351st Bomb Group

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

   94th "C" Box
   Stations   –	0855 - 0840
   Start Engines –	0905 - 0850
   Taxi     –	0920 - 0900
   Take Off   –	0935 - 0915
   Last Take Off –	1030 - ____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Chateaudun, [France] 4803N 0123E
   Secondary: Any A/D [Airdrome], M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard], R.R. Bridge, Road Bridge
   Last Resort: Enemy Convoy or Column Concentration of Troops or Equipment positively Identified & Not Adjacent To Built Up Area - Visual Sighting Must Be Made.
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: All Ships 10 x 500 G.P. 1/10 N [Nose Fuse] x 1/40 T [Tail Fuse]
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: All A/C [Aircraft] will commence to release chaff at 2 minutes before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and continue for 12 minutes - each A/C 264 units.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2000 gallons
   Remarks: Emergency Airdrome Tangmere 5051N-0042W
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

   Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	94th (C) CBW	Comp. CBW
   Lead	401st	457th	351st
   Low	401st	457th	351st
   High	401st	457th	351st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	1st "A"
   2nd	1st "B"
   3rd	41st "A"
   4th	1st "C"
   5th	94th "A"
   6th	41st "B"
   7th	41st "C"
   8th	40th "A"
   9th	94th "B"
   10th	94th "C"
   11th	40th "B"
   2nd Division		Same Area	Approx. Same Time
   3rd Division		Same Area	Approx. Same Time
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Base Reference Altitude 12,000
   Division Assembly Line: Splasher 11 to Selsey Bell
   Interval between CBW [Combat Bomb Wing] 2 minutes
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     P-51s	4919-0002W	Balance 1-1 (Area [Support])

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   351 Lead	16,000'	Kingscliffe Buncher
   351 High	12,000'	Kingscliffe Buncher
   351 Low	10,000'	Kingscliffe Buncher
   94 A Lead	11,000'	Cottesmore Buncher
   94 B Lead	11,000'	Glatton Buncher

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation -
    B. Camera A/C to Return - F-711 - Poston, A-702 - Cartwright
       High Box - U-216 - Bennett, R-038 - Ford
       Low Box - N-169 - Bunnell, X - 571 - Bjoring.
    MPI's [Mean Point of Impact] have been selected to render Airdromes operationally unserviceable. It is desired the entire areas be post holed - 41st A & 94th B Salvo - All other units 75 feet.
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	In Clear
    Visual Bombing -	In Clear
    Authenticator –	Twenty Grand
    Recall -	Pass the Ammunition
    Weather Code -	VBATI
    Release "CHAFF" -	In Clear

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st Lead Box Leader	Woodcraft Charlie Lead	GY [Green Yellow]
    351st Low Box Leader	Woodcraft Charlie Low	RR [Red Red]
    351st High Box Leader	Woodcraft Charlie High	GG [Green Green]
    401st A		Normal
    401st B
    457th A		Normal
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1 - 10
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 [Selsey Bill]		S - Lemans
    C.P. 2 [4919N-0002W]		M - St Quentin
    _____		O - Orleans
    _____		K - Bourg
    _____		E - Chalons
    _____		R - Paris

    
    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	GY	Y	V
    0800 – 1400	RY	Q	H
    1400 – 2000	RG	P	D

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All A/C monitor except the following:
    2. - Lead J-971, High L-676, Low Z-046
    3. - Lead L-920, High R-038, Low D-524
    4. - All A/C Have Available
    
    
16. Let-Down on Kings Cliffe [Buncher], if overcast.
    351st Lead   030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st Low   015° Mag.
    351st High   045° Mag.
    401st Lead   355° Mag.
    401st Low   340° Mag.
    401st High   010° Mag.
    457th Lead   065° Mag.
    457th Low   050° Mag.
    457th High   080° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    Throat Mikes to be given out to Pilots at the end of Briefing.
    Spares Turn Back Mid Channel
    Weather Ship on Assembly [Code Name] Hotmint D-Dog
    VHF Silence except when necessary.
    Area Fighter Cover.
    

1. Mission Date - 1 August, 1944.
   1. Target – A/D [Airdrome] Chateaudun, France (Primary).
   2. Force – 94th “C” Combat Wing Formation. Thirty-nine aircraft, including three flying spares took off to from the three groups of the 94th "C" Combat Wing
   3. Position – Briefed to fly as second in the combat wing and tenth in the division. Flew briefed position until just before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. Bombed last in division.
   4. Lead Teams:
         Lead Group

      CBW Air Commander:	Major Paul L. Fishburne.
      Pilot:	Captain Donald E. Floden
      Navigator:	Captain William D. Badger
      Bombardier:	Lt. Robert E. McFarlane

      
         High Group

      Group Leader:	Captain Harry B. Holsapple
      Pilot:	Lt. Charles H. Auten
      Navigator:	Lt. James J. King
      Bombardier:	Lt. Elmer R. Robinson

      
         Low Group

      Group Leader:	Lt. Clifford T. Pryor
      Pilot:	Lt. Lloyd S. Leland
      Navigator:	Lt. Richard R. Cheswick
      Bombardier:	Lt. Alexander H. Kubetin

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The three group formations and the combat wing were scheduled to assemble over the King's Cliff buncher, with the Lead Group at 11,000 feet. This was carried out as planned, the only difficulty being that the buncher was out for the first few minutes after take-off. However, it soon became operative, and the assembly was carried out without difficulty.
   2.  Route Over England – Departure was made from the assembly point one minute early in combat wing formation. A slight deviation to the east of course was immediately made in order to put the wing behind the Woodcraft Baker wing, which was to precede us in the Division formation. This was easily completed, and the briefed course again followed. The preceding wing was followed to the departure point.
   3.  Division Assembly – The division assembly line was flown behind the Woodcraft Baker Wing. This took the formation south of course, but Selsey Bill was reached about 45 seconds early and departure was made in the proper division position. The altitude was 400 feet below the briefed height due to the presence of cirrus cloud at 15,000 feet.
   4.  Flight to Target –The route to the target was flown as briefed. Minor variations from the course were made in order to avoid the contrails of preceding formations. The enemy coast was crossed slightly to the right of course and was reached at the briefed altitude of 20,000 feet and 45 seconds late. The briefed course was closely followed over enemy territory. The second control point in France was reached slightly late due to the slight difficulty encountered by attempting to avoid the contrails of preceding wings. On the approach to the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run], the preceding wing formation, Woodcraft Baker, informed the leader of the 94th "C" combat wing that he was south of course but did intend to attack the assigned target (Chateaudun), as planned. In order to permit Woodcraft Woodcraft [sic] Baker to regain his former position and bomb as planned, the 94th "C" Combat Wing Leader made a 360° turn before reaching the IP. This permitted the Woodcraft Baker wing to go ahead and bomb. While the 360° turn was being made, the wing behind the 94th "C" formation passed ahead and attacked behind Woodcraft Baker. As a result, the 94th "C" wing was last over the target.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – The assigned primary target was attacked visually from the briefed altitude. Good results were observed. The course from the IP to the target was flown as briefed.
      Lead Box: The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results. The briefed aiming point was used. The pattern was short of the briefed aiming point. A normal turn was made at the IP. The bomb run was 18 miles in length.
      High Box: The bombing run was flown manually. A bomb run of seven minutes was made. The briefed aiming point was used. A normal turn was made at the IP.
      Low Box: No difficulties were encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 pilot was used with good results. The bombing run was eight minutes in length. The briefed aiming point was used. A normal turn was made at the IP.
   6.  Flight From Target – The withdrawal was flown without difficulty, although the French coast was reached to the left of course. A let down from 20,000 feet to 18,000 feet was made before reaching the coast. The division formation was too far ahead by this time for the 94th "C" to regain its position in the formation. On the route out it found that it was abreast of another combat wing. Rather than ess to get behind it, it stayed abreast on the withdrawal. Due to the time required to make the previiously mentioned 360° turn, the formation was 21 minutes late at the point of departure. A normal let down procedure was followed. The English coast was crossed at Portsmouth 22 minutes late at 6,300 feet in accordance with Division instructions to enter England below 7,000 feet. The formation returned directly to base without incident.
   7.  Fighter Support – As briefed.
   8.  Comments – No aircraft were lost on the mission of 1 August, 1944.
        No flak was encountered in the target area. However, meager and accurate flak was encountered at the French coast on the return route It is believed that it may have been from friendly guns on the beachhead.
        The channel was overcast on the route into the target. It gradually thinned out before the target was reached, where the visibility was good.
        No enemy aircraft were encountered.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – No aircraft failed to attack. Three flying spares returned as planned.
      
   10.  PFF Aircraft – No PFF aircraft were employed on the mission of 1 August, 1944.

1. No flak or fighters encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
3. Briefed Aiming Point was used.
4. Pattern was short of briefed A.P. [Aiming Point].
5. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Mc Farlane, Robert E.  Pilot - Major Fishburne, P.L. & Capt. Floden, D.E. Navigator - Capt. Badger, W.D. & Lt. Sichel, S.I.
Aircraft B-17G   Q-879 Take-off - 1111 Landed - 1728
Objective - A/D [Airdrome] at Chateaudun, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   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 G.P.'s [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Short
Mean Temp. Metro +2 Actual +2
Winds - Altitude - 20,418 Ft.  Direction - Metro 320°  Actual 315°  Velocity - Metro 30  Actual 27
Temp C. - Metro -14° C. Actual -12° C.

1. No Flak or fighters encountered on the bombing run.
2. Due to a malfunction of the C-1 pilot [Autopilot], a manual run was made.
3. Target was identified 360 seconds before "Bombs Away".
4. The briefed aiming point was used.
5. Bombing results was as briefed.
6. A normal turn was made at the I.P.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Robinson, Elmer R.  Pilot - Capt. Holsapple, Harry B. Navigator - 2nd Lt. King, James G.
Aircraft B-17G   P-955 Take-off - 1110 Landed - 1736
Objective - A/D [Airdrome] at Chateaudun, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 Lb. AN-M43 G.P.'s [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - On briefed M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact]
Mean Temp. Metro +2 Actual +2
Winds - Altitude - 21,018 Ft.  Direction - Metro 320°  Actual 332°  Velocity - Metro 30  Actual 28
Temp C. - Metro -14° C. Actual -14° C.

1. No troubles encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
3. Aiming point was identified 300 seconds before "Bombs Away".
4. Briefed aiming point was used.
5. Good bombing results observed.
6. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Kubetin, Alexander H.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Leland, Lloyd S. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Cheswick, Richard R.
Aircraft B-17G   U-381  Take-off - 1113 Landed - 1744
Objective - A/D [Airdrome] at Chateauden, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As Briefed
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 Lb. AN-M43 G.P.'s [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - As Briefed
Mean Temp. Metro +2 Actual +2
Winds - Altitude - 19,818 Ft.  Direction - Metro 320°  Actual 298°  Velocity - Metro 30  Actual 34
Temp C. - Metro -14° C. Actual -14° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this group was the landing ground facilities of the A/D [Airdrome] at Chateaudun, France. Photo cover was complete for all boxes.
2. The bombs of the lead box fell into the area at the western end of the two main runways. There are eight hits on the NE-SW runway and six hits on the NW-SE runway. The pattern is 2500 feet by 1400 feet with the center of the pattern 1300 feet short of the MPI [Mean Point of Impact].
3. The bombs of the low box fell just over and left of the lead box and in the area of the NW end of the NW-SE runway. There are several hits on the runway and two possible hits on the perimeter track. The pattern is 2185 feet by 1520 feet with the center of the pattern 1235 feet to the left.
4. The low box bombs hit at the SE end of the NW-SE runway. There are hits on the runway and several hits on the perimeter track. The pattern is 2350 feet by 1197 feet with the center of the pattern as briefed.

    508th Sqdn.
A/C 557-K Ball Turret gunner was out of the turret most of the trip, in A/C 702-A - Whole crew.
A/C 193-P "Woodcraft Baker" (Glatton) on V.H.F. constantly. - Lt. Muhleman.
A/C 971-J We had to wait more than half an hour for transportation from plane. - All Officers.
A/C 711-F Why did Wing Leader make 360 over I.P.? - Lt. Poston.

    511th Sqdn.
A/C 153-F Low Group lead was not very good. - Lt. Utley.
A/C 169-N Low Squadron lead in Low Box was not too good. It was hard to stay in formation. - Lt. Bunnell.
A/C 524-D Be more careful cleaning guns of rounds; one entered top of ship in nose above bombardier's head. - Lt. Merrill.

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31192, 508th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   2. Airplane No. 43-37854, 509th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   3. Airplane No. 42-31384, 509th Squadron returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31702, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through center of dorsal fin, skin and stringer damaged. Flak hole in base of dorsal fin, skin damage only. Small flak hole through fabric of rudder. Three inch flak hole in leading edge of left wing outer panel, skin, stringer and corrugation damaged.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37920, 508th Squadron. Small flak hole through left stabilizer tip, skin and rib damaged. Small flak hole underside of right wing inner panel, skin, corrugation and tokio tank damaged. Flak hole underside of right wing between #3 and #4 engines, skin corrugation and main fuel tank damaged. Small flak hole below left waist window, skin and station bulkhead were damaged.
   3. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron. Two small flak holes in fabric of right stabilizer. Flak hole underside of right wing between #3 and #4 Engines. Skin, corrugation and main fuel tank damaged. Small flak hole through center of vertical fin. Two small flak hole through right wing tip, skin and corrugation hit.
   4. Airplane No. 43-37557, 508th Squadron. Four small flak holes through right inner wing panel damaging skin and corrugation. Three flak holes on underside of right outer wing panel causing damage to skin, corrugation and tokio tank. Flak hole in right side of fuselage, forward of waist window damaging ammunition belts, skin, and oxygen regulator. Three flak holes on left side of fuselage near stabilizer damaging skin. Flak hole through RH stabilizer causing skin damage.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   4		4		4

Aircraft No. 854 Squadron - 509   Pilot - Underhill
Time of Abortive - 1356  Location when Aborted - Mid Channel
Reason For Abortive - Flying Spare
Disposition of Bombs: ____
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: Formation complete + one other spare.
[Signed] D.B. Underhill

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

   a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: Q–1879, K–7557, A–1702, L–7920, H–8004, P–7258, J–2971, G–7850, N–7727, F–1711, (R–1192 Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: O–7595, P–7193
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

   
   

   b. 94th "C" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: W–6077, R–6156, L–7676, Z–7696, U–7216, (V–7854 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: P–2955, V–1509, R–8038, K–7252, L–7515, G–7862, S–7512
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

   
   

   c. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: M–7964, N–7169
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: U–7381, Q–7005, Z–7046, G–7533, A–1238, X–7571, Y–7216, D–7524, B–7492, F–8153, (T–1384 Spare)

2. Target: Z-339
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T RGL R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T SAK R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T KOH R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T LAW R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 1100; Take-Off – 1115; 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)
   1338	15,000 Ft	Selsey Bill

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1403	20,000 Ft	49°19'N-00°02'W [At the coast of Auberville, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1538	20,000 Ft	49°19'N-00°02'W [At the coast of Auberville, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1614	10,000 Ft	Selsey Bill

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1653 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "N"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: None
    511 Squadron: None
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: None
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]]
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
    
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Box
    508 Squadron: None
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: None
    511 Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2000 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: P.L. Fishburne Rank: Major A/C: Q-1879  Sqdn. 508th
    b. High Box: Name: H.B. Holsapple Rank: Capt. A/C: P-2955 Sqdn. 510th
    c. Low Box: Name: C.D. Leland Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: U-7381 Sqdn. 511th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C:
    

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.