rapid change, bombing was done manually. Results were thought to be good. AFCE [Automatic Flight Control Equipment - Autopilot] was working properly when checked previously.
4. Flak was heavy at the target. The briefed route home was followed generally.
5. A/C 42-30994 (T) returned early due to low oil pressure on #1 Engine. One (1) aircraft, 42-30499 (Q), returned as planned.
6. A/C 42-31763 crash landed four (4) miles East of base. Four (4) members of the crew were killed.
7. Fighter escort was excellent on the route in to the Target when all attacks occurred.

1. We took off as scheduled, proceeded to Splasher #6, and the group assembled without difficulty. We then proceeded to Newmarket where we were supposed to meet the 91st and 381st Groups. However, as we missed them, we returned to Splasher #6 where we waited until departure time.
2. Thinking that the other groups must have been early, we departed on course. However, they were behind us, so we made a 360° turn in time to get into the high group position before reaching the enemy coast.
3. The combat wing formation flew well until reaching the IP. There the wing leader called for PFF before it was seen that just beyond the target the under-cast was broken. Then we were instructed by the wing leader to use visual bombing.
4. Knowing that we had passed the primary, we began S-ing to gain proper interval and time to pick out a target town in the vicinity. We made a good run on C-1 for a large factory in the center of the town, getting a good pattern on the factory with our load of Incendiaries. When we turned away smoke could be seen rising to about 3,000 feet.
5. Some difficulty was encountered in the re-assembly of the combat wing, but the lead and low boxes S-ed until the high regained its position.
6. Flak over our target was light but accurate; and fighter attacks were light with reports of 10 to 25 fighters being encountered.
7. The remainder of the mission was as briefed except for a let-down by squadrons near Splasher #7. This box landed at Glatton on orders of the Tower at Polebrook. No aircraft were lost.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0910 hours.
   2. Group formed at O’Thorpe (over Deenethorpe?) at 6,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 1000 hours at 10,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1000 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1131 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 10/10ths. Tops 3,600 feet.
      2. Visibility __ miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 50 degrees. 18 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. GEE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE & PILOTAGE
   9. Joined task force at 1049 hours at Lowestoft.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1049 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1131 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: ____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 50 degrees.
       2. 18 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: PILOTAGE
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1334 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 252 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 20,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1342 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: AIRFIELD & NORTHERN PART OF TOWN ONLY, VISIBLE
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: NONE
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix _____
       2. Time ____ hours.
   17. Comments:

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0923 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1010 hours at 12,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 1145 hours at 16,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1102 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1119 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 9/10ths. Tops 8,500 feet.
      2. Visibility U miles. [Unlimited?]
      3. Wind at altitude 70 degrees. 30 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. D.R.[Dead Reckoning] AND RADIO
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. PILOTAGE
   9. Joined task force at 1145 hours at 16,000 feet.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1057 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1141 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1211 hours.
       2. Coming back: 1449 hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 50 degrees.
       2. 30 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: PILOTAGE
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP at 1323 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 130 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 16,400 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1335 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: VISUAL – TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY
          WEATHER CLEAR OVER TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: GEE BOX BURNT OUT
   16. Gee:
       1. (1) Coordinates of furtherest fix: NONE
       2. (2) Time ____ hours.
   17. Comments: CLOUD COVER OVER TARGET AREA PREVENTED BOMBING OF PRIMARY. COMBAT WING LEADER FIRST PREPARED FOR VISUAL BOMBING, THEN PFF, THEN VISUAL. FACTORY AT STASZFURT CHOSEN AS TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY.

Group: 351st Group Low
Target: Leipzig, Germany
Method of Bombing: Group
Altitude: 20,000’
Wind Direction: 50°
Wind Velocity: 21 MPH
Direction of Attack: 252° Mag. Heading
Remarks: Target was picked up easily and identified at the I.P.[Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Pilot believing that PFF [Pathfinder Force] bombing would be necessary, did not set up C-1 Pilot [Autopilot]. Run was made manually and no trouble was encountered. No evasive action was taken. Bombs were away at 1342 on Magnetic Heading of 252° and impact was spotted to cover aiming point of target area.

[Signed:] Robert E. Lee, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Group: 351st High
Target: Staszfurt, Germany
Method of Bombing: Group
Altitude: 16,000’
Wind Direction: 50°
Wind Velocity: 35 MPH
Direction of Attack: 130° Mag. Heading
Remarks: Bombs were away at 1335 on a magnetic heading of 130°. The town of Staszfurt, Germany was used as a target of opportunity. Code word for P.F.F. bombing was given at the I.P. Target was very easily seen and before passing over the town the P.F.F. reversed its decision and told us to split up and bomb by Groups. I made a 180° turn to make a new run on the target and noticed the Low Group dropping on a small town. A ten second run was made on the target of opportunity as the primary was obscured by clouds. A large factory on the North-West side of town was used as the M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact]. Bombing results appeared to be good with a large portion of the bombs dropping onto the M.P.I.

[Signed:] William B. Lyttle, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt., Lee, Robert E  Pilot - Major Stewart, James T. Navigator - 1st Lt., Sullivan, Edward L.
Aircraft # 42-38023  Take-off - 0910½  Landed - 1714
Objective - Leipzig, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - Hangar
Initial Point - ___
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 15    Composite Group -
Deflection and Range sighting, Group -    Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group - One    Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 100 lbs. M47A1 [Incendiary]
Number of Bombs Loaded - Max. per A/C    Released - ____
Fusing, Nose - Inst. [Instantaneous]    Tail - ____
Synchronization - ON
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train & Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Aiming Point (Target Area)
Mean Temp. Metro - 15.5 Actual - 15.5
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 50°  Actual 50°  Velocity - Metro 35 MPH  Actual 21 MPH
Temp C. - Metro -30° C. Actual -32° C.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Lyttle, William B.  Pilot - Major Roper, Leonard B. Navigator - Captain Matthews, Nelson E.
Aircraft # B-17G 42-31509 V  Take-off - 0923 Landed - 1705
Objective - Target of Opportunity – Staszfurt, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - Large factory North-West of Town of marshalling yard
Initial Point - Same
Method of Attack - Group
Number of Attacking A/C in Group - 18   Composite Group - ___
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own sighting operation - One
Deflection and Range sighting, Group - ___   Composite Group - ___
Range Sighting only, Group - ___   Composite Group - ___
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 100 lbs. I.B.'s [Incendiary]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 42   Released - 42
Fusing, Nose - Inst. [Instantaneous]   Tail - ___
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train & Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Yes (Good Bombing)
Mean Temp. Metro -12.5 Actual -12.5
Winds - Altitude - 15,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 50° Actual 50° Velocity - Metro 50 Actual 35
Temp C. - Metro -21° C. Actual -22° C.

1. The following information has been compiled from Bombardier Narrative Reports, Preliminary Damage Report of this Group, and the Armament Report.
   1. Ships in both Groups were in good formation on the Bombing Run.
   2. Ship O-3517, 2nd position, 2nd element, Lead Squadron, Low Group, Pilot – Caughman, and Bombardier – Wasson had to “Salvo” bombs when intervalometer failed to release same. Salvo handle had to be rocked back and forth before releasing bombs, resulting in a five (5) second delay of release. Armament ground check revealed unsynchronized racks.
   3. Ship R-714, 3rd position, 1st element, Lead Squadron, Low Group, Piloy – Lemley, Bombardier – Dunnigan had to “Salvo” bombs when intervalometer failed to release same. Salvo handle had to be rocked back and forth before releasing bombs, resulting in a three (3) second delay of release. Armament ground check revealed no defects and malfunction is attributed to high altitude deficiency.
   4. Ship A-763, 3rd position, 1st element, Low Squadron, High Box, Pilot – Nelson, and Bombardier – J.R. Martin “salvoed” bomb load on way to I.P. in order to stay in formation after receiving damage by enemy fighters.
   5. Photo cover was poor for the Low Box as a turn was made at the instant of “bombs away”, but beginning of pattern indicated a good bomb coverage over target area.
   6. Photo cover for High Box was also poor, as a sharp turn was made after “bombs away” to avoid flak barrage and no bursts are seen in photos available.
[Signed:] William A. Winter, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier

1. The raid today was two-fold: The Low Box of the 94th Combat Wing on the assembly plant on the South side of Leipzig/Mockau A/D [Airdrome] and the High Box of the 1st Combat Wing “B” on the assembly plant at Aschersleben. The Low Box bombed its briefed target, but the High Box was forced by weather conditions to bomb a target of opportunity and the lead bombardier chose an industrial plant on the northwest side of Staszfurt, a few miles from the briefed target.
2. Photo coverage on the Leipzig target is fair. Because of snow all photographs are over exposed. In photographs from A/C 760, bombs falling can be seen in #3. In #3 and #4 bursts and smoke from general purpose bombs can be seen in the target area. In #5, where the snow had been clean just on the edge of the target area in #3 and #4, many small bursts are seen going into and through the assigned MPI. How many more fell into the smoke of the general purpose bombs cannot be determined. In photographs from A/C 005, these small bursts are dispersing and many more can be counted in the snow just on the edge of the smoke.
3. Photo coverage on Staszfurt is better, the detail not blurred from over-exposure. But, although bombs away are seen on both sets of photographs taken, no bomb bursts are seen on subsequent pictures. A sharp turn allows for four shots of the target chosen by the lead bombardier.

1. Twenty-five (25) parcels of G-27 leaflets were dropped in the vicinity of Leipzig.
2. Photographs show good results from the bombing; the MPI shows hits.
3. Thirty to forty (30 to 40) E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were seen by members of this group, principally ME-109’s with some FW-190’s, a few ME-110’s, and possibly a few FW-189’s. They made their first attacks at approximately 1240; these attacks continuing from just before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] to the target. There were no attacks at the target or directly after it, but some E/A made spasmodic attacks quite a ways after the target. The first attack, near the IP, was made by ME-109’s. Before the attack one (1) ME-109 appeared to circle the whole formation, then dove into the clouds. Immediately on his disappearance several ME-109’s, from six to twelve, queued up and made concentrated attacks, all being aimed between 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. The attacks after the target were in no set plan, being made from all angles. Combat claims for this group are twelve destroyed, two probables, and four damaged.
4. Meager flak was encountered on route in at IJmuiden. This was generally inaccurate. Moderate flak was met at Magdeburg, Dessau and Wittenberg. This was good for altitude but poor for deflection. At the target flak was moderate to intense and good for both altitude and deflection; there was some white bursts above the flak. At Nieuport, [Nieuwpoort] on the coast going out, flak was meager but good for both altitude and deflection.
5. Clouds broke before the target and bombing was visual.
6. Just north of Magdeburg a large encampment was noted; another was seen at 51 55 deg. N, 12 40 deg. E. Lake Dümmer was completely camouflaged except for the east side.
7. Four (4) B-17’s in trouble were seen over enemy territory. Fighter support was seen at the Dutch coast on way in and again near Cologne. It was effective and E/A were able to make only concerted attacks between IP and target. A/C 763-A underwent severe attack over enemy territory, where the co-pilot was killed by a 20 mm shell and the pilot seriously wounded. The plane went into a spin and the bombardier bailed out, first salvoing bombs. The navigator flew the plane back and five (5) men bailed out over the home base. All other members were killed when the A/C crashed upon landing near Glatton.

1. No leaflets were carried by this Group.
2. Because of the fact that 9/10’s clouds obscured the Primary Target a target of opportunity, Staszfurt, was bombed. Full photographic evidence is not yet available but from the negatives it appears that the North side of the town was hit. Bombing was visual and light smoke was observed by some of the crews over the target area at 16,000 feet.
3. 10 to 25 E/A were seen by members of this group bur attacks were few. Most of the planes seen were ME-109’s with a few FW 190’s and T/E fighters either ME 110’s, ME 210’s or JU 88’s. Attacks were made both before and after the target being aimed principally at the nose. These attacks were all single attacks. As a whole enemy aircraft stayed away from this Group. FW’s with cowlings painted like P-47’s were seen; ME 109’s carrying large belly tanks were also observed. There are no claims by this Group.
4. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered at Amsterdam on the route in. At Oschersleben flak was meager and poor for both height and deflection. Five large, black bursts were observed in this area. At Aschersleben, flak was meager, good for altitude, and fair for deflection. In the Bernburg and Staszfurt areas moderate flak was encountered; this was also good for altitude and fair for deflection. On the route out a few bursts were observed in the Kassel area but this was to the right of the formation. All flak was black in color.
5. 1 to 2/10’s clouds were observed over the target area and 8 to 10/10’s clouds over the route.
6. A barrage of 14 balloons at approximately 10,000 feet was observed at 52° N., 10° E; railroad yards in which much activity was noted were also observed. The approximate position of this installation is believed to be 52° 35’ N., 6° 40’ E. One B-17 with the letter “A” enclosed in a triangle started down smoking, under control, somewhere in France and one man was seen to bail out.
7. Fighter support was excellent, as briefed.

1.Target: Assigned - Leipzig Bombed - Leipzig
2. Route as Flown. - 5 miles south of Egmond, Bippen, 4 miles south of Hildesheim, 10 miles NE of Wittenberg, 3 miles south of Torgau, Leipzig, Teuchern, 5 miles south of Melsungen, Sinzig, Stavels
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 1-2/10  B. En route - 10/10
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - Seen (b) Enroute - Unseen
Any Condensation Trails? - Few above 22,000 feet
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Flak encountered at Leipzig was generally reported as moderate, and good for height and fair for deflection. Heavier flak was seen to the right and left, and the crews reported the route seemed to be through the lightest flak defenses in target area. The flak was mostly black in color, but some white bursts seen above formation. Continuous pointed fire control believed used by guns firing at this formation.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 IJmuiden – meager, black and inaccurate.
 Magdeburg – moderate flak, good for altitude, poor deflection – black.
 Rossau – moderate, good for altitude, but to the right – black.
 Wittenberg – moderate, good for altitude, but to the right – black.
 Nieuport [Nieuwpoort]– meager, good for altitude and deflection – black.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - Low group of 94th CBW
9. Group – low A/C over enemy terr. – 10 A/C damaged – 8 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1342 Time of bombs away – 1345 Height – 20,000’ Axis of attack – 252 Bomb run – 50 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: Near Gotha an exceptionally large, black, bomb burst was observed.

1.Target: Assigned - Aschersleben Bombed - Staszfurt
2. Route as Flown. - 4 miles north of Ijmuiden, Bippen, 12 miles north of Bernburg, Aschersleben, 180° turn, Staszfurt, right turn, Aschersleben, Sinzig, 4 miles south of Brussels, 4 miles south of Le Touquet.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 1-2/10  B. En route - 10/10
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - Seen (b) Enroute - Unseen
Any Condensation Trails? - few seen at 22,000 ft.
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Moderate flak was encountered in Bernburg and Staszfurt area and meager flak over Aschersleben. This was black in color, good for altitude and fair for deflection. Continuous pointed fire was believed used.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Amsterdam – meager – to right of formation – black.
 Aschersleben – meager – poor for both height and deflection – black.
 Kassel – meager – to right of formation – black.
7. Was Chaff carried? - No How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - High Group of 1st CBW “B”
9. Group – High A/C over enemy terr. – 16 A/C damaged – 4 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1334 Time of bombs away – 1334 Height – 16,000’ Axis of attack – 220 Bomb run – 50 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: 10. Near Oschersleben 5 large “bursts” observed which burst into flares suspended from small parachutes.

1. Following are the comments made by crew members during today’s interrogation:
508 Squadron
A/C 192-R: Several B-17’s were firing at P-51’s around the target area. – Lt. Rohde.
A/C 517-O: Not enough food on ship. – Crew.
A/C 711-F: Only one egg for breakfast; no pancakes. – Sgts. Skeen, Hottensen.  No escort after target until the French coast. – Lt. McCafferty.
A/C 849-V: Chaff was coming by in lumps; was not breaking up. – Lt. Evans.
A/C 151-M: Cruising at 170 MPH is too fast! - Pilot, co-pilot.  We don’t like British candy. – Crew.
509 Squadron
A/C 914-S: More than one egg for breakfast. – Crew.
A/C 384-T: Saw several A/C firing at P-51’s. This should be stopped. – Lt. Songer.
510 Squadron
A/C 853-P: Someone seen shooting at P-51. – Gunners.
A/C 612-B: B-17 gunners were shooting at P-51’s which were giving us close cover. - Lt. Nuoffer.
511 Squadron
A/C 824-S: Germans are using balloon barrages at 8-10,000 feet. – Navigator.

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

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-30994, 508th Squadron, returned early because the oil pressure on the #1 Engine dropped to 35 PSI. Investigation disclosed an air lock in the oil pump. Relief valve was removed and oil pressure became normal.
   2. Airplane No. 42-30499, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31725, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes through RH inboard wing panel.
   2. Airplane No. 42-39914, 509th Squadron. One flak hole RH elevator near fuselage. One flak hole LH elevator. One flak hole in trim tab on LH aileron. One flak hole in #2 main fuel tank. One flak hole right side of Vertical stabilizer. One flak hole through Navigator’s compartment, top and bottom.
   3. Airplane No. 42-38005, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through LH inboard wing panel cutting firewall mixture control cable and propeller control cable.
   4. Airplane No. 42-29853, 510th Squadron. Two .50 cal. Holes in RH elevator.
   5. Airplane No. 42-31721, 510th Squadron. One flak hole in RH outboard wing panel near connection to inboard panel.
   6. Airplane No. 42-31714, 511th Squadron. Two 20 mm. shells entered at rear of #4 nacelle, bursted main spar and two bulkheads, and entered #4 fuel tank. Two 20 mm. shells went through waist below right waist window. The ring former and two longerons were damaged. One flak hole near Left life raft compartment.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-30866, 508th Squadron, returned early because the #3 propeller ran away, according to the Pilot’s statement. Aircraft was immediately ground checked and no malfunction was disclosed.
   2. Airplane No. 42-37825, 511th Squadron, returned early because of an oil leak in the #3 engine.
   3. Airplane No. 42-39848, 511th Squadron, returned early because of internal failure of the #4 engine.
   4. Airplane No. 42-29835, 511th Squadron, returned early because of internal failure of the #4 engine.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-29812, 509th Squadron. One .303 bullet hole in RH outboard wing panel, clear through.
   2. Airplane No. 42-5756, 509th Squadron. One flak hole (skin hole) in RH outboard wing panel.
   3. Airplane No. 42-29831, 510th Squadron. One flak hole through RH outboard wing panel slightly forward of RH aileron. One flak hole in the under side of LH wing panel, slightly forward of RH aileron.
   4. Airplane No. 42-39835, 510th Squadron. Three flak holes in #3 nacelle. Two small flak holes in under side of RH wing panel, slightly forward of RH aileron.
   5. Airplane No. 42-29925, 510th Squadron. One flak hole in leading edge of LH inboard wing panel, between #2 nacelle and fuselage.

1. The following armament failures and malfunctions were reported upon completion of the mission of 20 February, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-31192 – Chin turret sight bolt burned out.
   2. A/C 42-31711 – Bombardier reported intervalometer not working correctly. Electrical system checks out O.K. Bombardier may not have been familiar with the one way toggle switch installed on this aircraft.
   3. A/C 42-3517 - Had to salvo. Investigation revealed racks came out of synchronization. Rack will be shimmed before next mission.
   4. A/C 42-31714 – Had to salvo bombs. Ship checked out perfectly on ground.
   5. A/C 42-39853 – Twenty-seven (27) bombs dropped out in train. The remainder salvoed. Ship checks perfectly on ground.
   6. A/C 42-39760 – Had to salvo thirty-eight (38) bombs when A-2 release became inoperative.
   7. A/C 42-3542 - Bombardier reported bomb bay doors would not open electrically. Emergency release was used. Bomb bay door system checked O.K. on the ground.
   8. A/C 42-31725 – Released bombs by emergency release when doors would not open electrically. Doors and racks check out perfectly on ground.
   9. A/C 42-37845 – Bomb bay doors would not close electrically. Doors checked out O.K on the ground.
   10. A/C 42-31763 – Salvoed bombs before target purposely when hit by flak.
2. Necessary repairs and adjustments will be made.

1. The following armament failures and malfunctions were reported on completion of the mission on 20 February, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-39835 – Azimuth amplidyne on chin turret burned out. Also in same aircraft, last six bombs on left outboard rack salvoed. Electrically system checked O.K.
   2. A/C 42-6151 - Had to salvo bombs. Ship checks out perfectly on ground.
2. Necessary repairs and adjustments will be made.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported an expenditure of 27,435 rounds of .50 Caliber ammunition by the low group of the 94th Combat Wing formation on the Mission of 20 February, 1944. This figure includes 9,000 rounds on A/C 42-31763 which crashed in landing.

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

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported an expenditure of 11,760 rounds of .50 Caliber ammunition by the high group of the 1st Combat Wing formation on the Mission of 20 February, 1944.

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

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 20 February, 1944.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 20 February, 1944.

1. Following are deficiencies and disabilities as determined by interrogation:
508th Bombardment Squadron.
A/C 849_U - Suit burned out. – Sgt. Bandy.
A/C 192 - Suit and right glove too hot, right shoe too cold. – Sgt. B.M. Smith.
509th Bombardment Squadron.
A/C 756 - Suit burned out. – Sgt. Mittle.
510th Bombardment Squadron.
A/C 612 - Suit and gloves burned out. – Sgt. Snyder.
A/C 831 - Mask, Type A-14, froze. – Sgts. Schwartz and Yonnally.
511th Bombardment Squadron.
A/C 4982 - Suit too cold. – S/Sgt. Schwartzberg. [A/C 4982 not on mission – According to Loading List Sgt Schwartzberg flew on 42-97492.]

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

Aircraft No. 9835-Y Squadron - 511th – High Box  Pilot - Lt. W.B LeClerc
Time of Abortive - 1153  Location when Aborted - 50 miles inside Dutch Coast
Reason - #4 Engine oil pressure dropped to 40#, Engine smoked excessively, and was running very rough, cyl. temp 250° oil temp 85#-90#
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Walter B. LeClerc
Altitude (at time of Aborting): 17,000 ft.  Disposition of Bombs: Brought Them Back.
[Handwritten] O.K. Col. Ball


Aircraft No. 9848-C Squadron - 511th – Hi Box  Pilot - Lt. R. D. McCarthy
Time of Abortive - 0958  Location when Aborted - 10 miles from Splasher 6 on M.H.[Main Heading] 90°
Reason - #4 Engine started throwing oil out the breather and running rough.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] R.D. McCarthy
Altitude When Aborted: 7,500’  Disposition of Bombs: On board ship
[Handwritten] O.K. Col. Burns


Aircraft No. 0866-S Squadron - 508th – Hi Box Pilot - Lt. N.N. Nelson
Time of Abortive - 1010 Location when Aborted - Over Buncher #6
Reason - Run away propeller on No. 3 engine
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] 2nd Lt. Norris N. Nelson
Altitude When Aborted: 12,000’  Disposition of Bombs: brought back to base
[Handwritten] O.K. Col. Burns


Aircraft No. 7825-Q Squadron - 511th – Hi Box Pilot - Lt. S.L. Wendt
Time of Abortive - 1140 Location when Aborted - 52°30’N-04°35’E [Coast of Netherlands at IJmuiden]
Reason - Oil leak at base of vacuum pump on #3 Engine. Oil pressure dropped to 45# & engine ran hot.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak - 52°25’N-04°35’E [Coast of Netherlands]
[Signed] Stanley L. Wendt
Altitude When Aborted: 15,500  Disposition of Bombs: Jettisoned in North Sea
[Handwritten] O.K. Col. Burns


Aircraft No. 0994-T Squadron - 508th – Low Box Pilot - Lt. E.B. Apperson
Time of Abortive - 1117 Location when Aborted - 52°28’N-03°39’E [50 miles west of Amsterdam]
Reason - #1 oil pressure dropped slowly to 40 lbs., temperature going up slowly at same time. Approximately 15 minutes later, pressure began fluctuating between 30 and 38 lbs. Feathered #1.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
[Signed] Edward B. Apperson, 1st Lt., A.C.[Air Corps]
Altitude When Aborted: 17,800'  Disposition of Bombs: Jettisoned in Channel
[Handwritten] O.K. Col. Ball

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

   a. 94th C.B.W. [Combat Wing] Low (A) Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 8023–P, 9849–V, 0994–T, 1711–F, 3517–O, 1192–R
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 8005–G, 8032–P, 1384–T, 9914–S, 1725–L, 9760–M, 0499–Q, 7845–F, 3542–V
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1612–B, 1721–S, 1763–A, 9853–P
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 9987–D, 1714–R

   
   

   b. 1st C.B.W. [Combat Wing] High (B) Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 1702–A, 6151–M, 0866–S, 7827–J
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9812–U*, 5756–R
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1509–V, 9835–N, 9831–H*, 8028–Q, 9925–L*, 9848–F*
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7825–Q, 9848–C, 9849–U*, 1882–F, 9835–Y*, 5824–G*, 7492–B, 9857–H

   * Denotes A/C with Bomb Bay [Fuel] tank.
   Flying Spares - 3542-V, 0499-Q returned, 9987-D
2. Target: "A" Low Group - GY-4825 "B" High Group - GY-4818
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T TNX R/T Daisychain		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T WXH R/T Paramount
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T LBO R/T Ridingwhip		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NKL R/T Thickfrost

4. "A" Low Box: Taxi–0855; Take-Off –0910; E.T.D. Over Field–0910
   "B" High Box: Taxi–0910; Take-Off –0925; E.T.D. Over Field–0925

5. Group	Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast OUT:
   94th CBW Low Group	1045	12,000 Ft	Lowestoft
   1st CBW High Group	1057	12,000 Ft	Lowestoft

6. Group	Time:	Height:	Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast:
   94th CBW Low Group	1542	20,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°35'E [Over Netherlands, 10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]
   1st CBW High Group	1543	20,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°35'E [Koksijde-Bad, Netherlands]

7. Group	Time:	Height:	Place of crossing English Coast IN:
   94th CBW Low Group	1603	9,000 Ft	Clacton
   1st CBW High Group	1606	9,000 Ft	Clacton

8. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return): [Low Group] 1628 Hours [High Group] 1631 Hours
9. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: H
10. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
    509 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary] A/C 7845-F one (1) Box Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets]
    510 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
    511 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "B" Hi Box
    508 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
    509 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
    510 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
    511 Squadron: Maximum [Number of] M-47A1 [Incendiary]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C:
    A/C with TOKIO TANKS: 2500 Gallons A/C without TOKIO TANKS: 2110 Gallons
13. Group Leader:
    a. "A" Low box: Name: James T Stewart, Rank: Major A/C: 8023-P Sqdn. 508th
14. b. "B" High box: Name: Leonard B. Roper, Rank: Major A/C: 1509-V Sqdn. 510th
15. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    
16. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
17. Low Box 94th CBW

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	8023–P	0910½		509	8005–G	0914½
    	9849–V	0911			8032–P	0915
    	0994–T	0912	1245		1384–T	0915½
    	1711–F	0912½			9914–S	0916
    	3517–O	0913			1725–L	0916½
    	1192–R	0914			9760–M	0917
    					0499–Q	0925½	1201
    					7845–F	0919
    					3542–V	0917½
    510	1612–B	0918		511	9987–D	F.T.O.
    	1721–S	0919½			1714–R	0920½
    	1763–A	0940
    	9853–P	0920

18. High Box 1st CBW

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	1702–A	0933½		509	9812–U	0932½
    	6151–M	0934			5756–R	0932
    	0866–S	0935	1044
    	7827–J	0935½
    510	1509–V	0923½		511	7825–Q	0928½	1305
    	9835–N	0925			9848–C	0929	1010
    	9831–H	0926			9849–U	0938
    	8028–Q	0927			1882–F	0930
    	9925–L	0933			9835–Y	0930½
    	9848–F	0928			5824–S	0931
    					7492–B	0936
    					9857–H	0937

    Report Compiled By C.A. Blanchard, M/Sgt.
    
    

    Sqdn.	A/C Letter	Designation	Box	Remarks
    511	9848–C	Abortive	High
    511	9987–D	F.T.O.	Low	Electrical System - Plug change
    508	0866–S	Abortive	High	Runaway Prop #3 Engine
    509	0499–Q	Flying Spare	Low	Returned as Planned
    508	0994–T	Abortive	Low	#1 Oil Pressure low
    511	7825–Q	Abortive	High	Oil Leak - Oil pressure low
    511	9835–Y	Abortive	High	#4 Engine oil leak