351st Bomb Group

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

   ___ Box
   Stations   –	1140	1240
   Start Engines –	1150	1250
   Taxi     –	1200	1300
   Take Off   –	1215	1315
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Tactical - Gun Emplacements, [Brest, France]
   Secondary: ____
   Last Resort: ____
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] (6 A/C loaded with 16 x 500 GP 1/10 x 1/40)
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - NONE
   Chaff: 312 units, 2 min. before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] for 13 min. after.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 1900 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	94th (8 - 12 A/C Grps)	Gun emplacements
   2nd	1st (8)
   3rd	41st (7)
   4th
   5th
   6th
   7th
   8th
   9th
   10th
   2nd Division
   3rd Division
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: Base reference altitude – 20,000 ft.
   Zero hour – 1500 hours.
   Division Assembly Line – Spl. [Splasher] 15 to Start Point.
   Interval between CBW’s – 2 minutes.
   One PFF [Pathfinder Force] A/C [Aircraft] for each Group.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     _________	_______	______

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   94th "A" CBW  [Combat Bomb Wing]	Box	Altitude	Place
   	351st Lead	13,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   	351st Low	12,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   	351st High	14,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   94th "B" CBW	401st Lead	13,000'	Cottesmore [Buncher]
   	401st Low	13,000'	Cottesmore [Buncher]
   94th "C" CBW	457th Lead	13,000'	Glatton Buncher
   	457th Low	12,000'	Glatton Buncher
   	457th High	14,000'	Glatton Buncher

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal – Salvo Pattern.
    B. Camera A/C to Return - T384 A-1560, A-702, N-665.
      Units unable to make a normal & accurate visual sighting on Primaries will return to base.
      Second runs authorized.
      No Wing rally.
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	____
    Visual Bombing –	____
    Authenticator –	Gunga Din
    Recall –	Rise and Shine
    Weather Code –	BAVIT
    Release "CHAFF" –	____

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st Lead	Lead	RY [Red Yellow]
    351st Low	Low	RR
    351st High	High	GG
    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 Six
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove Six
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    _____		______
    _____		______

    
    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0800 – 1400	RG	H	I
    1400 – 2000	GG	Y	B

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All
    2. - R-038, M-900 [H-900], Z-696
    3. - J-978, O-595
    4. - All
    
    
16. Let-Down on ____, if overcast.
    

    94th "A" CBW	Box	[Let-Down On]	[Magnetic Compass Heading]
    	351st Lead	Kings Cliffe Buncher	025° Mag.
    	351st Low	Kings Cliffe Buncher	010° Mag.
    	351st High	Kings Cliffe Buncher	040° Mag.
    94th "B" CBW	401st Lead	Cottesmore [Buncher]	360° Mag.
    	401st Low	Cottesmore [Buncher]	345° Mag.
    94th "C" CBW	457th Lead	Glatton [Buncher]	065° Mag.
    	457th Low	Glatton [Buncher]	050° Mag.
    	457th High	Glatton [Buncher]	080° Mag.

    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - EXETER - 50°44’N-03°24’W
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
    EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: 20 miles inland, stay away from large coastal towns.
    Exeter – Emergency Field.

1. Date of Mission - 11 August, 1944.
   1. Target Attacked – Primary Target, gun emplacements at Brest, France.
   2. Force – 94th “A” Combat Wing. Thirty-nine aircraft, including three flying spares and three PFF ships, took off as scheduled.
   3. Position – Scheduled and flew as first combat wing in First Division.
   4. Lead Teams:

      	Lead Group
      	CBW Air Commander:	Lt. Col. Robert W. Burns
      	Pilot:	Captain Gerald D. Viste
      	Navigator:	Major Ralph W. Menees
      	Bombardier:	Captain William B. Lyttle

      
      

      	High Group
      	Group Leader:	Lt. Kenneth C. Hales
      	Pilot:	Lt. Lee M. Miller
      	Navigator:	Lt. Rex E. Kinnucan
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Alexander H. Kubetin

      
      

      	Low Group
      	Group Leader:	Captain Harry B. Holsapple
      	Pilot:	Lt. John T Eickhoff
      	Navigator:	Lt. James G. King
      	Bombardier:	Lt. Elmer R. Robinson

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly of the groups and of the combat wing was carried out without difficulty. The take-off had previously been delayed one hour. The assembly was made with the lead group at 13,000 feet over the Kings Cliffe buncher.
   2.  Route Over England – The departure from the assembly point was made four minutes late. Due to the fact that this much time had already been lost and that the winds at altitude were not as briefed, it was necessary to cut inside of the briefed course in order to make good the departure time from the English coast. As a result, the route was not flown as briefed between the assembly point and Splasher 15.
   3.  Division Assembly – Splasher 15 was reached on time (1540) and the Division Assembly Line was flown as briefed, with the 94th “A” Combat Wing in its briefed position as Division Lead. Departure from the English coast was made one minute late at the briefed altitude of 20,000 feet.
   4.  Flight to Target – The briefed course was flown without difficulty. It was necessary, however, to cut inside of the briefed course before reaching the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] in order to make good the time at the succeeding points. Un-briefed winds were once again responsible for the lateness of the formation at control points.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – Lead Box: No fighter attacks were encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] could not be set up. A manual run was made. The run was very rough and the bubble would not stay level. The mickey [radar] operator was killing drift at the start of the run. The MPI [Mean Point of Impact] was hard to pick up due to ground haze. A violent correction had to be made to get on course when the AP [Aiming Point] was identified. The briefed AP was used. The IP was cut short. Bombing results were good.  High Box: No difficulties such as flak or fighter attacks were encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot was used with good results. The briefed aiming point was not used as it could not be identified, but the aeradio [sic] station at the Brest Naval School was bombed as a Target of Opportunity as it is listed as a tactical target. Bombing results were good. 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 aiming point was identified four minutes before bombs away. The briefed aiming point was used, and bombing results were good. A normal turn was made at the IP.
   6.  Flight From Target – The return route was flown as briefed, with the exception of a few moments after the departure from the target. Un-briefed winds were responsible for putting the formation slightly north of course. The briefed course was soon found, however, and no further difficulties were encountered. Departure from the enemy coast was made slightly to the right of course (briefed: 48°33’N-04°45’W) [just North of Landunvez, France]. Altitude had been decreased between the target and the first turn off the enemy coast from 24,800 feet to 22,000 feet. A normal let down procedure was followed. The English coast was crossed as briefed six minutes early. Base was reached fifteen minutes early.
   7.  Fighter Support – Few friendly fighters were seen.
   8.  Comments – No aircraft were lost on the mission of 11 August, 1944. Flak in the target area was meager and accurate. Weather and visibility were good, but a ground haze made it difficult to sight the target. No enemy aircraft were encountered.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – Aircraft 43-37850, pilot Lt. Hammond, (Low Box) returned at 49°10’N-04°49’W [mid-channel between Fairmouth, England & Brest, France.] with an oil leak in the #4 engine. Aircraft 44-6156, pilot Lt. Guthrey, (Low Box) failed to attack the target when the bombardier did not see the bombs drop from preceding ships. There were no failures to attack the target in the Lead and High Boxes. The three flying spares completed the mission.
   10.  PFF Aircraft – Three PFF aircraft were dispatched to the 457th Group. Three were also used by the 351st Group. All six attacked.

1. The lead bombardier of the high box was unable to pick up his assigned Aiming Point and dropped his bombs on the Aeradio Station at Brest, France. This target was originally assigned to the 457th Group, 94th “C” CBW, and was marked as a target on the annotated print that the bombardier was using.
2. The pattern fell across the aeradio station and across entrenchments and two defended locations. The pattern is 1,375 feet by 1,000 feet.

1. No fighter attacks encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] could not be set up. A manual run was made. The run was very rough and the bubble would not stay level.
3. Mickey operator was killing drift at the start of the run. M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] was hard to pick up due to ground haze. A violent correction had to be made to get on course when A.P. [Aiming Point] was identified.
4. The briefed A.P. was used.
5. The I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was cut short.
6. Bombing results were good.

Bombardier - Captain Lyttle, William B.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Viste, G.D. & Lt. Colonel Burns, R.W. Navigator - 1st Lt. Gallagher, Thomas J.
Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 1310½ Landed - 1848
Objective - Ground Support near Brest, France
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed
Initial Point - I.P. cut a little short
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: One   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] 500 LB. AN-M58
Number of Bombs Loaded - 16   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:    Ground Haze

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Excellent
Mean Temp. Metro -2 Actual -2
Winds - Altitude - 25,852 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 253°  Velocity - Metro 25K  Actual 55K
Temp C. - Metro -25° C. Actual -10° C.

1. No difficulties encountered on the bombing run such as flak and fighter attacks.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results.
3. The briefed Aiming Point was not used as it could not be identified.
4. The aeradio station at the Brest Naval School was bombed as a Target of Opportunity as it is listed as a tactical target.
5. Bombing results were good.
6. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Kubetin, Alexander H.   Pilot - 1st Lt. Hales, Kenneth C. Navigator - 1st Lt. Kinnucan, Rex E.
Aircraft B-17G   Z-965  Take-off - 1312 Landed - 1858
Objective - Ground support near Brest, France (Target of Opportunity)
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Aeradio Station at Brest Naval School listed as a tactical target.
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 - S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] 500 LB. AN-M58
Number of Bombs Loaded - 16   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:    Briefed A.P. could not be found

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -2½ Actual -0
Winds - Altitude - 24,452 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 245°  Velocity - Metro 25K  Actual 64K
Temp C. - Metro -25° C. Actual -18° C.

1. No difficulties encountered on the bombing run.
2. C-1 Pilot was used with good results.
3. Aiming Point was identified four (4) minutes before bombs away.
4. The briefed Aiming Point was used.
5. Bombing results were good.
6. A normal turn was made at the I.P.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Robinson, Elmer R.  Pilot - Captain Holsapple, Harry B. Navigator - 2nd Lt. King, James G.
Aircraft B-17G   C-951  Take-off - 1313½ Landed - 1912
Objective - Ground Support near Brest, 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 - S.A.P. [Semi-Armor Piercing] 500 LB. AN-M58
Number of Bombs Loaded - 16   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:   

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Excellent
Mean Temp. Metro -1 Actual -1
Winds - Altitude - 24,400 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 228°  Velocity - Metro 25K  Actual 48K
Temp C. - Metro -25° C. Actual -20° C.

1. The targets for the three boxes of this Group were tactical installations at Brest, France. Photo cover was complete for all boxes.
2. The heaviest concentration of the lead box fell slightly over the target. A salvo of bombs hit very close to the target, with possible hits on an installation. The pattern is 1,916 feet by 1,498 feet, with the center of pattern 1,070 feet over the MPI.
3. The main pattern of the low box fell in a heavy concentration just over the target. Approximately ten bursts fell very near to the target and eight bombs fell across an entrenchment. The pattern is 1,500 feet by 1,150 feet, and the center of the pattern is 375 feet over the MPI.
4. The high box pattern fell 875 feet short of the target and across an entrenchment. Bursts completely covered the aeradio station of the Brest Naval School, and bombs fell across two defended localities. The pattern is 1,375 feet by 1,000 feet, with the center of the pattern 1,625 feet short of the MPI.

1. Following are the comments made by combat crew members flying today’s mission:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 258-P: Weather scout ship perfect. Should have more of it. – Lt. Lord.
A/C 349-B: Deenethorpe and Glatton should study VHF SOP [Standard Operating Procedure]. Too much racket. – Captain Crabb.
A/C 702-A: Landed 1840; transportation arrived 2000. – Crew.
A/C 900-M: Want Hershey bars and more cookies to replace candy. – Crew.
A/C 978-J: Transportation poor. No trucks to bring crew in for at least one hour. – Whole crew.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 571-X: Ship 900-M flew a very poor formation. – Lt. Nelson.
A/C 560-A: Second ship to land; forced to wait thirty minutes for transportation. – Lt. Barker.
A/C 078-G: Too long since breakfast. Should feed us on a delayed take-off. – Lt. Murray.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 862-G: Too much unnecessary chatter on VHF. – Lt. Swetnam.
A/C 038-R: Taxi plan screwed up. Third ship to land, last to get truck. Would like better system. – Lt. Marsey.
A/C 665-N: Trucks keep crews waiting. – Lt. Bennett.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 238-A: Too much noise on VHF. “Woodcraft Baker” kept up constant chatter. – Lt. Popp.
A/C 070-G: Were not awakened early enough to eat breakfast. – Lt. Lambert.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37850, 508th Squadron, returned early because of an excessive oil leak from #4 propeller. Investigation revealed a defective oil seal between the propeller and the propeller dome. (Reason: Mechanical Failure).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97947, 510th Squadron. One flak hole bottom of left inboard wing panel, damaging Tokyo tank. One flak hole bottom of right inboard wing panel, damaging Tokyo tank.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   1		1		1

Aircraft No. 43-37850 Squadron - 509   Pilot - Lt. Hammond
Time of Abortive - 16:30  Location when Aborted - 49°10’N-04°49’W [Mid-Channel between Falmouth, England & Brest, France.]
Reason For Abortive - #4 engine threw oil slightly soon after take-off. Oil pressure, cylinder head temperature, & oil temperature OK. At 49°10’N-04°49’W oil started to squirt out of prop hub. Feathered #4 but could not maintain position in formation. On return to base all oil in #4 engine was gone.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 20,800 ft.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Clinton W. Hammond, 2nd Lt., Air Corps

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

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651, P–2955, R–8038, C–2576, B–6082, G–7862, K–7252, M–7196, S–7512, F–7124, L–7515, N–7665
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (A–1238 Spare)
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ___

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: Z–7965, B–7349, F–1711, M–7900, P–7258, R–1192, D–8139, J–7978, A–1702
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: X–7571, P–8089, Y–8171, (G–8070 Spare)

   
   

   c. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: G–7850
   Sqdn 509th A/C: Z–7696, G–6078, F–7674, R–6156, X–7926, Y–6108, O–7595, L–7676, M–7964, (N–7169 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: C–7951

2. Target: 17/J/125 Ill. [Illustration] 56/D
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MTL R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T WRW R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T TAW R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T RDQ R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 1200; Take-Off – 1215; E.T.D. Field – ____
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1458	20,000 Ft	Start Point [England]

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1600	25,000 Ft	48°23'N-04°32'W [Brest, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1605	22,000 Ft	48°33'N-04°45'W [Saint Samson, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1641	5,000 Ft	Start Point [England]

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1756 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "N"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: [None]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] (S-7512 - 12 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40)
    511 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP (F-1711 - 5 x 500 RDX 7 x 500 GP) 1/10 x 1/40 ]
    509 Squadron: [None]
    510 Squadron: [None]
    511 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: Same (L-7676 & N-7169 - 12 x 500 RDX [25% Higher Explosive] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses])
    510 Squadron: [None]
    511 Squadron: 16 x 500 SAP [Semi-Armor Piercing] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 1900 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: Y-7651  Sqdn. 510th
    b. High Box: Name: W.D. Hales Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: Z-7965 Sqdn. 508th
    c. Low Box: Name: H.B. Holsapple Rank: Capt. A/C: C-7951 Sqdn. 511th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C: Z-7965 - 508th, Y-7651 - 510th, C-7951 - 511 - Flying with - 351st Group
      A-7687 - 509th, U-7947 - 510th, J-7649 - 511th - Flying with - 457th Group

Report Compiled By Batinchok, Cpl.