351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   	High Box	Lead Box
   Stations   –	1440	1450
   Start Engines –	1450	1500
   Taxi     –	1500	1510
   Take Off   –	1515	1525
   Last Take Off –	____	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Luxembourg [City]
   Secondary: Metz [France]
   Last Resort: Any A/D [Airdrome]
   
   
4. Loading:
   351st "A": 6 x 1000 lb. 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuse]
   351st "B": 6 x 1000 lb. 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuse]
   Composite Box: ____
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: 240 units / To be used at Leader’s discretion.
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2100 gals.
   Remarks:
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	351st
   Low	457th
   High	351st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	1st "A"	Sarrequemines	1700
   2nd	41st "A"	Saarbrücken	1703
   3rd	94th	Luxembourg [City]	1706
   4th	41st "B"	Ehrang	1709
   5th	1st "B"	Trier	1712
   6th	40th	Saarbrücken	1715
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division
   3rd Division	5 CBW's		1720
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: ____
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]
     1 Gp. P-38’s
     1 Gp. P-51’s on withdrawal

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   High	11,000'	Deenethorpe
   Lead	9,500'	Deenethorpe
   ____

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers and Radio Operators:
    Bombs in lead box remain.
    Reference alt. – 20,000’
    North bound convoy on route out.
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	____
    Visual Bombing -	IP Ground Loop
    Authenticator –	Tin Shack
    Recall -	94th [CBW] Whiskey and Soda
    Weather Code -	BITVA Hotmint D
    Release "CHAFF"	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Woodcraft Red	RY [Red Yellow]
    351st B	Woodcraft Brown	Green
    401st A
    401st B
    457th A
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance Two-Four - 38's	Two-Seven - 51's
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove Two Three
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:	Fighter Reference Points:
    #1 Lowestoft	______
    #2 5103 - 0300 [Lat. & Long.]	______
    #3 5030 - 0500	______

    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    May 11 – 1400 - 2000	GY	D	W
    May 11 – 2000 - 0200	GG	C	N

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All Others-
    2. - 848-C; 216-Y [Lead Box] 470-J; 613-C [High Box]
    3. - 748-V; 238-A [Lead Box] 472-H; 702-A [High Box]
    4. - in D – on Lead & Deputy Lead A/C.
       
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on Splasher # 6, if overcast.
    351st A Lead  20° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B High  40° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    401st A   ° Mag.
    457th A   ° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
    Spares turn back at French Coast.
    Emergency A/D [Airdrome]– Woodbridge.
    Radio silence unless absolutely necessary.
    

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft, including two flying spares, took off as scheduled at 1529 – 1541 hours. The formation at take-off is indicated on the attached diagram. Assembly of the 94th Combat Wing was carried out as briefed over the Deenethorpe buncher. The climb to altitude was uneventful.
    The combat wing formation was in the proper position and three minutes behind the second combat wing in the formation on the Division Assembly Line. The “Smokestack” combat wing forced the 94th Combat Wing back to fourth position. Since the order in the Division column did not affect the order at the assigned target, room was made for the intruder.
    The route to and from the target was flown uneventfully. Friendly fighter support was good and no enemy fighters or flak were encountered. Haze was a disturbing factor, but did not prove to be too dense to impede the bomb run.
    Landings were made at base at 2041 – 2057 hours.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Two aircraft scheduled as flying spares returned as planned before the formation passed mid-channel. These aircraft are not classed as having been dispatched.
    The remaining eighteen aircraft proceeded as indicated in the General Narrative in the formation indicated. Aircraft 42-38146, pilot Lt. Hales, did not attack the target due to a rack malfunction. Bombs were returned to base.
    All other aircraft attacked the primary target with good results.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 11 May, 1944.
   
4. Combat Wing Commander. Lt. Col. Robert W. Burns, flying in aircraft 42-97381, was Air Commander of the 94th Combat Wing.
   
   

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft, including two flying spares, took off at 1515 – 1528 hours. The assembly of the 94th Combat Wing was made over Deenethorpe with the Lead Box at 9,500 feet and the high box at 11,000 feet. No trouble was encountered in making the combat wing assembly.
    The departure from Deenethorpe was made on time. High and low boxes were trailing behind the lead box upon the departure from Deenethorpe. The briefed route was followed over England with only slight variation, as indicated on the Track Chart. No difficulty was encountered in crossing the channel and a fairly good formation was held until the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached.
    Five minutes before the IP was reached, the interphone in the lead aircraft of the high box went out and as a result, the leader did not know how close the IP was. It was necessary for the high box to make a 270° turn in order to obtain sufficient interval for bombing. Bombs were dropped as indicated in the bombardier’s report, with fair to good results. After bombing, the high box made a sharp turn to the right and joined the lead box. The formation then returned to base as briefed.
    No opposition was offered by flak or enemy fighters.
    The high box did not have the usual trouble of overrunning the lead box.
   
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Two flying spares returned as planned from about mid-channel when there were no spots to fill in. Neither of these aircraft is considered as having been dispatched.
    The remaining eighteen aircraft continued on course to attack the target in the formation indicated on the attached diagram.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 11 May, 1944.
   
4. Group Leader. Captain Daniel E. McCafferty, flying in aircraft 42-31879, was leader of the High Box formation.
   
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1530 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1610 hours at 9,500 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 1618 hours at 9,500 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1627 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1705 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 2/10ths. Tops 14,000 feet.
      2. Visibility 5 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 45 degrees. 18 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage, Radio and GEE.
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. Drift, [Unreadable], Pilotage, GEE and Radio.
   9. Joined task force at 1705 hours at 52°28’N-01°21’E [11 miles South of Norwich, England]
   10. Departed English Coast at 1706½ hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1737 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: _____ hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 45 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 1817½ hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 110 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 18,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1840 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: Pilotage – Slight ground haze. Vis. [Visibility] 15 mi.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: GEE errors; all else o.k.
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 51°16'N-02°35'E [14½ miles WNW of Ostend, Belgium]
       2. Time 1735 hours.
   17. Comments: Need better metro.

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1515 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1602 hours at 11,000 feet.
   3. Formed CBW at 1622 hours at 11,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1622 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1739 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds ____ Tops ______ feet.
      2. Visibility 10 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 244 degrees. 51 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. GEE, and D.R.[Dead Reckoning]
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE
   9. Joined task force at 1700 hours at 18,500 feet.
   10. Departed English Coast at 1708 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1739 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1739 hours.
       2. Coming back: 1850 hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 316 degrees.
       2. 40 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: GEE – 244/31K
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP at 1832 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 166 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 19,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1846 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: PILOTAGE – Haze – Visibility 10 miles.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: None
   16. Gee:
       1. (1) Coordinates of furtherest fix 50°47’N-03°46’E [26 miles West of Brussels, Belgium]
       2. (2) Time 1934 hours.
   17. Comments: NONE

Group: 351st
Target: Luxembourg [City], Luxembourg
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 18,000’
Direction of Attack: 110° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 45°
Wind Velocity: 18 KPH [Knots Per Hour]
Bombardier’s Narrative: Visibility hazy and target was hard to pick up. Good results was observed. “Bombs Away” took place at 1840 on a mag. heading of 110°.

[Signed:] Harry Fireman, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Group: 351s
Target: Luxembourg [City], Luxembourg
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 19,000’
Direction of Attack: 116° Magnetic Heading
Wind Direction: 360°
Wind Velocity: 40 KPH [Knots Per Hour]
Bombardier’s Narrative: M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] covered with smoke from bombing by groups ahead. Aiming point as briefed, dropped into smoke. “Bombs Away” took place at 1846 on a mag. heading of 116°. Results were seen to be good.

[Signed:] George W. Gross, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Fireman, Harry   Pilot - Lt. Col. Burns, Robert W.  Navigator - 1st Lt. Korf, Leonard L.
Aircraft B-17G   7005-Q  Take-off - 1529 Landed - 2041 [DBDT Double British Daylight Time]
Objective - Marshalling Yards at Luxembourg [City], Luxembourg
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed
Initial Point - As briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. 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 - 6 x 1,000 LB. AN M44 G.P. [General Purpose] & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6 x 1,000 LB. & Sky Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Good results
Mean Temp. Metro -24 Actual -16
Winds - Altitude - 18,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 360°  Actual 360°  Velocity - Metro 35K  Actual 40Kbr> Temp C. - Metro -24° C. Actual -16° C.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Gross, George W.   Pilot -Capt. McCafferty, Daniel E.  Navigator - 2nd Lt. Roberts, William N.
Aircraft # 879-Q  Take-off - 1515½  Landed - 2058 [DBDT Double British Daylight Time]
Objective - Marshalling Yards at Luxembourg [City], Luxembourg
Aiming Point (MPI)[Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed
Initial Point - As briefed
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 - 6 x 1,000 LB. AN MBR G.P.[General Purpose] & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - 6 X 1,000 LB. & Sky Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - Fast
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Short of briefed M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro 0 Actual +3
Winds - Altitude - 19,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 360° Actual 360° Velocity - Metro 45K Actual 40K
Temp C. - Metro -22° C. Actual -16° C.

1. The target was the southern marshalling yard at Luxembourg [City], Luxembourg. Photo coverage was excellent for both the lead and high groups.
2. The bombs of the Lead box fell across the marshalling yards with the heaviest concentration in the area of the two roundhouses. The pattern measures 2,766 feet by 1,386 feet and the actual MPI [Mean Point of Impact] is very nearly as briefed. Approximately 75% of the bombs hit in the yard and damage should be heavy. The lower roundhouse is seen to be half destroyed and there is a great crater in the upper roundhouse. There is evidence of fire in this area.
3. The bombs of the high box fell in two separate concentrations. The heaviest concentration is short of the MPI with about 20% of the bombs falling on the marshalling yard. The secondary concentration fell in the area of the central choke point and great damage should result. Smoke from previous bombing partially obscured the target area. The overall pattern measures 1,852 feet by 2,447 feet and the actual MPI is 975 feet short and 877 feet to the left of the briefed MPI.

1. No leaflets were carried on this mission.
2. Preliminary review of photos shows that the Lead Group’s bombing was good, the bombs having fallen slightly over the MPI. Results of the High Group’s bombing are fair to good. Bombs fell in two concentrations, one to the left of the MPI and the other short of the briefed MPI.
3. No enemy aircraft were seen during the mission.
4. No flak was encountered throughout the mission.
5. Weather was CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unrestricted] with ground haze.
6. No observations of military importance were noted.
7. Bombing was visual and no PFF units were employed. Fighter support was very effective. At 51°35’N-01°43’E [19 miles NE of Margate, England], an unidentified B-17 left the formation and turned back into France.

1. Target: Assigned - Luxembourg [City] Bombed - Luxembourg [City]
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - Clear  B. En route - Clear
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - ___
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: NIL
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) - NIL
7. Was Chaff carried? - NO  How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - Lead and High
9. Group – 351st Lead A/C over enemy terr. – 18 A/C damaged – 0 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1840 
 Time of bombs away – 1840 Height – 18,000’ Axis of attack – 110° Mag. Bomb run – 120 sec.
 Group – 351st High A/C over enemy terr. – 18 A/C damaged – 0 A/C lost to flak – 0 Time over Target – 1840 
 Time of bombs away – 1840 Height – 19,000’ Axis of attack – 110° Mag. Bomb run – 120 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

    508th Sqdn.
A/C 325-H Very good high squadron lead by Lt. Kogelman. – Lt. Stevens.
A/C 157-N Armament doesn’t make requested repairs on solenoid and supercharger. – Lt. Overholt

    511th Sqdn.
A/C 238-A We want scotch back again! - Crew.
A/C 848-C Truck driver was late when taking crew to plane. We had very little time before Take Off. – Lt. Karagiannis.
A/C 875-P Do not believe that lead bombardier of the high box knew his check points from IP to target well enough, for he kept making big corrections and that spoiled the formation. – Capt. Davey.
A/C 472-H Oxygen walk-around bottles were not filled. This is the second time this has happened. – Lt. Smith.

[Signed] Benjamin L. Berkow, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-30994, 508th Squadron returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 42-30499, 509th Squadron returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:  None Received.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-107124, 510th Squadron returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97492, 511th Squadron returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:  None Received.

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported by the Lead Combat Box on the Mission of 11 May, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-97349 – (All Electrical) Only the right rack released over the target. The left side, evidently, was jettisoned later. No malfunction could be discovered in ground checking the ship.
   2. A/C 42-38146 – The bombardier reported that he could not release electrically. No attempt was made to salvo. Bombs were returned to base. The bombardier had not been checked out by either the armament or ordnance sections.
2. A total of four (4) all electrical aircraft participated in the Mission in the Lead Combat Box.
3. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that the Lead Combat Box expended 1,405 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition.

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported by the High Combat Box on the Mission of 11 May, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-102613 – (All Electrical) Doors froze and had to be cranked down manually; bombs were released on time. The belt feed lever stud broke off on the left tail gun.
   2. A/C 42-102576 – (All Electrical) The bombardier reports he released the right rack with the salvo switch; and the left side with the bomb indicator light switch, three seconds late. The aircraft checks out satisfactorily on the ground.
   3. A/C 42-31879 – The bomb sight stabilizer switch burned out. The AFCE [Automatic Flight Control Equipment] switch was used, and no delay in release was experienced.
2. A total of six (6) all electrical aircraft participated in the Mission in the High Combat Box.
3. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported that the High Combat Box expended 1,745 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs loaded in the Lead Combat Box of the Mission of 11 May, 1944.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs loaded in the High Combat Box on the Mission of 11 May, 1944.

Aircraft No. 1724 [7124] Squadron - 510th   Pilot - Borchert
Time of Abortive - __  Location when Aborted - French Coast
Reason - Spare   Formation Very Good
Disposition of Bombs: B B [Brought back]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 19,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] [No Signature]



Aircraft No. 492 Squadron - 511th   Pilot - Power, W.M.
Time of Abortive - 1736  Location when Aborted - 51°12’N-02°38’E [7 miles NW of Nieuwpoort,Netherlands]
Reason - Spare – No holes.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,500’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Good formation.
[Signed] W.M. Power

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

   a. 94th Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 7325–H, 8146–D, 6151–M, 1192–R, 7157–N, 7349–B, (0994–T Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 7193–P, 7845–F, 1384–T, 7169–N, 9914–S, 7149–X, (0499–Q Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C:
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7381–U, 1875–P, 9848–C, 7216–Y, 1238–A, 1748–V
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C:

   
   

   b. 94th Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 1879–Q, 7066–O, 2470–J, 2613–C, 1702–A
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 1725–L, 7144–R, 7202–Z
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1721–S, 2576–C, 8028–Q, 1560–A, 7196–M, 1975–O, 8038–R, (7124–F Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7472–H, 8153–F, 7318–S, (7492–B Spare)

2. Target: ZL-124
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T PBV R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T TJV R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T SMW R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T JMK R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi–1500; Take-Off –1515; E.T.D. Field–____
   b. Lead Box: Taxi–1510; Take-Off –1525; E.T.D. Field–____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1706	17,000 Ft	Lowestoft

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1732	18,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°40'E [Koksijde, Belgium]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1933	18,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°40'E [Koksijde, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1959	10,000 Ft	Clacton

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 2029 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: ____
    511 Squadron: Maximum 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: 6 x 1000# G.P.[General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2100 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns  Rank: Lt. Col.  A/C: 7381-U  Sqdn. 511th
    b. High Box: Name: D.E. McCafferty  Rank: Capt.  A/C: 1879-Q Sqdn. 508th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Leo Curley, T/Sgt.