351st Bomb Group

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

   351 (94th "C") Box
   Stations   –	0540
   Start Engines –	0550
   Taxi     –	0600
   Take Off   –	0615
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: (PFF) Leipzig (Visual) Schkeuditz [Germany]
   Secondary: Goslar [Germany]
   Last Resort: ____
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 Lead & Low: 10 x M17 IB [Incendiary Bomb]
   351 High: 38 x 100 [Lb.] Fragmentation Clusters
   Composite: ____
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: All A/C will commence release of chaff at 2 minutes before IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and continue for 20 minutes. Each A/C will carry 480 units.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   
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	41st "A"	Diletzsch	Zero Hour
   2nd	41st "B"		[0802]
   3rd	1st "A"	Halle	[0804]
   4th	1st "B"		[0806]
   5th	1st "C"		[0808]
   6th	40th "A"	Bohlev	[0810]
   7th	40th "B"		[0812]
   8th	40th "C"		[0814]
   9th	94th "A"		[0816]
   10th	94th "B"		[0818]
   11th	94th "C" (351st)		[0820]
   2nd Division			[0822]
   3rd Division			[0824]
   Marauders			[0826]
   RAF [Royal Air Force]			[0828]

   
   Remarks:
    Zero Hour 0800
    Division Assembly Line - Splasher 7 to Clacton
    Interval Between CBW's [Combat Bomb Wings] - 2 minutes
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     [1 Group P-51's]	[5237-0700E]	[Balance 1-1]
     [1 Group P-51's]	[5237-0700E]	[Balance 1-2]
     [1 Group P-51's]	[5042-1042E]	[Balance 1-3]
     [1 Group P-51's]	[5031-1208E]	[Balance 1-4]

     
     Area Support will be furnished by 8 Groups of P-51's
     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   94th "C" CBW  [Combat Bomb Wing]	Box	Altitude	Place
   	351st Lead	15,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   	351st Low	14,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   	351st High	16,000'	Kings Cliffe Buncher
   94th "A" CBW	401st Lead	15,000'	Cottesmore Buncher
   	401st Low	14,000'	Cottesmore Buncher
   	401st High	16,000'	Cottesmore Buncher
   94th "B" CBW	457th Lead	15,000'	Glatton Buncher
   	457th Low	14,000'	Glatton Buncher
   	457th High	16,000'	Glatton Buncher

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation - ____
     All Groups Salvo - IB's [Incendiary Bombs] Minimum - Frags [Fragmentation Bombs] 175 Feet
     Groups carrying frag bombs will bring flights up nearly parallel to lead flight and spread slightly laterally for bombing.
    
    
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 –	Ace High
    Recall –	"Long Loving Louise"
    Weather Code –	IVABT
    Release "CHAFF" –	____

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    94th "C" CBW  [Combat Bomb Wing]		Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    	351st Lead	Woodcraft Charlie Lead	RY [Red Yellow]
    	351st Low	Woodcraft Charlie Low	RR
    	351st High	Woodcraft Charlie High	GG
    94th "A" CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	401st Lead	Woodcraft Able Lead	RY
    	401st Low	Woodcraft Able Low
    	401st High	Woodcraft Able High
    94th "B" CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	457th Lead	Woodcraft Baker Lead	RY
    	457th Low	Woodcraft Baker Low
    	457th High	Woodcraft Baker High
    	Composite
    	1st C.B.W.
    	40th C.B.W.
    	41st C.B.W.
    	Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	94 (C) Vinegrove 1-11
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Clacton		T - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 5237-0437E		R - Dummer Lake
    C.P. 3 - 5223-0838E		I - Leipzig
    C.P. 4 - 5042-1042E		F - Eisenak
    		L - Madgeburg
    		E - Hannover

    
    Remarks:
     Base Reference Alt. 22,000'
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	RG	X	Z
    0800 – 1400	RRR	P	V
    1400 – 2000	GY	L	N

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except the following:
    2. - F-674, B-100, L-956
    3. - B-082, A-702
    4. - All A/C available
    
    
16. Let-Down on _____, if overcast.
    

    94th "C" CBW	Box	[Let-Down On]	[Magnetic Compass Heading]
    	351st Lead	Kings Cliffe Buncher	090° Mag.
    	351st Low	Kings Cliffe Buncher	075° Mag.
    	351st High	Kings Cliffe Buncher	105° Mag.
    94th "A" CBW	401st Lead	Cottesmore Buncher	360° Mag.
    	401st Low	Cottesmore Buncher	345° Mag.
    	401st High	Cottesmore Buncher	015° Mag.
    94th "B" CBW	457th Lead	Glatton Buncher	045° Mag.
    	457th Low	Glatton Buncher	030° Mag.
    	457th High	Glatton Buncher	060° Mag.

    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Framlingham - 5212N-0124E
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
    Spares turn back at Mid-Channel
    Camera A/C return early - M-964, A-560, A-702 when Released by Col. Burns.
    

1. Date of Mission - 16 August, 1944.
   1. Target – Attacked Schkeuditz, Germany. (Primary Target).
   2. Force – 94th “C” Combat Bomb Wing. Thirty-nine aircraft, including two PFF ships and three planes scheduled as flying spares, took off.
   3. Position – Eleventh in First Division and third in Combat Wing.
   4. Lead Teams

      	Lead Group
      	CBW Air Commander:	Lt. Col. Robert W. Burns.
      	Pilot:	Captain Richard H. Brooks.
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Logan W. Thackrey.
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Henry Hamel.

      
      

      	Low Group
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Richard Garcia.
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. James G. Murray.
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. George J. Fagan.
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Louis Palmer.

      
      

      	Low Group
      	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Lloyd S. Leland.
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Gerard O. Kevorkian.
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt. Richard R. Cheswick.
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Earl G. Maxwell.

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly of the three groups of the 94th "C" Combat Bomb Wing and of the wing took place as planned at the King's Cliff buncher. No difficulty was encountered, and the departure from the assembly point was made one minute early. The 94th "B" Combat Bomb Wing was seen flying on a southeasterly heading east of the assembly point.
   2.  Route Over England – In order to get into position behind the 94th "B" Combat Wing, a left turn rather than a right turn as planned was made after leaving the assembly point. This permitted the 94th "B" to pass ahead, and further allowed the 94th "C" to fall behind it. The 94th "B" was followed from that point on.
   3.  Division Assembly – A course parallel to, and to the left of, the briefed course was followed. As a result, the formations passed to the left of Splasher 7, and flew only a short distance of the Division Assembly Line. Departure from the English coast was made on time (0820) at the briefed altitude of 18,000 feet. The 94th "C" Combat Wing was in its briefed position in the Division formation.
   4.  Flight to Target – The briefed route was followed in crossing the channel, the enemy coast being crossed at the briefed point five minutes late (0905) at 20,000 feet. The briefed route was followed with little divergency [sic] until a point at 50°37'N-10°43'E [Near Suhl, Germany, 87 miles SW of Leipzig] was reached. At that point a rather large divergency [sic] was made to the south in order to follow the preceding combat wing. Some difficulty had been encountered when the fluxgate compass went out, but visibility was good enough to permit pin-pointing. A gradual return to the briefed route was made without difficulty, although time had been lost in following the route south of course. Every attempt had been made from that point on to shorten the route enough to allow a gain in time. The briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached twenty-two minutes late (1121) and the briefed route flown to the target.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – Lead Box: Heavy flak was encountered in the target area. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used, but the PDI [Pilot Deviation Indicator] oscillated all the way down the bombing run. The briefed aiming point was identified 120 seconds before "Bombs Away". The briefed aiming point was used. Bombing results were good. A normal turn was made at the IP.
      
      High Box: Heavy flak was encountered in the target area. The C-1 Pilot was used, but did not work well. The briefed Aiming point was identified 360 seconds before "Bombs Away". The briefed aiming point was used. Bombing results were good. A normal turn was made at the IP.
      
      Low Box: The High and Low Boxes almost had a collision course. The C-1 Pilot was not used on the bombing run. The briefed aiming point was identified 120 seconds before "Bombs Away". A normal turn was made at the IP.
   6.  Flight From Target – The rally and withdrawal were carried out without difficulty. The briefed route was followed closely, the only variance being made were short ones which would allow the formation to regain some of the lost time. Departure from the enemy coast was made at the briefed point at 20,000 feet and four minutes late (1313). The formation continued on the briefed route in crossing the channel and returning to base. A normal let down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support – Very effective.
   8. Aircraft 42-31702, pilot Lt Cartwright, was hit by flak over the target area. With No. 3 and 4 engines feathered, this aircraft fell back out of formation, and nothing more was heard of it.
      
      No enemy aircraft were encountered, and no claims are being submitted. Intense and accurate continuous following flak was encountered in the target area and also from the northern edge of the Leipzig defenses on the way in to the target. Weather was CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited], with a slight ground haze at the target.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – Aircraft 43-37854, pilot Lt Cunningham, returned early with the report that he could not get over 30" [manifold pressure] at 18,000 feet (Lead Box). Aircraft 42-107124, pilot Lt Barnhart, returned as planned, after having been scheduled as a flying spare (High Box). Aircraft 43-38171, pilot Lt Lambert, returned early with the engineer's oxygen regulator leaking excessively (High Box). Aircraft 44-8100, pilot Lt Merrill, returned early with the report that the ball turret heating unit was out (High Box). The remaining aircraft continued on the mission and attacked the primary target.
   10.  PFF Aircraft – Six PFF aircraft were dispatched. One failed to attack. This aircraft had been dispatched to the 457th Bomb Group and had returned to base early.

1. Encountered heavy flak in the target area.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used, but the PDI [Pilot Deviation Indicator] oscillated all the way down the bombing run.
3. The briefed aiming point was identified 120 seconds 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. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Hamel, Henry  Pilot - Capt. Brooks, R.H. & Lt. Col. Burns, R.W. Navigator - 1st Lt. Thackrey, Logan W.
Aircraft B-17G   C-951  Take-off - 0609 Landed - 1435
Objective - Siebel Flugzeugwerke [Aircraft Construction Factory] at Schkeuditz, near 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: - 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 - Aimable Cluster 500 Lb. M-17
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 x 500 Lb. & 1 Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - __   Tail - __
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.3
Winds - Altitude - 25,414 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310°  Actual 305°  Velocity - Metro 35K  Actual 5K
Temp C. - Metro -29° C. Actual -23° C.

1. Heavy flak encountered in the target area.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used, but did not work good.
3. The briefed aiming point was identified 360 seconds 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. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Palmer, Louis  Pilot - 1st Lt. Garcia, Richard Navigator - 1st Lt. Fagan, George J.
Aircraft B-17G   G-078  Take-off - ____ Landed - ____
Objective - Siebel Flugzeugwerke [Aircraft Construction Factory] at Schkeuditz, near 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: - 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 - Cluster 100 Lb. Fragmentation
Number of Bombs Loaded - 38   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - __   Tail - __
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  AFCE [Automatic Flight Control Equipment (Autopilot)] Poor

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,033 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310°  Actual 280°  Velocity - Metro 35K  Actual 30K
Temp C. - Metro -29° C. Actual -25° C.

1. The High and Low boxes almost had a collision course.
2. C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was not used on the bombing run.
3. The briefed aiming point was identified 120 seconds before "Bombs Away".
4. Bbriefed aiming point was used.
5. Bombing results were good.
6. A normal turn was made at the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run].

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Maxwell, Earl G.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Leland, Lloyd S. Navigator - 2nd Lt. Cheswick, Richard R.
Aircraft B-17G   H-004  Take-off - 0613 Landed - 1445
Objective - Siebel Flugzeugwerke [Aircraft Construction Factory] at Schkeuditz, near 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: - 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 - Aimable Cluster 500 Lb. M-17
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - __   Tail - __
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Good
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 24,795 Ft.  Direction - Metro 310°  Actual 35°  Velocity - Metro 35K  Actual 40K
Temp C. - Metro -29° C. Actual -__° C.

1. The target for the three boxes of this Group was the Siebel Flugzeugwerke [Aircraft Construction Factory] at Schkeuditz, near Leipzig, Germany. Due to the type of bombs carried and a sharp turn after bombs away, photo cover is not complete. All cameras were tilted to the rear 18 degrees.
2. The incendiary bombs of the lead and low box fell into the target area and the patterns cannot be separated. The heaviest concentration fell slightly to the right of the briefed MPI [Mean Point of Impact] in the area of the flight hangar. Every installation in the target area received hits and the parking apron is covered with bursts. The main pattern is 3337 feet by 1557 feet with the center of the pattern 1335 feet right of the MPI. Bombs covered an area 6230 feet by 3115 feet.
3. No bursts from the high box can be seen. Bombs away can be seen and the position indicates that the bombs fell in the same approximate area as the lead and low boxes

1. No leaflets were carried.
2. Photos show that Incendiary Bombs of Lead and Low Boxes are blanketing the entire target area. Fragmentation Bombs of the High Box E.F.T.A. Many fires were seen in the target area and a great deal of damage seems to have been caused.
3. No enemy A/C were encountered, and no claims are being submitted.
4. Intense and accurate continuous following flak was encountered in the target area, and also from the northern edge of the Leipzig defenses on the way into the target, and from Halle on the way out. There was moderate accurate flak at Torgau and Aschersleben, and meager to moderate fairly accurate flak at Hesepe, and inaccurate flak from the Dummer Lake area. Flak was observed at Brunswick, Elsench, and Gotha.
5. Weather was CAVU [Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited], with slight ground haze at the target.
6. Two dams were observed at 5140N-1032E and at 5145N-1020E. Twelve to fifteen barrage balloons were floating above these dams. Many boats were observed in the Wessen Canal. An A/F [Air Field] is under construction at 5248N-0617E. Several A/C were observed on an A/F at Oschatz and about 20 T/E [Twin Engine] fighters were parked on an A/F at Rustenbirte, near Bernberg. At the Zuider Zee about 60 boats were observed.
7. Two PFF ships were employed by this Wing as navigational aids. Fighter support was very effective. Our A/C 702-A was hit by flak over the target area. With No. 3 and 4 engines feathered this A/C fell back out of formation and nothing more has been heard of it.

1. Target: Assigned - Schkeuditz, Germany Bombed - Schkeuditz, Germany
2. Route as Flown. - As Briefed
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - clear  B. En route - 3-4/10 cloud
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - Light
5. Description of Flak at Target, including Method of Fire Control: Intense and accurate; probably continuous following.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Brunswick, 0930, 25,000 - moderate, observed.
 Hesepe, 0950, 25,000 - moderate, height good, deflection poor.
 Dummer Lake, 0958, 25,000 - meager, inaccurate.
 Kassel, 1013, 25,000 - meager, inaccurate.
 Klasnach, 1020, 25,000 - moderate, observed.
 Gotha, 1030, 25,000 - meager, observed.
 Chemnitz, 1110, 25,000 - moderate, height good, deflection poor.
 Torgau, 1123, 25,000 - moderate, accurate.
 Northern Leipzig, 1028, 25,000 - Intense, accurate.
 Halle, 1140, 25,300 - Intense, accurate.
 Aschersleben, 1150, 25,300 - Intense, accurate.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes How discharged? As Briefed
8. Position of Group - Lead, Low and High
9.

1. Following are the comments made by combat crews flying today's mission:

     508th Squadron
A/C 130-K: Low box slid right under high box over the target, and one ship at least almost got a bomb dropped on it. - Lt. Wishnewski.
A/C 978-J: We did not have enough flak suits today. - Crew.
A/C 900-M: Bombardier and navigator would like to fly with own crew. - Lt. Griffiths.
A/C 879-Q: High groups should not drop bombs in train, so as to prevent dropping on lower elements. - Lt. Condon.

     509th Squadron
A/C 674-F: We didn't have any chaff. - Lt. Johnson.
A/C 384-T: Formation today was very good from a defensive viewpoint. - Lt. Whitaker.
     P-51's came in head on today; they are likely to get hurt doing that. - Lt. Kline.
A/C 676-Z: Truck drivers should be taught that guns are valuable. In the mornings they cut across fields, jam on brakes, etc., throwing guns all over the truck. - All gunners.
A/C 169-N: Chaff chute should be in radio room.
A/C 926-X: Course routed over heavy flak installations; could have been avoided.

     511th Squadron
A/C 070-G: Lead ship took evasive action too violent for formation to follow after bombs away. - Whole crew.
A/C 524-D: Radio operator in #3 high box, lead element, let out trailing antennae. - Lt. Nelson.
A/C 238-A: #3 A/C high box, lead squadron, had trailing wire out during bomb run, and disrupted the formation. - Lt. Popp.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37854, 509th Squadron, returned early. The pilot stated that he was unable to get over 30" [Manifold Pressure] at 18,000' and he tested at lower altitude on way back to base and still could not get over 30". Checked inverters and generators in flight checked out OK. Airplane was ground checked and flight checked at altitude and no malfunctions were revealed. (Reason: Personnel Error).
   2. Airplane No. 42-107124, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
   3. Airplane No. 43-38171, 511th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot stated that engineer's right hand oxygen system (co-pilot - bombardier) lost complete oxygen supply. Malfunction appears to be in regulator. Engineer broke safety on emergency valve, to check this. Rubber diaphragm was forced out against frame. Investigation revealed engineer's oxygen regulator leaking excessively. (Reason: Mechanical Abortive).
   4. Airplane No. 44-8100, 511th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot stated that the ball turret heating unit was out. Investigation revealed ball turret heater outlet fuse blown. Spare fuse was carried in plane and when installed checked out OK. Ball turret operator did not check heater outlet before take-off. (Reason: Personnel Error).
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel damaging skin and fuel vent lines. Two flak holes through LH stabilizer damaging skin, corrugation and stiffeners. Flak hole through left elevator causing fabric damage. Flak skin hole in top of right inner wing panel. Flak skin hole in top of left inner wing panel.
   2. Airplane No. 42-98004, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of #1 nacelle damaging skin and feathering oil line.
   3. Airplane No. 42-37900, 508th Squadron. Five hundred (500) pound bomb fell from higher group knocking large hole through left outer wing panel and knocking off aileron.
   4. Airplane No. 43-38130, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and main fuel tank. Two flak holes on underside of right elevator damaging fabric.
   5. Airplane No. 43-37727, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through left outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and spar. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin corrugation and main fuel tank.
   6. Airplane No. 43-37850, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through LH stabilizer damaging skin and corrugation. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, overflow line, and flap drive shaft. Two flak holes on underside of right outer wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and possibly tokio tank.
   7. Airplane No. 43-37956, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of right outer wing panel damaging skin and tokio tank.
   8. Airplane No. 43-37139, 508th Squadron. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and main fuel tank. Flak hole in leading edge of right inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and spar.
   9. Airplane No. 42-97965, 508th Squadron, PFF. Flak hole on underside of right and left elevators causing fabric damage. Flak hole on underside of right and left stabilizers causing skin damage. Three flak holes on underside of left outer wing panel causing skin and corrugation damage. Flak hole on underside of left inner wing panel causing skin and tokio tank damage. Two flak holes on underside of #3 nacelle damaging skin, oil tank lead and push rod housing. Flak hole in top of left side of nose compartment damaging skin and hydraulic system. Flak hole in left side of vertical stabilizer causing skin damage. Three flak holes in right side of dorsal fin causing skin damage. Five flak holes in right side of fuselage aft of waist window causing skin damage.
   10. Airplane No. 42-97600, 508th Squadron, PFF. Flak hole on underside of left outer wing panel damaging skin and tokio tank. Flak skin hole on underside of right inner wing panel. Two flak holes on underside of RH stabilizer causing skin damage. Two flak holes on underside of RH stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak skin hole on underside of LH stabilizer and elevator. Two flak holes in left side of vertical stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole in left side of fuselage over ball turret damaging skin and radar equipment. Flak hole in right side of nose compartment damaging skin and bomb release mechanism.
   11. Airplane No. 43-37676, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes through trailing edge of right inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation and flap.
   12. Airplane No. 42-97687, 509th Squadron, PFF. Flak hole on underside of nose compartment causing skin damage. Three flak skin holes on right side of fuselage under RH stabilizer. Flak hole on underside of right inner wing panel damaging skin and flap. Flak hole on underside of fuselage, rear of ball turret, causing skin damage. Flak hole on underside of leading edge of LH Stabilizer causing skin damage. Flak hole through dorsal fin causing skin damage. Flak skin hole in left side of radio compartment. Two flak holes on underside of left inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation #2 main fuel tank and #2 feeder tank. Flak nicked #1 propeller.
   13. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. Flak hole in leading edge of left outer wing panel damaging skin and spar.
   14. Airplane No. 43-38089, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right inner wing panel damaging skin, corrugation, stringer and diagonal brace.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FRIEND
   14		14		13		1

1. Abortives:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97638, 510th Squadron, PFF Aircraft, flew with 457th Bomb Group.
      1. Aircraft left AAF Station 110 [Polebrook] on evening of 15th August, 1944 and flew for approximately one (1) hour. Pilot reported aircraft OK.
      2. On 16th August, 1944, aircraft aborted from a scheduled combat mission. The pilot stated, "#2 engine started losing oil pressure with increasing oil temperature and engine running rough. Manifold pressure and vapor surged excessively. High manifold pressure about 10" and RPM approximately 150. I throttled back and dropped RPM several times to no avail." Airplane was ground checked at 457th Bomb Group and no malfunctions were found.
      3. Airplane was flight checked by 457th Bomb Group and Pilot reported #2 engine ran rough, #2 oil temperature high 90°, #2, #3 and #4 tachometers oscillates 50 to 100, #3 oil temperature high 90°, #3 oil pressure oscillates 65 to 80, #2 propeller governor throwing oil, throttles need synchronizing and generators need paralleling.
      4. Airplane was flight checked by Pilot and Crew Chief from 351st Bomb Group and according to the Pilot's statement no discrepancies could be found - all four engines checked out perfect. Abortive classified as PERSONNEL ERROR.

Aircraft No. 8100 Squadron - 511  Pilot - Lt. Merrill & Haba
Time of Abortive - 0825  Location when Aborted - Off Clacton
Reason For Abortive - Ball Turret heating unit inoperative, upper turret claimed computing sight inoperative. Engineering determined fuse in turret blown out.
Disposition of Bombs:
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Considered it unwise to fly particular mission without ball turret when spare was present to fill in.
[Signed] Danforth N. Merrill



Aircraft No. 37854 Squadron - 509  Pilot - Lt Cunningham
Time of Abortive - 0831  Location when Aborted - 30 miles east of Clacton
Reason For Abortive - Could not get more than 30" M.P. [Manifold Pressure] at 18,000 ft on all 4 engines. Checked inverters & generators. Were OK. Checked TBS at lower altitudes (from 16,000' down to 1,500'). Did not get adequate boost. Checked out ok on ground after landing.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned with bombs
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,600'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] William J Cunningham, 1st Lt., Air Corps.



Aircraft No. 107124 Squadron - 510  Pilot - Lt. Barnhart
Time of Abortive - 0829  Location when Aborted - 5213N-0208E [24 miles SE of Lowestoft, England]
Reason For Abortive - Oil leak from #3 engine, feathered engine and returned. Oil pressure and temperature normal at time of feathering.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 19,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Scheduled as flying spare.
[Signed] Allen J. Barnhart



Aircraft No. 38171 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Lt. Lambert & Adams
Time of Abortive - 0855  Location when Aborted - 25 miles from French coast.
Reason For Abortive - Co-pilot and Bombardier's oxygen system lost complete supply at engineers right hand outlet. Malfunction appears to be in diaphragm.
Disposition of Bombs: Returned to field.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 21,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] Edward L. Lambert

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

   a. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Lead Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 509th A/C: B–7701, F–7674, Z–7696, L–7676, O–7595, Y–6108, N–7169, R–6156, V–7854, M–7964, T–1384, (X–7926 Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 511th A/C: C–7951
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ___

   
   

   b. 94th "C" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 509th A/C: G–6078
   Sqdn 510th A/C: B–6082, S–7512, A–1560, (F–7124 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: G–8070, B–8100, X–7571, S–7318, Y–8171, D–7524, A–1238, P–8089

   
   

   c. 94th "C" Combat Wing   Low Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: H–8004, Q–1879, L–7956, J–7978, R–1192, K–8130, N–7727, A–1702, P–7258, D–8139, M–7900, G–7850
   Sqdn 509th A/C: [None]
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (K–7252 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: [None]

2. Target: GY-4804
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T WHC R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T TNF R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NCO R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T LRH R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead, High & Low Box: Taxi – 0600; Take-Off – 0615; E.T.D. Field – 0615
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0820	18,000 Ft	Clacton

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   0904	20,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1309	20,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1352	5,000 Ft	Lowestoft

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1424 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron: 10 x M-17 Fusing 38.5
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron: 10 x M-17 Fusing 38.5
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron: 38 Frag [Fragmentation] Clusters
    510 Squadron: 38 Frag Clusters
    511 Squadron: 38 Frag Clusters
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x M-17 Fusing 38.5
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: C-7951  Sqdn. 511th
    b. High Box: Name: R. Garcia Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: G-6078 Sqdn. 511th
    c. Low Box: Name: L.S. Leland Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: H-8004 Sqdn. 508th
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. PFF A/C: C-7951 - 511th, B-7701 - 509th dispatched to 351st Bomb Group
       A-7687 - 509th, Z-7638 - 510th dispatched to 457th Bomb Group
       Y-7600 - 508th, Z-7965 - 508th dispatched to 401st Bomb Group
    

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.

• A/C# 42-31702   YB-A  Pilot: Lt. Cartwright  A/C's 47th Mission   MACR # 7902

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Interrogation Statement
  Aircraft No. 42-31702, piloted by 2nd Lt Edgar D. Cartwright, was not seen to fall out of formation on mission of 16 August 1944. All that is known is that plane was hit by flak over the target and was seen being escorted by fighters after it dropped out of the formation. Nothing more is known at this station.
  [Signed] Robert P. Ramsey, Major, Air Corps, S-2 Officer [Intelligence]
  
  A German report of the plane in the MACR:
  Fate of the crewmembers: 6 men bailed out (captured), 3 men dead
  Cause of the loss:
  The A/C was one of a formation. It was hit and the engine went out of order. The A/C went on fire and the right wing came off. Parachutes were seen to emerge [from] the A/C, it crashed. Weather conditions: 3/10 cloud, slightly hazy.
  
  The plane crashed at Burgwerben, 2 km. north of Weissenfels 18 miles SW of Leipzig, Germany.
  
  Garlan R. Gillespie was treated at the Garrison Hospital, Leipsig, Germany for a complicated fracture of the lower left leg.
  
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt. Cartwright, Edgar D., Killed in Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt. Schwartz, Robert C., Killed in Action
  • Navigator - F/O Gerhardt, Joseph T., POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11), Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Chauncey, William R. Jr., Killed in Action
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Moss, Eugene D., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Gillespie, Garlan R., POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Newbauer, Raymond F., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position Not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Greenamyre, George R., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Light, George W., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • 2nd Lt. Cartwright, Edgar D., Burial: Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, Plot: K 0 59
  • 2nd Lt. Schwartz, Robert C., No information on burial site.
  • 2nd Lt. Chauncey, William R. Jr., Buried: Plot D Row 10 Grave 51, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart.

  

  
  Click on Photo to Enlarge
  
  
  
  [Killed in Action: 3]
  [Prisoner of War: 6]