11 Sep. 1944 Target: Lutzendorf, Germany (Primary)

Group Mission #203

Credited Mission #197

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DATE: 11 Sep. 1944

Target: Oil Refinery, Lutzendorf, Germany (Primary)
and B.M.W. Factory at Eisenach, Germany (Secondary)

Briefing Outline:

Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.

Time Schedule:

94 “A” Wing ~~Box~~
Stations –	~~0620~~ 0720
Start Engines –	~~0630~~ 0730
Taxi –	~~0640~~ 0740
Take Off –	~~0655~~ 0755
Last Take Off –	0903

Targets:
Primary: Lutzkendorf [Germany]
Secondary: Eisenach (PFF target – Merseburg)
Last Resort: Giessen
Loading:
351 ~~“A”~~: 10 x 500 GP’s 1/10 Nose 1/40 Tail All A/C
351 ~~“B”~~:
Composite:
Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
Chaff: All A/C [Aircraft] will commence release of chaff at 3 minutes before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and continue for 15 minutes. Each A/C will carry 360 units.
Gasoline Loading: 2,600 gallons
Remarks:

Wing Formation:

Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW
Lead	351	401
Low	351	401
High	351	401

Division Formation:

Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
Lead	40th "A"	Merseburg	Southwold at Zero Hr.
2nd	40th "B"	Lutzkendorf
3rd	40th "C"	Merseburg
4th	41st "A"	Lutzkendorf
5th	41st "B"	Merseburg
6th	94th "A"	Lutzkendorf
7th	94th "B"	Merseburg
8th	1st "A"	Lutzkendorf
9th	1st "B"	Merseburg
2nd Division	12 CBW’s	Misburg, Hanover, Magdeburg	Great Yarmouth at Zero + 30 min.
3rd Division	7 CBW’s	Ruhland, Bohlen, Chemnitz	Felixstowe at Zero Hour
Marauders
RAF [Royal Air Force]

Remarks: Base Reference Altitude – 22,000’
Division Assembly Line – Southwold to 51°17’N-03°03’E
Interval between CBW’s – 2 minutes.
Zero hour – 0830 hours.

Fighter Cover:

[Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
3 Grps. P-51’s	50°23’ - 06°50’	Bal. 2-1, 2-2, 2-3
1 Grp. P-38’s	50°39’ - 09°00’	Bal. 2-4.

Support at Target and return route home.

Group Assembly:

94th "A" CBW [Combat Bomb Wing]	Box	Altitude	Place
	351st Lead	11,000'	Kings Cliffe [Buncher]
	351st Low	10,000'	Kings Cliffe [Buncher]
	351st High	12,000'	Kings Cliffe [Buncher]
94th "B" CBW	401st Lead	11,000'	Cottesmore [Buncher]
	401st Low	13,000'	Cottesmore [Buncher]
	401st High	13,000'	Cottesmore [Buncher]

Navigator - _____
S-2 - _____
Weather - _____
Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
A. Type of Bombing Formation -
Wing Commander determines type of bombing before IP and notify both other boxes.
~~T-1 candles installed in high box leader 004 (also deputy lead 965). Brief crew on what to look for. 2 candles during assembly and 2 at bombs away.~~
Intervalometer settings – Salvo for Visual & PFF.
Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.

(A) Code Words –

PFF Bombing –	In the clear
Visual Bombing –	In the clear
Authenticator –	“Cat Fish”
Recall –	“Sit on Hitler”
Weather Code –	TBVIA Ship is Partnership “G”
Release "CHAFF" –	In the clear

(B) Call Signs:

	Call Sign	Flares
351st A	Woodcraft “A” Lead	GY [Green Yellow]
351st B	High	GG
351st	Low	RR
401st A	Woodcraft “B” Lead	RY
401st B	High	G
401st B	Low	R
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 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4
R.A.F. Fighters
Bombers	Vinegrove 2-6
U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
R.A.F. Grnd. Control

Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
(1) Southwold – Zero hour + 10		S - Brussels I - Chemnitz
(2) 51°17’–03°03’–Zero hour + 29		H - Koblenz F - Kassel
(3) 50°23’–06°50’–Zero hour + 82		O - Frankfurt T - Magdeburg
_____		P - Gotha E - Hannover
_____		L - Leipzig R - Lingen

Remarks: ____

(D)

Colors of the Day
Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
0200 – 0800	GG	N	L
0800 – 1400	GY	O	X
1400 – 2000	RR	W	C

(E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]

- All A/C monitor except the following:
- V-123, X-926, P-258
- R-038, M-964, L-956
- All available

Let-Down on ______, if overcast.
351st A Kings Cliffe 030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
351st B ___° Mag.
401st A Cottesmore 010° Mag.
457th A ___° Mag.
Flying Control. –
1. Taxi Plan.
2. Emergency Fields - Framlingham 52°12’N–01°24’E
3. Landing Aids.
Special Instructions: Zero hour - 09:30
Camera A/C to Return - X-571, B-100, R-714
1 If C-1 [Autopilot] does not operate properly and mission is visual turn off mickey set on or before bomb run.
2 Pilots of all crews report to all interrogation tables after mission.
3 Units are cautioned to make regular and frequent oxygen checks on intercom during ascent and while at altitude. Pilots will emphasize to crews immediately prior to take-off.
4 Note to Carraway – 41st will reach Bury St Edwards ahead of 94th. Stay north of Bury St Edmunds - Southwold to avoid collision with same.
5 Division Assembly –
1st – From Stowmarket to Southwold
41st – Bury St. Edmunds to Southwold
40th – Chelmsford to Southwold

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

Date of Mission - 11 September, 1944.

Target Attacked: Lead Box – Lutzkendorf, (Primary Target)
High Box - Eisenach, (Secondary Target)
Low Box – Eisenach, (Secondary Target)
Force – 94th “A” Combat Wing, Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and two PFF ships, took off.
Position – Briefed to fly as sixth in First Division and first in 94th Combat Wing.

Lead Teams

	Lead Group
	Combat Wing Air Commander:	Major John B. Carraway.
	Pilot:	Captain Charles H. Auten, Jr.
	Navigator:	1st Lt. John R. Gulnac
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Warren C. Steitz

	High Group
	Group Leader:	Captain Kenneth M. Crabb
	Pilot:	Captain Jerome H. Geiger
	Navigator:	1st Lt. Rex E. Kinnucan
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Alexander H. Kubetin

	Low Group
	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Charles E. Wolcott
	Pilot:	1st Lt. Vernon R. Weatherman
	Navigator:	2nd Lt. Joseph A. Glover
	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Wayne R. Smith

Narrative.
1. Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly was carried out as planned at the Kings Cliffe buncher at the briefed altitude of 11,000 feet.
2. Route Over England – Flown as briefed. The two control points before the departure point reached one minute early.
3. Division Assembly – The briefed assembly line was flown. Departure from the coast was made on time and on course at the briefed altitude. The formation was in the proper position in the Division formation.
4. Flight to Target – The briefed route was flown on the route to the target. The Belgian coast was crossed at the briefed point, two minutes late and at the briefed altitude. The IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached three minutes late.
5. Description of Bombing Run – LEAD BOX – Heavy cloud was encountered in the target area. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with good results. Cloud cover did not permit identification of the aiming point until the last fifteen seconds of the bomb run. The briefed aiming point was used. Results were unobserved. A sharp turn was made at the IP. Pre-set data was used in the ABC Computer.
  HIGH BOX – Due to the fact that clouds covered the target when the run was made, the Group Leader made the decision to attack the secondary target. It was passed on the route into the primary target and was then suitable for a visual run. The Lead Box made a wide turn in the vicinity of the secondary target while the High Box attacked. No difficulties were encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot was used with good results. The briefed aiming point was picked up 120 seconds before bombs away. The briefed aiming point was used. A normal turn was made at the selected IP. Pre-set data was used in the ABC Computer. Observation of bombing results revealed that the bombing was good, but the pattern was to the left of the briefed MPI.
  LOW BOX – The Low Box Leader followed the High Box to the secondary target and also attacked it. It was necessary to make two runs on the target when intense cloud and smoke were encountered. A 360° turn was made in the target area. The C-1 Pilot was used with no malfunctions. The briefed aiming point was picked up 30 seconds before the release line. Results were unobserved. The turn at the selected IP was normal. Pre-set data was used in the ABC Computer.
6. Flight From Target – The Lead and High Boxes followed the briefed route on the withdrawal. The enemy coast was crossed at the briefed point three minutes early at 15,000 feet. A normal let-down procedure was followed. The flight to base was made without difficulty except for a divergency [sic] to the right at the English coast when cloud cover was encountered at the point of entry at 4,000 feet. Return to base was made without further incident. The Lead and High Boxes did not wait for the Low Box to complete its second run on the target. It followed the briefed route on withdrawal. It crossed the Belgian coast at 1419, seven minutes late and ten minutes behind the Lead Box, at 14,500 feet. A normal let-down procedure was followed and the English coast was reached at 1448, 8 minutes late and seven minutes behind the Lead Box at 4,000 feet. Return to base was made without further incident.
7. Fighter Support – Good.
8. Comments – No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak at the target was moderate to intense, accurate for both height and deflection. Weather enroute to the target was 5 to 6/10ths, but became 8/10ths in the immediate target area and made visual sighting extremely difficult. Weather at Eisenach, the secondary target, was 3 to 5/10ths and visual sightings were made through breaks in the clouds. The Weather Scouting Force provided adequate weather information, but actual conditions in the target area made the choice between a visual or a PFF run very difficult. Aircraft 42-97216, pilot Walker, left the formation just south of Brussels on the route out and headed for an A/F [airfield] or landing strip in Belgium due to shortage of fuel. The crew has since been returned to base and the aircraft is still in Belgium.
9. Aircraft Not Attacking – Aircraft 42-31879, pilot Lt. Ballard, High Box returned to base after sixteen minutes of flying time with the report that gas was siphoning out of the tanks. The same crew took-off again in aircraft 43-37900, but returned to base again when it could not catch the formation. This aircraft is indicated as one failure to attack in the Statistical Summary. Four aircraft failed to attack the primary or secondary targets. One bombed the last resort target, Giessen. The other three attacked targets of opportunity as indicated on the Statistical Summary.

[Signed] Carl C. Hinkle, Jr, Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer

Statistical Summary:

	94th “C” COMBAT BOMB WING FORMATION
	Lead Box	High Box	Low Box	TOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C Airborne	13	13	12	38
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	13	12	37
No. of A/C Sorties	12	12	12	36
No. of A/C Attacking	12	12	12	36
No. of A/C Not Attacking	0	1	0	1
Name of Primary Target	LUTZKENDORF, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	12	0	0	12
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	12 x 500# GP			12 x 500# GP
Name of Secondary Target	EISENACH, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target		10	10	20
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		100 x 500 GP	100 x 500 GP	200 x 500 GP
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)	GIESSEN, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT			1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs			10 X 500 GP	10 X 500 GP
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)		51°07’N-10°46’E [Grossvargula, Germany]	51°18’N-11°53’E [Braunsbedra, Ger.]
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.		1	1	2
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs		10 x 500 GP	10 x 500 GP	20 x 500 GP
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)			50°50’N-07°50’E [N of Betzdorf, Germany]
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.			1	1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs			10 x 500 GP	10 x 500 GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	0	0	0
No. of A/C Lost - Flak
No. of A/C Lost - Flak and E/A
No. of A/C Lost - Enemy Aircraft
No. of A/C Lost - Accident
No. of A/C Lost - Unknown
Number of A/C landed in Brussels – Fuel Low	0	0	1	1
Time of Take Off	0750	0751½	0753
Time of Attack	1203½	1225	1248
Average Time of Flight	7:30	7:41	7:44
Altitude of Release	27,945’	26,750’	27,500’
Visual or PFF	Visual	Visual	Visual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	Intense and Accurate
Enemy Resistance – Fighter	0	0	0	0
Enemy Resistance – Bombers	0	0	0	0
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft	0	0	0	0
Degree of Success	Unobserved	Good	Unobserved

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: NONE
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None
Two PFF aircraft flew and bombed with the Lead Box.

Intelligence S-2 Reports:

No leaflets were carried by this group.
Photo cover for the Lead and Low Boxes is incomplete due to clouds. For the High Box eastern end of target area was hit, with fair to good results.
No enemy A/C were encountered and no claims are being submitted.
Flak at the targets was moderate to intense, accurate for both height and deflection. At the secondary target flak was meager but accurate. Moderate flak was encountered over Koblenz and Aachen and over Merseburg and the Rhine River intense accurate flak was encountered. It is believed that the flak from the Rhine River was fired from barges.
Weather enroute to the target was 5 to 6/10 but became 8/10 in the immediate target area and made visual sighting extremely difficult. Weather at Eisenach, the secondary target, was 3 to 5/10 and visual sightings were made through breaks in the clouds.
Considerable barge activity was noted on the Rhine River near Koblenz.
Two PFF A/C flew with the Lead Box of this CBW and provided navigational aid enroute and on the bomb run. Fighter support was good. The Scouting Force provided adequate weather information but actual conditions in the target area made the choice between a visual or PFF run very difficult. Our A/C 216-U left the formation just south of Brussels on the route out and headed for an A/F [airfield] or landing strip in France due to a shortage of fuel. Nothing further has been heard from this aircraft.

Bombardier’s Narrative:
Lead Box 94th “A” Wing:
Target - Lutzkendorf near Halle, Germany (Primary)

Encountered heavy cloud cover over the target area.
The C-1 Pilot was used with good results.
Cloud cover did not permit identification of Aiming Point until the last fifteen (15) seconds of the run.
The briefed Aiming Point was used.
Results were unobserved.
A sharp turn was made at the Initial Point.
Pre-set data was used in the A.B.C. Computer.

[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, Lead Box 94th “A” Wing.

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

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Steitz, Warren C.
Pilot - Major Caraway, J.B. & Captain Auten, C.H., Jr.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Gulnac, John R.

Aircraft B-17G Y-651 Take-off - 0749 Landed - 1520
Objective - Lutzkendorf near Halle, Germany (Primary)
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 - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB. AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point: Cloud Cover

Altitude of Target - 400’		Magnetic Heading Ordered 68° Actual 51°
True Altitude Above Target - 27,945’		True Heading 47°
Indicated Altitude - 20,300		Drift, Estimated 3° Right - Actual 5° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target -28		True Track 52°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range ____
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		B.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 234K		Time of Release 1203½
Ground Speed Est. 272 Actual 263		Length of Bombing Run - 15 sec.
Wind Direction Metro - 350° Actual - 300°		Intervalometer Setting - * Salvo *Group Intervalometer Setting – “Salvo”
Wind Velocity Metro 35 Actual 40		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 118.9 Trail - 62 ATF - 44.43		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .57 Actual .59		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 260° Actual 300° Velocity - Metro 35 Actual 40
Temp C. - Metro -42° C. Actual -32° C.

Bombardier’s Narrative:
High Box 94th “A” Wing:
Target - B.M.W. A.G. at Eisenach, Germany (Secondary Target).

No difficulties were encountered on the bombing run.
The C-1 Pilot was used with good results.
Briefed Aiming Point was picked up 120 seconds before “Bombs Away”.
The briefed Aiming Point was used.
A normal turn was made at the Initial Point.
Pre-set data was used in the A.B.C. Computer.
Observation of bombing results revealed that bombing was good, but pattern was a little to the left of the briefed M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact].

[Signed] Alexander H. Kubetin, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, High Box 94th “A” Wing

Combat Bombing Flight Record – High Box 94th “A” Wing:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Kubetin, Alexander H.
Pilot - Captain Crabb, Kenneth M.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Kinnucan, Rex E.

Aircraft B-17G H-004 Take-off - 0751½ Landed - 1533
Objective - Secondary Target (The B.M.W. A.G. at Eisenach, 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 - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB. AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point: Primary target covered by cloud.

Altitude of Target - 494’		Magnetic Heading Ordered 68° Actual 311°
True Altitude Above Target - 26,750’		True Heading 306°
Indicated Altitude - 26,800		Drift, Estimated 3° Right - Actual 1° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +272		True Track 303°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 16,158'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		B.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 203K		Time of Release 1225
Ground Speed Est. 272 Actual 196K		Length of Bombing Run - 120 seconds
Wind Direction Metro - 260° Actual - 90°		Intervalometer Setting - * Salvo *Group Intervalometer Setting – “Salvo”
Wind Velocity Metro 35 Actual 18		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 122.4 Trail - 60 ATF - 43.35		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .57 Actual .50		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Good but a little to the left.
Mean Temp. Metro -45 Actual -42
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 260° Actual 60° Velocity - Metro 35 Actual 18 K
Temp C. - Metro -45° C. Actual -42° C.

Bombardier’s Narrative:
Low Box 94th “A” Wing:
Target - B.M.W. A.G. at Eisenach, Germany (Secondary Target).

Encountered intense cloud and smoke over the target area.
The C-1 Pilot was used with good results.
Briefed Aiming Point was picked up thirty (30) seconds before the release line.
Results were unobserved.
The turn at the Initial Point was normal.
Pre-set data was used in the A.B.C. Computer.

[Signed] Wayne R. Smith, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier, Low Box 94th “A” Wing

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

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Smith, Wayne R.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Wolcott, Charles E.
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Glover, Joseph A. Jr.

Aircraft B-17G P-955 Take-off - 0753 Landed - 1537
Objective - Secondary Target (B.M.W. A.G. at Eisenach, 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 - G.P.[General Purpose] 500 LB. AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point: Intense cloud coverage.

Altitude of Target - 494’		Magnetic Heading Ordered 68° Actual 245°
True Altitude Above Target - 27,500’		True Heading 240°
Indicated Altitude - 28,000		Drift, Estimated 3° Right - Actual 7° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target -272		True Track 233°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 15,856’
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		B.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 234K		Time of Release 1248
Ground Speed Est. 272 Actual 184K		Length of Bombing Run - 30 sec.
Wind Direction Metro - 260° Actual - 290°		Intervalometer Setting - * Salvo *Group Intervalometer Setting – “Salvo”
Wind Velocity Metro 35 Actual 30		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 119.2 Trail - 64 ATF - 44.47		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .57 Actual .55		Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 260° Actual 290° Velocity - Metro 35 Actual 30
Temp C. - Metro -45° C. Actual -43° C.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

Photo coverage for the lead and low boxes of this group was unavailable due to cloud coverage and camera malfunction. The high box bombed the secondary target, the B.M.W. A.G. at Eisenach, Germany.
The pattern hit the SE end of the factory area with some bombs falling on the railroad and into the town. A salvo of bombs scored a near miss on the large assembly shop (No. 7). There is a direct hit by one or more bombs in the center of the administrative building area. There are at least three hits on the railroad tracks. The target had been hit before it was bombed by this group. The pattern is 1,690 feet by 1,430 feet with the center of the pattern 780 feet left of the MPI.

[Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

508th Squadron:
A/C 192-R The formation was generally bad for the whole wing. – Officers.
A/C 978-J Poor lead in High Box. – Lt. Shaver.
A/C 100-B Give us a candy bar and cookies rather than carbohydrate ration; everybody gives them to the crew chief anyway. – Lt. Kniering.
A/C 130-K Poor leading by element and group leaders. – Crew.
A/C 956-L Air speed was too low; poor lead. – Lt. Lord.

509th Squadron:
A/C 714-R Waited one hour and five minutes for a truck. Pilot had to come in and get a truck and send it back. – Crew.
A/C 595-O Navigator led the box over Koblenz after being briefed against this route. – Crew.
A/C 964-M Very poor job of leading in Low Box. – Lt. Whitaker.
A/C 318-S Chaff came out in bunches and struck lower ships. – Lt. Beveridge.
A/C 116-Q No. 6 in Low Squadron, Lead Group hung back and spoiled bomb run. – Lt. Dawson.

510th Squadron:
A/C 862-G Very good lead box formation at bombs away. – Lt. Thompson.
A/C 571-X Waited one hour and thirty five minutes after landing to be transported back for interrogation. – Lt. Redman.

[Signed:] Charles A. Hillway, 1st Lt. Air Corps, Ass't. S-2 Officer. [Intelligence]

Mission Summary Report:

Abortives and Flying Spares:
1. Airplane No. 42-31879, 508th Squadron, returned almost immediately after take-off. Pilot stated fuel siphoning. A check of fuel level revealed that all tanks were equal. (Reason: Personnel Error).
2. Airplane No. 43-37900, 508th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot stated he was unable to locate the formation. (Same crew which aborted in Airplane No. 42-31879). (Reason: Personnel Error).
3. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
Battle Damage:
1. Airplane No. 42-97349, 508th Squadron. Flak hole leading edge left wing, damaging fuel tank. (Major).
2. Airplane No. 43-37850, 508th Squadron. Flak damage to left side of rudder, fabric only. Skin hole #4 nacelle. (Minor).
3. Airplane No. 43-37978, 508th Squadron. Flak hole bottom of left stabilizer, skin and stringer damaged. Flak skin hole bottom of left wing tip. (Minor).
4. Airplane No. 43-37956, 508th Squadron. Flak hole bottom of right stabilizer, spar damaged. Five flak holes bottom of right wing (two through) damaging skin, flap wiring, and Tokyo tank. (Major).
5. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes through left wing, damaging skin and Tokyo tank. Three flak holes through vertical stabilizer. Three flak holes through dorsal fin, damaging wiring. Right waist window broken by flak. Pilot’s window broken by flak and flak both sides of fuselage, damaging tank, gun cable, airials [aerials]. (Major).
6. Airplane No. 43-38116, 509th Squadron. Flak entered top of left stabilizer and emerged through bottom. Two flak holes underside right wing. Flak damage to top of main escape hatch. (Minor).
7. Airplane No. 42-102955, 510th Squadron. Flak entered leading edge of right wing between fuselage and #3 nacelle, damaging skin and induction system. Flak skin hole through right stabilizer. (Major).
8. Airplane No. 42-31714, 511th Squadron. Flak entered leading edge of right stabilizer, damaging two formers and skin. (Major).
9. Airplane No. 42-38153, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right elevator trim tab. Flak hole underside right wing panel, damaging skin and feeder tank. Flak hole through left aileron. Flak skin hole underside left wing, inboard panel. Flak damage tail section, underside, skin hole. (Major).
TOTAL A/C DAMAGED MAJOR DAMAGE MINOR DAMAGE BY FLAK

9 6 3 9

[Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer

Deficiencies and Disabilities:

1. The following deficiencies and disabilities were determined from interrogation.

508th Bomb Squadron
A/C 192 - F-1 Suit burned out. – Lt. Kabakoff.

509th Bomb Squadron
A/C 318 - F-2 Jacket burned out. – Lt. H.T. Kelley.
A/C 714 - F-3 Suit burned out. – Sgt. Geller.

510th Bomb Squadron
A/C 196 - F-1 Suit burned out. – Sgt. Shields.

[Signed:] Reginald F. McDermott, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Acting Group Equipment Officer.

Aircraft Returning Early:

Aircraft No. 42-97169 Squadron - 510 Pilot - Lt. Ford
Time of Abortive - ____ Location when Aborted - ____
Reason For Abortive - ____
Disposition of Bombs: ____
Altitude At Time of Aborting: ____
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ____
Remarks: Scheduled as Flying Spare
[Signed] [No Signature]

Aircraft No. 97843 Squadron - 508 Pilot - Lt. Gurke
Time of Abortive - 1145 Location when Aborted - 50°56’N-10°13’E [SW of Eisenach, Germany]
Reason For Abortive - Inverter went out causing loss of turbos – when switched to alternate inverter No. 4 turbo immediately over boosted (No. 4 turbo could not be controlled and was feathered & upon unfeathering could be then controlled) and prop ran away (2800). No. 3 turbo also over boosted to 55”. Loss of 3,000 feet resulted and it was then impossible to return to the formation and I then notified my navigator to plot a course home.
Disposition of Bombs: Dropped at 50°35’N-08°40’E (Airfield & town) [Giessen, Germany]
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 26,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: This ship exceptionally slow at altitude – to keep in formation at 28,000 feet, 2,400 RPM & 40” Hg. necessary.
[Signed] Samuel Gerke, 2nd Lt., Air Corps

Aircraft No. 42-38153 Squadron - 509 Pilot - Captain Wooten
Time of Abortive - 1116 Location when Aborted - 50°41’N-07°50’E [Due north of Hachenburg, Germany]
Reason For Abortive - #2 engine rough, prop throwing oil & #3 rough and smoking.
Disposition of Bombs: Dropped after leaving formation.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 22,500’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak ahead before aborting and flak after leaving formation.
Remarks: ____
[Signed] E. D. Wooten, Captain, Air Corps

Aircraft No. 7900 Squadron - 508 Pilot - Lt. Ballard
Time of Abortive - 1010 AM Location when Aborted - 30 miles NW of Ostend.
Reason For Abortive - Late T.O. [take-off] in spare ship. Did not locate group at coast, over channel, or at French coast.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 16,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] R.T. Ballard

“J” Form:

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

a. 94th "A" Combat Wing Lead Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: Z–7965 Deputy [Lead PFF]
Sqdn 509th A/C: N–7169 Flying Spare
Sqdn 510th A/C: Y–7651 Lead [PFF], G–7862, N–7665, R–8038, C–2576, V–8123, M–7196, B–6082
Sqdn 511th A/C: H–7986, X–7571, P–8089

b. 94th "A" Combat Wing High Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: H–8004, B–7349, O–8277, L–7956, C–7843, R–1192, G–7850, P–7258, J–7978, Q–1879, F–1711, (K–8130 Flying Spare)
Sqdn 509th A/C:
Sqdn 510th A/C:
Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8100

c. 94th "A" Combat Wing Low Group
Sqdn 508th A/C:
Sqdn 509th A/C: Q–8116, V–7854, X–7926, M–7964, F–7674, R–6156, O–7595, U–7216
Sqdn 510th A/C: P–2955
Sqdn 511th A/C: F–8153, R–1714, S–7318

Target: (Ill [Illustration] 7 MPI No. 2) GQ-1512

W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T UKP R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T WDN R/T TIPSTAFF
Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T PQQ R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T TYN R/T PARTNERSHIP

a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0740; Take-Off – 0755; E.T.D. Field – 0755
b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)

0940 15,000 Ft Southwold
Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)

1009 15,000 Ft 51°17'N-03°03'E [De Haan, Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
0940	15,000 Ft	Southwold

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
1009	15,000 Ft	51°17'N-03°03'E [De Haan, Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
1412	15,000 Ft	51°17'N-03°03'E [De Haan, Belgium]

Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)

1440 5,000 Ft Southwold
E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1511 Hours
MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
508 Squadron:
509 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
510 Squadron:
511 Squadron:

Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
508 Squadron:
509 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
510 Squadron:
511 Squadron:

Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
508 Squadron:
509 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
510 Squadron:
511 Squadron:
Fuel Load of each A/C: 2600 Gallons
Group Leader:
a. Lead Box: Name: J.B. Carraway Rank: Major A/C: Y-7651 Sqdn. 510
b. High Box: Name: K.M. Crabb Rank: Captain A/C: H-8004 Sqdn. 508
c. Low Box: Name: C.E. Wolcott Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: P-2955 Sqdn. 510
Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
None

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
1440	5,000 Ft	Southwold

Formation Chart:

94th "A" CBW Lead Box Formation at Take–Off and Over–Target
				510th Squadron
				Auten–Carraway A/C 42-97651 Y PFF
			Whitten A/C 43-37986 H		Hillebrand A/C 42-97965 X PFF
	Keller A/C 42-102576 C						Barnhart A/C 43-37862 G
Gray A/C 42-97196 M		Hennegan A/C 43-38123 V				McFarland A/C 42-38038 R		Theys A/C 43-37665 N
	Purcell–Marsey A/C 43-37524 D						Ford A/C 42-97169 N Flying Spare*
Miller A/C 43-38089 P		Redman A/C 43-37571 X

* - Flying Spare returned as planned.

94th "A" CBW High Box Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Crabb–Geiger A/C 43-98004 H
			Angelini A/C 43-38277 O		Muhleman A/C 42-97349 B
	Moulton A/C 43-37850 G						Lord A/C 43-37956 L
Wishnewsky A/C 43-37978 J		Jizmejian A/C 42-97258 P				Van Sandt A/C 42-31192 R		Gurke A/C 42-97843 C
	Ballard A/C 43-37900 M*						Crutcher A/C 43-38130 K Flying Spare
Lenze A/C 42-31711 F		Muffett A/C 44-8100 B

[* - Note, Ballard was assigned to fly in aircraft 42-31879 Q. He returned after 16 minutes flying time with complaint of fuel syphoning [sic] from fuel tank. The crew switched to aircraft 43-37900 M. After the late take-off they failed to locate the formation and returned to base. The flying spare aircraft flown by Lt Crutcher took his position in the High Box Formation.

94th "C" CBW High Box Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Crabb–Geiger A/C 43-98004 H
			Angelini A/C 43-38277 O		Muhleman A/C 42-97349 B
	Moulton A/C 43-37850 G						Lord A/C 43-37956 L
Wishnewsky A/C 43-37978 K		Jizmejian A/C 42-97258 P				Van Sandt A/C 42-31192 R
	Crutcher A/C 43-38130 K
Lenze A/C 42-31711 F		Muffett A/C 44-8100 B

94th "A" CBW Low Box Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Wolcott–Weatherman A/C 42-102955 P
			Walker, M A/C 43-37854 V		Dawson A/C 43-38116 Q
	Mertzlufft A/C 44-6156 R						Underhill A/C 42-97926 X
Tebbel A/C 43-37595 O		Wooten A/C 42-38153 F				Powell A/C 43-37674 F		Whitaker A/C 43-37964 M
	Secrest A/C 42-97318 S
Walker, G A/C 42-97216 U		Daugherty A/C 42-31714 R

94th "C" CBW Low Box Formation Over–Target
				509th Squadron
				Wolcott–Weatherman A/C 42-102955 P
			Walker, M A/C 43-37854 V		Dawson A/C 43-38116 Q
	Mertzlufft A/C 44-6156 R						Underhill A/C 42-97926 X
Tebbel A/C 43-37595 O						Powell A/C 43-37674 F		Whitaker A/C 43-37964 M
	Secrest A/C 42-97318 S
Walker, G A/C 42-97216 U		Daugherty A/C 42-31714 R

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0930 DBST [Double British Standard Time] Briefing: Enlisted Men 0430; Officers 0500 Stations: 0720 Start Engines: 0730 Taxi: 0740 Take-Off: 0755 Leave Base: 0755 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0330; Officers 0400]

[Wounded On Mission: 3]

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The above records were obtained at the National Archives Records Administration and have been declassified by authority NND 745005

Please contact us with your comments and corrections.

351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #203

Credited Mission #197

TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
9		6		3		9