Lead Box | |||
Stations – | 0605 | ||
Start Engines – | 0615 | ||
Taxi - | 0625 | ||
Take Off - | 0640 | ||
Last Take Off - | ___ |
Wing Formation | 94th (A) CBW | 94th (B) CBW | Comp. Group | Comp. CBW |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lead | 351st | |||
Low | 401st | |||
High | 457th |
Position | CBW [Combat Wing] | Target | Departure Time at Coast |
---|---|---|---|
Lead | 94th | Brussels A/D [Airdrome] | 0830 |
2nd | 40th | Brussels A/D | 0833 |
3rd | 1st | Coke Ovens, Brussels | 0836 |
4th | 41st | Brussels A/D | 0839 |
5th | |||
6th | |||
7th | |||
8th | |||
2nd Division | Tours & NoBall, Courcelles - Belgium | 0830 | |
3rd Division | Reims, France | 0830 | |
Marauders [B-26] | |||
RAF [Royal Air Force] |
[Force] | [Latitude & Longitude] | [Time] |
---|---|---|
_ Groups, | ___ | at ___ |
_ Groups, | ___ | at ___ |
_ Groups, | ___ | at ___ |
_ Groups, | ___ | at ___ |
Box | Altitude | Place |
---|---|---|
Lead [351st] | 11,500' | Deenethorpe Buncher |
401st | 10,000’ | Deenethorpe Buncher |
457th | 13,000’ | Deenethorpe Buncher |
BAVIT | |
Visual Bombing - | Hang Dog |
Authenticator – | Milk Run |
Recall - | Love Yoke Jig Mike |
Division Lead | _____ |
Call Sign | Flares | Tail Letters | |
---|---|---|---|
351st A | Woodcraft Red | RY [Red Yellow] | J |
351st B | |||
401st A | Woodcraft White | R | S |
401st B | |||
457th A | Woodcraft Blue | G | U |
457th B | |||
Composite | |||
1st C.B.W. | |||
40th C.B.W. | |||
41st C.B.W. | |||
Composite C.B.W. |
U.S. Fighters | Denver | (1-1 to 1-5) |
R.A.F. Fighters | Garlic One | |
Bombers | Goldsmith One-Five | |
U.S. Grnd. Control | Tackline | |
R.A.F. Grnd. Control | Spice cake |
Colors of the Day | |||
---|---|---|---|
Time | Color | Letter | Challenge |
0200 – 800 | G-G | G | B |
800 – 1400 | G-Y | H | W |
STATISTICAL SUMMARY | |
---|---|
No. of A/C Scheduled, Less Flying Spare | 19 |
No. of A/C Taking Off, Less Flying Spare | 19 |
No. of A/C Dispatched, Less Flying Spare | 18 |
No. of A/C Attacking | 18 |
No. of A/C Not Attacking, Less Flying Spare | 1 |
No. of A/C Lost | 0 |
Group: 351st Lead Box
Target: Melsbroek A/D, Brussels, Belgium
Method of Attack: Visual
Altitude: 22,000’
Direction of Attack: 120° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 234°
Wind Velocity: 39 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: We turned at the briefed I.P. and started a run for the target area. On the bombing run the
C-1 [Autopilot] became inoperative and I told the pilot to follow the P.D.I.[Pilot's Direction Indicator]. The target could not be
readily seen because of ground haze, so short of the target we made a 360° turn and headed
in on a magnetic heading of 120°. I preset my drift and the briefed aiming point was
sighted on. Synchronization was good and bombs were away at 0928. My left rack failed
to release and I jettisoned them in the Channel.
[Signed:] George M. Decker, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier
Bombardier - 2nd Lt. George M. Decker Pilot - Capt. D. Harris Navigator - 1st Lt. C.A. Cleveland
Aircraft B-17G 1955-K Take-off - 0640 Landed - 1058
Objective - Melsbroek A/D, Brussels, Belgium
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - South Dispersal Area
Initial Point - ___
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 20 Composite Group -
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation:
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: 1. Composite Group -
Range Sighting only, Group - 1 Composite Group -
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 38 x 100 LB. M30 G.P.[General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 38 Released - __
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - Instantanous
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:
Altitude of Target - 131 | Magnetic Heading Ordered 74° Actual 120° | |
True Altitude Above Target - 21,680’ | True Heading 112° | |
Indicated Altitude - 22,000 | Drift, Estimated 2° Left - Actual 8° Left | |
Pressure Altitude of Target -48 | True Track 104° | |
Altimeter Setting 29.92 | Actual Range 12,550’ | |
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150 M.P.H. | B.S. Type - M-9 Mercury | |
True Air Speed - 211 M.P.H. | Time of Release 0928 hours | |
Ground Speed Est. 250 Actual 233 | Length of Bombing Run - 120 seconds | |
Wind Direction Metro - 234° Actual - 234° | Intervalometer Setting - Salvo | |
Wind Velocity Metro 39 Actual 39 | C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] _____ | |
D.S. - 131 Trail - 107 ATF - 40.49 | A-5 Pilot _____ | |
Tan. D.A, Est. .58 Actual .53. | Manual Pilot - Yes [Used] |
Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Yes
Mean Temp. Metro - 10.5 Actual - 10.5
Winds - Altitude - 22,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 234° Actual 234° Velocity - Metro 39 Actual 39
Temp C. - Metro -34° C. Actual -34° C.
1. No report on enemy tactics beyond that contained in paragraph 3 of the Narrative Teletype [S-2 Intelligence Narrative] is being submitted.
[Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corp, Group S-2
1. Target: Assigned - Brussels/Melsbroek Bombed - Brussels/Melsbroek
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed, except that last leg of route deviated to the north, coming out between Schouwen and Overflakkee Islands.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 2-3/10ths cloud B. En route - 3-4/10ths at enemy coast, increasing to 5-7/10ths close to target area.
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - not known
Any Condensation Trails? - No
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: 5. Moderate, black and white, continuous following, accurate for height and deflection. There was a noticeable increase in intensity and accuracy during the second run over the target. Several very accurate guns were pin-pointed at 50°54’N-04°20E, just at the N edge of the city of Brussels.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
Dunkirk, 0852, 20,500 feet – meager (about 12 bursts) inaccurate.
Chievres, 0903, 21,000 feet – meager (about 15 bursts), height good, deflection poor.
Antwerp, 0932, 21,400 feet – moderate, height good, deflection poor – off to the left.
Gilze en Rijen, 0936, 21,400 feet – meager, inaccurate.
ALL FLAK APPEARED TO BE CONTINUOUS FOLLOWING.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? As briefed.
8. Position of Group - Lead
9. Group – 351 A/C over enemy terr. – 18 A/C damaged – 8 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over
Target – 0928 Time of bombs away – 0928 Height – 21,800’ Axis of attack – 120° Mag. Bomb run – 120 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: Several crews reported as many as 18 rockets fired from Brussels, curving up and then down before reaching our altitude.
510 Squadron
A/C 721-S: Truck drivers should be more careful. They turn corners so fast that the guns are thrown all over the dirt. – All crew.
A/C 975-O: I think every plane should have two pairs of field glasses, one in nose and one in tail, for observation of other ships in formation. – Lt. Hopkins.
Our Operations did not get us up in time this morning; we did not even get to briefing until it was half over, and had no breakfast. – All EM.[Enlisted Men]
A/C 757-G: Get EM [Enlisted Men up earlier; they did not have briefing and very little breakfast. – Lt. McClelland.
A/C 196-M: Crew was gotten up late for briefing; was refused food at mess hall. Men were unable to have breakfast. – Sgts. Hullender and Petereit.
511 Squadron
A/C 780-G: Call replacements in time to let them get something to eat. Men had only five minutes before take-off. – All EM.[Enlisted Men]
No more second runs over target at same altitude. – Lt. Lechner.
A/C 153-F: Transportation very poor again before station time. – Whole crew.
A/C 318-S: Waist guns should be staggered; only one of us can wear flak suit. – Sgts. Rybaczewski and Jordan.
I object to having to crank up landing gear; today I was covered with sweat when I got it up. – Sgt. Barton.
Bombardier’s seat should be moved back or shaft of chin turret straightened – it is impossible to use in its present position. – Lt. Loiacono.
509 Squadron
A/C 144-R: Did not send transportation for us. – Lt. McLawhorn.
[Signed] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]
TOTAL A/C DAMAGED | MINOR DAMAGE | BY FLAK | BY FLAK AND FRIEND | |||
13 | 13 | 12 | 1 |
1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported the expenditure of 3,380 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition on the Mission of 10 April, 1944.
1. Following is the disposition of all bombs loaded for the Mission of 10 April, 1944.
AIRCRAFT | BOMBS | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Bombfall | Over Target | Bombing | Number | Size | Type | Fusing: Nose | Tail |
(Melsbroek) | 18 | 18 | 658 | 100 lb. | M-30 | 1/10 | Instantaneous |
Total Bombs Dropped | 658 | 100 lb. | M-30 | 1/10 | Instantaneous | ||
Bombs Brought Back | 114 | 100 lb. | M-30 | 1/10 | Instantaneous | ||
Jettisoned in Channel | 26 | 100 lb. | M-30 | 1/10 | Instantaneous | ||
TOTAL BOMBS LOADED | 798 | 100 lb. | M-30 | 1/10 | Instantaneous |
1. The following deficiencies and disabilities were determined through interrogation:
511th Bombardment Squadron:
A/C 780-G Mask cracked on seam. – Sgt. J. Fedelem.
[Signed:] Ernest J. Cater, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer
Aircraft No. 9835 Squadron - 510 Pilot - McIntyre
Time of Abortive - Approx. 8:50 Location when Aborted - Approx. 2 miles from enemy coast.
Reason - Spare – Returned as planned.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 20,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] George P. McIntyre
Aircraft No. 38146 Squadron - 511 Pilot - Miller
Time of Abortive - 0905 Location when Aborted - Clacton [-on-sea]
Reason - Couldn’t find our Group due to late take off. All other Groups were full.
Disposition of Bombs: Return
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Carl E. Miller
a. 94th Combat Wing 351st Group |
---|
Sqdn 508th A/C: 8146–D, 1955–K |
Sqdn 509th A/C: 1725–L, 7149–X, 7144–R, 7169–N |
Sqdn 510th A/C: 1975–O, 1988–C, 7196–M, 0857–J, 1721–S |
Sqdn 511th A/C: 7472–H, 7191–X, 8753–F, 1714–R, 9848–C, 7318–S, 7875–P, 7780–G (Spare) |
Squadron | 508 [Call Sign] | W/T MYP R/T SEAGREEN | Squadron | 510 [Call Sign] | W/T RYJ R/T RANGER | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Squadron | 509 [Call Sign] | W/T PDZ R/T CUPPING | Squadron | 511 [Call Sign] | W/T KDP R/T UNCLASP |
Time: | Height: | Place of crossing English Coast OUT: |
---|---|---|
0830 | 18,000 Ft | Clacton |
0852 | 18,000 Ft | 51°07'N-02°40'E [Nieuwpoort, Belgium] |
Time: | Height: | Place of Recrossing Enemy Coast: |
---|---|---|
0941 | 22,000 Ft | 51°44'N-03°45'E [Renesse, Netherlands] |
Time: | Height: | Place of crossing English Coast IN: |
---|---|---|
1012 | 8,000 Ft | Orfordness |
Squadron | A/C No. & Letter | A.T.O. | A.T.R. | Squadron | A/C No. & Letter | A.T.O. | A.T.R. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
508 | 1955–K | 509 | 1725–L | ||||
1757–G | 7149–X | ||||||
7144–R | |||||||
7169–N | |||||||
510 | 1975–O | 511 | 7472–H | ||||
1988–C | 7191–X | ||||||
7196–M | 8153–F | ||||||
0857–J | 1714–R | ||||||
1721–S | 9848–C | ||||||
9835–N | Spare | 7318–S | |||||
1875–P | |||||||
7780–G | Spare |
Report Compiled By A.J.B., Sgt.
Group Formation Take–Off | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
509th Squadron | ||||||||
Bowles - Burns A/C 42-31955 K | ||||||||
Bartzocas A/C 42-97149 X | Wolcott A/C 42-31725 L | |||||||
Logan A/C 42-31875 P | ||||||||
Hatten A/C 42-97169 N | McLawhorn A/C 42-97144 R | |||||||
511th Squadron | 510th Squadron | |||||||
Anderson A/C 42-97472 H | McClelland A/C 42-31757 G | |||||||
Willard A/C 42-38153 F | Miller A/C 42-97191 X | Olson A/C 42-31988 C | Hopkins A/C 42-31975 O | |||||
Heller A/C 42-31714 R | Raser A/C 42-97196 M | |||||||
Zotollo A/C 42-97318 S | Hoder A/C 42-39848 C | Chalmers A/C 42-31721 S | Morris A/C 42-30857 J | |||||
Brooks A/C 42-37780 G* | McIntyre A/C 42-39835 N* |
Group Formation Over–Target | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
509th Squadron | ||||||||
Bowles - Burns A/C 42-31955 K | ||||||||
Bartzocas A/C 42-97149 X | Wolcott A/C 42-31725 L | |||||||
Logan A/C 42-31875 P | ||||||||
Hatten A/C 42-97169 N | McLawhorn A/C 42-97144 R | |||||||
511th Squadron | 510th Squadron | |||||||
Anderson A/C 42-97472 H | McClelland A/C 42-31757 G | |||||||
Willard A/C 42-38153 F | Hoder A/C 42-39848 C | Olson A/C 42-31988 C | Hopkins A/C 42-31975 O | |||||
Heller A/C 42-31714 R | Raser A/C 42-97196 M | |||||||
Brooks A/C 42-37780 G | Zotollo A/C 42-97318 S | Chalmers A/C 42-31721 S | Morris A/C 42-30857 J |