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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #165

Credited Mission #159
 
DATE: 7 July 1944
Target: Aero Engine Factory, Leipzig, Germany
 
Briefing Outline:
  1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.

  2. Time Schedule:
     ____ Box
    Stations   –0420
    Start Engines –0430
    Taxi     –0440
    Take Off   –0455
    Last Take Off –0625

  3. Targets:
    Primary: Aero Eng. Factory - Leipzig [Germany]
    Secondary: Zeitz (synthetic oil) - visual - PFF - RR sta. at Leipzig.
    Last Resort: Any military objective in Germany. Any target infrastructure not built-up.

  4. Loading:
    351 “A”: 10 x 500 1/10 x 1/100 except T-705 3-6 hr. + 2-2 hr.
    351 “B”: 10 x 500 1/10 x 1/100 except P-875 2-6 hr. + 3-2 hr.
    Composite: Max [# of] M 47’s I.B. [Incendiary Bomb]
    Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - Z-046 Dingle
    Chaff: ____

  5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons
    Remarks: ____

  6. Wing Formation94th (A) CBW94th (B) CBWComp. GroupComp. CBW
    Lead351st401st
    Low351st401st
    High457th457th

  7. Division Formation:
    PositionCBW [Combat Wing]TargetDeparture Time at Coast
    Lead1 A
    2nd94 ALeipzig
    3rd40 A
    4th1 B
    5th41 A
    6th94 B
    7th41 B
    8th40 B
    2nd Division
    3rd Division
    Marauders
    RAF [Royal Air Force]

    Remarks: ____

  8. Fighter Cover:
    • [Force][Latitude & Longitude][Call Sign]
      3 gps. P-47’s, 3 gps. P-51’s, 1 gp. P-38’s _______  ______ 
      3-1, 3-6, & 3-7 close. _______  ______ 
      3-2 & 3-4 at front. _______  ______ 
      3-3 & 3-5 at rear. _______  ______ 

  9. Group Assembly:
    BoxAltitudePlace
    Lead8,000'Glatton Buncher
    Low6,500'Glatton Buncher

  10. Navigator - _____
  11. S-2 - _____
  12. Weather - _____
  13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    No delay fuse bombs to be brought home.
    Salvo bombs (Intervalometer).
    Release chaff 2 min. before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] for 12 min. - 288 units.
    If PFF – release 8 min. before target for 12 min.

  14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.

  15. (A) Code Words –
    PFF Bombing –Low Balls
    Visual Bombing -in clear
    Authenticator –Red Bird
    Recall -Night and Day
    Weather Code -TVBAI
    Release "CHAFF" -Tin Hat

    Ref. Altitude – 24,000’  Wx [Weather] ship – Hotmint D – Lt. Crabb

    (B) Call Signs:
    Call SignFlaresRemarks
    351st LeadVinegrove 3-2RY [Red Yellow]
    351st BWoodcraft Able LowR [Red]
    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. FightersBalance 3-1 to 3-7
    R.A.F. Fighters
     BombersVinegrove 3-2
    U.S. Grnd. ControlColgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    Control Points:Fighter Reference Points:
    0 Splasher 7G - Zwolle
    1 FelixstoweL - Dümmer Lake
    2 52°37’N-04°40’E [Just W of Alkmaar, Netherland]O - Hanover
    3 52°35’N-08°10’E [Just NE of Holdorf, Germany]V - Magdeburg
    4 52°43’N-11°00’E [Just NW of Beetzendorf, Germany]E - Leipzig
    5 52°35’N-08°10’E [Just NE of Holdorf, Germany]______

    Remarks: ____

    (D)
    Colors of the Day
    TimeColorLetterChallenge
    0200 – 0800GYBC
    0800 – 1400YYIF
    1400 – 2000RYOJ

    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except:
    2. - Lord in O-780 [42-38153 F], Miller in N-727, Dawson in Y-108, McCall in L-676
    3. - Caughlan in B-082, McAfee in O-595, Bland in P-875, Karagiannis in A-238
    4. - ____

  16. Let-Down on Cottesmore Buncher, if overcast.
    351st A Lead  345° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B Low  360° Mag.
    401st A High  015° Mag.
    457th A   ___° Mag.

  17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields. Woodbridge 52°05’N-01°24’E
    3. Landing Aids.
  18. Special Instructions:
    2 min. between CBW’s.
    Maypole 1 with Wx @ 0 + 154.
    If not rec’d by Div. Leader run on PFF.
    Secondary will be made unless obviously visual.


Operational Narrative – Lead and Low Boxes, 94th “A” Combat Wing:
  1. General Narrative. Field Order No. 426, 7 July, 1944, called for the 351st Group to furnish two groups of eighteen aircraft each plus two flying spares to fly as the lead and low boxes of the 94th “A” Combat Wing. Assembly was to be made over the Glatton buncher at 8,000 feet and 6,500 feet. The departure from the English coast was to be made at Felixstowe at 10,000 feet and the enemy coast was to be crossed at 52°37’N-04°40’E [Just west of Alkmaar, Netherlands] at 20,000 feet. The same points were to be used as points of departure and entry on the return route. The assigned primary target was the Aero-Engine factory at Leipzig, Germany.
     The lead and low boxes of the 94th “A” Combat Wing took off at 0455 as scheduled, and the lead formed at 8,000 feet on the Glatton buncher. Weather conditions were ideal at this location until ten minutes before departure time at the buncher when a layer of stratus drifted in at 8,000 feet. However, by making the last circle to the north east, the combat wing was able to remain intact and depart for the next point one minute early. Just north of March [U.K.] a bank of cloud and rain squalls forced the wing to the east to avoid this condition. An attempt to reach Splasher 7 was impossible according to further recommendations by the weather ship which advised the wing of thunder storms in that area.
     The above mentioned maneuver lost exactly enough time so that by entering the Division assembly line at Felixstowe, departure was on time and on course. Vertical visibility was perfect and CAVU [Ceiling and Visability Unlimited] conditions prevailed from this point on.
     The 40th Combat Wing and the 94th “A” departed the coast abreast and behind the Division leader, and soon straightened out into proper Division formation.
     The climb to altitude was uneventful except in the vicinity of Zuider Zee, where a combat wing of B-24’s approached from the left, forcing the 94th “A” Wing to the right of course. However, a left hand ess brought the wing back into the Division column at proper interval.
     Before reaching the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run], no contact with Maypole 1 [Code name for the Weather Ship] was made, and a visual run on the target was ordered. Thick smoke and ground haze definitely shortened the bombardier’s run, but by pin pointing in on the briefed run, he was able to bomb with good results. The only item out of the ordinary was that at the IP a wing of B-17’s was headed south and between the IP and target. The three groups of the 94th “A” were able to pass below and behind the groups of this other combat wing without trouble.
     Assembly after bombing was slightly delayed due to unforeseen evasive action necessitated by un-plotted flak, and also due to a group which made a 360 south of Leipzig and appeared to the high box to be joining the 94th “A” Wing.
     The route out was very close to briefed except for beginning to let down at the west coast of Zuider Zee due to low oxygen supply in many ships.
     No enemy fighters were encountered. Friendly fighter support was good but unobserved at times. However, close touch was maintained and immediate support was always in the vicinity.
     Flak at the target was moderate and of the tracking type. No flak was encountered on the route in or out.
  2. Aircraft Not Attacking. The three aircraft assigned to the formation as flying spares returned as planned when there was no unfilled positions in the formation. Aircraft 43-37534, pilot Lt. Wishnewsky, one of the flying spares, crash landed at base with two engines out. No one was injured. Details of the abortive PFF A/C used by the 401st Group are contained in the Engineering report of abortives.
  3. Aircraft Lost. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 7 July, 1944.
  4. Combat Wing Air Commander. Lt. Colonel Clinton F. Ball, flying in aircraft 42-97651, led the 94th “A” Combat Wing formation.
     Lt. Gerald H. Viste, flying in aircraft 44-6078, led the Low Group of the 94th “A” Combat Wing.
  5. PFF A/C. No aircraft were lost on the Mission of 7 July, 1944.

PFF Aircraft #Used ByBomb LoadAttacked or Failed to Attack
42-97601351st Bomb Group10 x 500Attacked Primary
42-97651351st Bomb Group10 x 500Attacked Primary
42-97638401st Bomb Group10 x 500Attacked Primary
42-97687401st Bomb Group10 x 500Failed to Attack

[Signed] Clinton F. Ball, Lt. Colonel, Air Corps, Operations Officer


Statistical Summary:
94th “A” COMBAT WING
Lead BoxLow BoxPFF A/C withPFF A/C with
351st Group401st GroupTOTAL
No. of A/C Scheduled17202241
No. of A/C Failed to Take Off00000
No. of A/C Taking Off17202241
No. of A/C Taking Off Less Unused Spares16182238
No. of A/C Attacking16182137
No. of A/C Not Attacking00011
No. of A/C Sorties16182137
Name of Primary TargetLEIPZIG, GERMANY
No. of A/C Attacking Primary16172136
No., Size & Type Of Bombs 160 x 500 GP  168 x 500 GP  20 x 500 GP  10 x 500 GP  358 x 500 GP 
Name of Target of OpportunitySTENDAL, GERMANY
No. of A/C Attacking Target of Opportunity01001
No., Size & Type Of Bombs010 x 500 GP0010 x 500 GP
Bombs Brought Back:10 x 500 GP20 x 500 GP010 x 500 GP40 x 500 GP
Bombs Jettisoned in Channel1 x 500 GP0000
Total Bombs Loaded170 x 500 GP198 x 500 GP
2 G-44 Nickels		20 x 500 GP20 x 500 GP408 x 500 GP
No. of A/C Lost00000




Bombardier’s Narrative – Lead Box 94th “A” CBW:

Group: 351st
Target: Leipzig, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 24,000’
Direction of Attack: 244° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 075°
Wind Velocity: 28 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: No difficulties encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 [Autopilot] was used with good results. Aiming Point was hard to pick up due to a heavy smoke screen. Bombs were seen to fall a little to the left of the briefed M.P.I.[Mean Point of Impact]. The A.P. [Aiming Point] used was the left end of the building instead of the center of the building. A normal turn was made at the Initial Point.

[Signed:] John W. Smith, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier



Bombardier’s Narrative – Low Box 94th “A” CBW:

Group: 351st
Target Of Opportunity – Leipzig, Germany
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 23,000’
Direction of Attack: 247° Magnetic Heading
Wind Direction: 055°
Wind Velocity: 28 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: No difficulties encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 [Autopilot] was used. The Aiming Point was picked up at the start of the bombing run. A normal turn was made at the Initial Point.

[Signed:] Palmer, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier



Combat Bombing Flight Record – Lead Box 94th “A” CBW:

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Robinson, Elmer R.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Dennis, Lee H. [CoPilot for Lt. Col. Ball] Navigator - 1st Lt. Washburn, William F.
Aircraft B-17G   651-Y  Take-off - 0450 Landed - 1200
Objective - Mitteldeutsche – Motorenwerke at Leipzig, Germany
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 - 500 LB. G.P. AN M43 & Smoke Bomb
Number of Bombs Loaded - 9 x 500 LB. & Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 490'Magnetic Heading Ordered 245° Actual 244°
True Altitude Above Target - 24,400’True Heading 240°
Indicated Altitude - 24,000Drift, Estimated 1° Left - Actual 4° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target 492True Track 230°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 13,375’
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150 M.P.H.B.S. Type - Mercury
True Air Speed - 228 M.P.H.Time of Release 0952
Ground Speed Est. 245 Actual ___Length of Bombing Run - 120 sec.
Wind Direction Metro - 054° Actual - 075°Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 13 Actual 28 C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 128.4  Trail - 57 +5   ATF - 40.97A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .50 Actual .49 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Left of briefed M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro -3 Actual +2
Winds - Altitude - 24,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 054°  Actual 075°  Velocity - Metro 23  Actual 28
Temp C. - Metro -26° C. Actual -16° C.



Combat Bombing Flight Record – Low Box 94th “A” CBW:

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Palmer, Louis   Pilot - 1st Lt. Fowler, Eli S. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Levinson, Seymour R.
Aircraft # 078-G  Take-off - 0453½  Landed - 1327
Objective - Mitteldeutsche – Motorenwerke at Leipzig, Germany
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 - 500 LB. AN M43 GP
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10    Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10    Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - 490Magnetic Heading Ordered 245° Actual247 °
True Altitude Above Target - 23,110’True Heading 243°
Indicated Altitude - 23,000'Drift, Estimated 1° Left - Actual 1° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target 492True Track 242°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 12,967'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150B.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 223Time of Release 0954
Ground Speed Est. 243 Actual 244Length of Bombing Run - 6 Minutes
Wind Direction Metro - 58° Actual - 55°Intervalometer Setting - Salvo
Wind Velocity Metro 23 Actual 28 C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] X [Used]
D.S. - 132.5  Trail - 62   ATF - 39.99A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .50 Actual .51Manual Pilot _____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - On briefed A.P. [Aiming Point]
Mean Temp. Metro -3 Actual +2
Winds - Altitude - 23,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 058° Actual 055° Velocity - Metro 23 Actual 28
Temp C. - Metro -23° C. Actual -16° C.



Preliminary Damage Assessment:
  1. The target for the lead and low boxes of this group was the Mitteldeutsche Motorenwerke at Leipzig (Taucha), Germany. Photo coverage for the lead box was good but the low box dropped into smoke and haze of the lead box.
  2. The heaviest concentration of the lead box fell in the workshop area. Two workshops received at least three hits, a large stores building received three hits, a new workshop has two hits and a near miss, there are two hits on a stores building or dispatch center, one hit on the foundry building (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact], one hit on the office building, a small unidentified building is covered with bursts, and a hit on a building that is under construction. Damage should be heavy in this area and fire is seen to be starting. The main pattern measures 2,300 feet by 1,495 feet and the actual MPI is 1,035 feet to the left.
  3. The bombs of the low box fell into smoke and haze of the lead box and accurate assessment is impossible. A heavy concentration fell into the northern corner of the target area and the main assembly shop is obscured by bursts. There are seven buildings in the area and damage should be heavy. The visual pattern is 1,936 feet by 1,200 feet and the MPI is undetermined.
[Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence] Officer

LEAD BoxLOW Box
PilotLt. DennisLt Fowler
BombardierLt. RobinsonLt. Palmer
NavigatorLt. Washburn Lt. Levinson
Heading244°247°
Bombs Away09520954


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



A.A. Gunfire (Flak) Report:

1. Target: Assigned - Leipzig Bombed - Leipzig
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - CAVU [Ceiling & Visibility Unlimited]  B. En route - 0-6/10ths.
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - NO
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Intense and accurate for the most part, though scattered over a fairly wide area. Black, white, and a few red bursts were seen. There was evidence of both barrage and continuous following fire control. About 6 irregular white smoke trails, mushrooming out at the top of their trajectory, were seen at the target.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Magdeburg, 0922, 24,000’ Moderate, observed in the distance.
 Altenburg, 0955, 24,000’ Moderate, height good, deflection fair
 Zeitz, 0959, 24,000’ Moderate, height good, deflection poor
 Jena, 1000, 24,000’ Meager, inaccurate.
 
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? As briefed
8. Position of Group - Lead and Low.
9. Group – Lead A/C over enemy terr. – 18, A/C damaged – 7, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0952, 
Time of bombs away – 0952, Height – 23,900’, Axis of attack – 244° Bomb run – 120 sec.
Group – Low A/C over enemy terr. – 17, A/C damaged – 3, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 0954, 
Time of bombs away – 0954, Height – 23,120’, Axis of attack – 247° Bomb run – 150 sec.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None



Combat Crew Comments:

Following are the comments made by combat crews flying today’s mission:

    508th Squadron
A/C 843-C: A Triangle “A” ship joined formation and screwed up entire group. Number of ship was C-297304. Forced this ship and several others out of formation. - Lt. Pattison.
A/C 153-F: “I was third man to land and my crew were still waiting for transportation 1½ hours later. My squadron operations could do nothing at all.” - Lt. Lord.

    509th Squadron
A/C 601-Z: Don’t give us this ship again without better maintenance. It won’t fly; it just creeps. – Lt. Roehlk.
  Recommend that a minimum of ten bottles [of Oxygen], type D-2 or G-1, be available, filled, for each plane. – Lt. Colonel Wood.
  Have one bottle in front with a hose, so top turret can use it, in the turret or to crank bomb doors. – Sgt. Tucker.
A/C 169-N: Very good job of leading, especially regarding flak. – Lt. Whittaker.
A/C 676-L: Good evasive action by box leaders. – All officers.

    510th Squadron
A/C 674-F: We haven’t had any hot water for showers for over a week. We have to use officer’s showers if we want hot water. – All EM [Enlisted Men]
A/C 705-T: Formation was very poor; we had trouble with it all the way. Our squadron leader jockeyed so much I could hardly follow him. – Lt. Hillebrand.
A/C 077-D: Distribute rations more evenly throughout the ship. – T/Sgt. Stentiford.

    511th Squadron
A/C 571-X: Combat personnel should be more careful about picking up bags that do not belong to them. – Lt. Mitchell.
  Lead of low group was very poor. – Lt. Belote.

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


Mission Summary Report:
  1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
    1. Airplane No. 43-37534, 508th Squadron returned early as planned.
    2. Airplane No. 42-97687, 509th Squadron returned early because of an oxygen leak. Investigation revealed that the Bourdon Tube of the Co-pilot’s oxygen pressure gauge was broken. (Mechanical) (PFF Aircraft flew with 401st Bomb Group.)
    3. Airplane No. 44-6139, 511th Squadron returned early as planned.
    4. Airplane No. 42-102952, 511th Squadron returned early as planned.
    5. Airplane No. 42-31875, 511th Squadron returned early. The Pilot stated that he could not get fuel out of the Tokyo tanks at high altitude. He further stated that he flew for approximately forty-five minutes with the valves turned on and the gauges did not show any increase in the tanks. He then descended to 17,000 feet and the valves started to operate and the gauges showed an increase of fuel in the main tanks. Investigation revealed no defects whatsoever. (Personnel)
  2. Battle Damage:
    1. Airplane No. 42-97601, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through right stabilizer and base of dorsal fin. Skin, channel, and former were damaged. Flak hole in right wing underside inner panel. Skin, corrugation and #3 fuel tank damaged.
    2. Airplane No. 43-37727, 508th Squadron. Small flak hole left wing underside outer panel, skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank damaged. Small flak hole right side of Navigator’s compartment, skin damage only.
    3. Airplane No. 42-97843, 508th Squadron. Small flak hole in #2 Engine cowling, skin and push rod housing damaged. Small flak hole through fuselage aft of waist window, skin damage only.
    4. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron. Small flak hole through right stabilizer, skin damage only. Two small flak holes through left aileron, fabric damage only. Flak hole underside of left wing inner panel, skin corrugation and #2 fuel tank damaged. Two inch flak hole through left wing tip, skin, corrugation and stringer damaged. Flak slightly damaged ring cowling of #4 Engine. Three inches of skin torn off of left flap by flak.
    5. Airplane No. 43-37595, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through right wing outer panel, five inches on the bottom and seven inches on the top in size. Skin, corrugation and compression members were damaged. Small flak hole in leading edge of left wing underside near #1 Engine, skin damage only.
    6. Airplane No. 42-31748, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole on right side of radio room. Skin damage only. Left landing light lens cracked by flak.
    7. Airplane No. 42-38153, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole in tail wheel well. Small flak hole underside of #4 Engine. Exhaust stack and fire wall were damaged.
    8. Airplane No. 42-31238, 511th Squadron. Small flak hole through left stabilizer, skin and framework damaged. Small flak hole in left flap behind #2 Engine. Skin damage only.
    9. Airplane No. 42-97492, 511th Squadron. Two inch flak hole through right wing outer panel. Skin, corrugation and spar damaged. A small flak hole right wing underside, #3 fuel tank, skin and corrugation damaged.
    10. Airplane No. 43-37571, 511th Squadron. Very small flak hole in left flap near aileron, skin damage only. Small flak hole in fairing of right wing top side, flak did not penetrate fairing.

    TOTAL A/C DAMAGEDMINOR DAMAGEDAMAGED BY FLAK
    101010
[Signed:] Carl A. Ekblad, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


Armament Report:
  1. The following malfunctions were reported on the Mission of 7 July, 1944.
    1. A/C 42-97601 – Bomb bay doors would not close electrically. Motor replaced yesterday and checks out OK on ground. Up solenoid will be replaced.
    2. A/C 42-97843 – Bomb bay door motor caught fire when closing doors. Replaced.
    3. A/C 42-38028 – Bomb bay doors would not close electrically. Water in up solenoid.
    4. A/C 42-97193 – Doors would not open fully. Cranked down and bombs released on time. Limit switch reset.
[Signed:] Michael Steele, CWO, USA, Group Armament Officer


Aircraft Returning Early:

Aircraft No. 43-37534 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Wishnewsky, P.W.
Time of Abortive - 0600  Location when Aborted - To Buncher
Reason For Abortive - Feathered #1 Prop – Returned to Base and due to bad visibility made three passes over field and on 4th attempt, lose power on #4 Engine – retracted landing gear and crash landed.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Flying Spare
[Signed] P.W. Wishnewsky, 2nd Lt., Air Corps



Aircraft No. 44-6139 Squadron - 508 [should be 511th]  Pilot - Wright
Time of Abortive - 0726  Location when Aborted - Mid Channel
Reason For Abortive Return - Spare ordered back
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 10,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Flying Spare
[Signed] Robert A. Swanson, Co-Pilot



Aircraft No. 592 [Should be 952] Squadron - 511   Pilot - Brackens R.S.
Time of Abortive - 0750  Location when Aborted - At coast of Holland.
Reason For Abortive - Spare ordered back.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] Ralph S. Brackens



“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Lead Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: 1702–A, 7843–C, 2949–G, 7727–N, 7601–Z
    Sqdn 509th A/C: 1384–T, 7595–O, 7216–U, 7696–Z, 7169–N, 7193–P
    Sqdn 510th A/C: 6082–B, 7705–T*, 2576–C, 7651–Y, 8028–Q
    Sqdn 511th A/C: 1748–V, 8153–F, (2952–H Spare)
    P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

    b. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Low Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: (7534–L Spare)
    Sqdn 509th A/C: 7926–X, 7676–L, 6077–W, 6078–G, 6108–Y, 6156–R, 7674–F
    Sqdn 510th A/C: 7515–L, 7077–D, 8038–R, 7252–K, 1560–A
    Sqdn 511th A/C: 7492–B, 7046–Z, 1875–P*, 7571–X, 7524–D, 1238–A, (6139–K Spare)
    [* Delay Action Bombs]
  2. Target: GY-4673
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T PTB R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T NQX R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T WGH R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T SZP R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0440; Take-Off – 0455; E.T.D. Field – At Take Off
    b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____
  5. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    070510,000 Ft Felixstowe
  6. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    075220,000 Ft 52°37'N-04°40'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
  7. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    114820,000 Ft 52°37'N-04°40'E [Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
  8. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    12347,000 Ft Felixstowe
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1257 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses] (7705-T D.A. [Delay Action] 3-6 Hour, 2-2 Hour)
    511 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]


    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/100 Tail [Fuses] (1875-P D.A. [Delay Action] 2-6 Hour, 3-2 Hour) (7046-Z Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets])
  12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
  13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: C.F. Ball Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: 7651-Y  Sqdn. 510th
    b. Low Box: Name: G.D. Viste Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: 6078-G Sqdn. 509th
  14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

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



Formation Chart:
94th "A" Lead Group Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
508th Squadron
Ball–Dennis
A/C 42-97651 Y PFF
Edwards
A/C 42-102949 G
Roehlk–Wood
A/C 42-97601 Z PFF
Lord
A/C 42-38153 F
Miller
A/C 43-37727 N
Pattison
A/C 42-97843 C
510th Squadron509th Squadron
McIntyre
A/C 42-102576 C
Trombley
A/C 42-97193 P
Hillebrand
A/C 42-37705 T
Irwin
A/C 42-38028 Q
Sutton
A/C 42-31384 T
Whitaker
A/C 42-97169 N
Caughlan
A/C 44-6082 B
McAfee
A/C 43-37595 O
Matre
A/C 42-31748 V
Keller
A/C 42-97216 U
Uttley
A/C 42-37696 Z
Jizmejian
A/C 42-31702 A
Brackens
A/C 42-102952 H Spare[*]
[* Spare Aircraft Returned at Mid Channel as Planned]

94th "A" Low Group Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
509th Squadron
Fowler–Viste
A/C 44-6078 G
Walker
A/C 44-6156 R
Garcia
A/C 44-6077 W
Dawson
A/C 44-6108 Y
McCall
A/C 43-37676 L
Hibbard
A/C 42-97926 X
511th Squadron510th Squadron
Belote
A/C 43-37571 X
Auten
A/C 42-97252 K
Bland
A/C 42-31875 P
Karagiannis
A/C 42-31238 A
Neal
A/C 43-37674 F
Whitten
A/C 42-31560 A
D.W. Smith
A/C 43-37524 D
Nuoffer
A/C 42-107077 D
Strange
A/C 42-97492 B
Dingle
A/C 42-107046 Z
Walker
A/C 42-38038 R
Fultz
A/C 43-37515 L
Wright
A/C 44-6139 K Spare[*]
Wishnewsky
A/C 43-37534 L Spare[*]
[* Spare Aircraft Returned at Mid Channel as Planned]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0700 DBST [Double British Standard Time]  Briefing: Enlisted Men 0115, Officers 0145  Stations: 0425
Start Engines: 0430  Taxi: 0440  Take-Off: 0455   Leave Base: 0455 [Breakfast: Enlisted 0015, Officers 0045]

 [Wounded - 0]
The above records were obtained at the National Archives Records Administration and have been declassified by authority NND 745005
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