351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #211

Credited Mission #205

 
DATE: 28 Sept. 1944
Target: RR Marshalling Yards, Magdeburg, Germany
 
Briefing Outline:
  1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.

  2. Time Schedule:
     Lead Box
    Stations   –0715
    Start Engines –0725
    Taxi     –0735
    Take Off   –0750
    Last Take Off –0850

  3. Targets:
    Primary: Magdeburg Air/Armament
    Secondary: Magdeburg Marshalling Yards -- PFF
    Last Resort: Stendal M/Y [Marshalling Yard] or Cardelegen Airfield

  4. Loading: B
    351 - Lead & Low 10 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    351 - High Box M-17 IB’s [Incendiary Bomb] Fusing 39.8
    Composite:
    Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
    Chaff: All A/C commence release chaff at one minute before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and continue for 14 mins. Each A/C will carry 360 units.

  5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons
    Remarks: ____

  6. Wing Formation:
     Wing Formation  94th (A) CBW  94th (B) CBW  94th (C) CBW  Comp. CBW 
    Lead401351457
    Low401351457
    High401351457

  7. Division Formation:
    PositionCBW [Combat Wing]TargetDeparture Time at Coast
    Lead1st "A"Magdeburg 0910 - Clacton
    2nd1st "B"Magdeburg 0912 - Clacton
    3rd1st "C"Magdeburg 0914 - Clacton
    4th40 "A"Magdeburg 0916 - Clacton
    5th40 "B"Magdeburg 0918 - Clacton
    6th40 "C"Magdeburg 0920 - Clacton
    7th94th "A"Magdeburg 0922 - Clacton
    8th94th "B"Magdeburg 0924 - Clacton
    9th94th "C"Magdeburg 0926 - Clacton
    10th41 "A"Magdeburg 0928 - Clacton
    11th41 "B"Magdeburg 0930 - Clacton
    12th41 "C"Magdeburg 0932 - Clacton
    2nd Division24 Sqdns.Kassel M/YGrt. Yarmouth - 0950
    3rd Division24 Sqdns.Merseburg FuelSouthwold - 0930
    Marauders
    RAF [Royal Air Force]

    Remarks: ____
     Interval between Groups – 2 minutes.
     Base Reference Altitude – 19,000’.
     Division Assembly Line – Clacton to 51°10’[N]-02°44’E.

  8. Fighter Cover:
    • [Force][Latitude & Longitude][Call Sign]Type Support
      3 Groups P-51  50°25’N - 06°30’E  [Balance] 1-1, 1-2, 1-3  Close Support 
      1 Groups P-51  From 50°46’N - 09°35’E  [Balance] 1-4  Close Support 
      1 Groups P-51  From 51°46’N - 10°30’E  [Balance] 1-5  Close Support 
      1 Mixed Grp. P-51,P-38 From 52°04’N - 10°34’E  [Balance] 1-6  Close Support 

      In addition to above, the 3rd Div. will have 5 Groups P-51’s and the 2nd Div. will have 4 Groups P-47’s.

  9. Group Assembly:
     351st "B" Group BoxAltitudePlace
    Lead 8,000'  Kings Cliffe [Buncher] 
    Low7,000'Kings Cliffe [Buncher]
    High9,000'Kings Cliffe [Buncher]
     401st "A" Group Lead 8,000'  Cottesmore [Buncher] 
    Low7,000'Cottesmore [Buncher]
    High9,000'Cottesmore [Buncher]
     457th "C" Group  Lead 8,000'  Glatton [Buncher] 
    Low7,000'Glatton [Buncher]
    High9,000'Glatton [Buncher]

  10. Navigator - _____
  11. S-2 - _____
  12. Weather - _____
  13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    Intervalometer Settings: Visual, IB’s Minimum, GP’s Salvo, If PFF – 200 feet.
    [Radar] Scope pictures will be taken from I.P. to Target.

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

  15. (A) Code Words –
    PFF Bombing –____
    Visual Bombing –____
    Authenticator –Diamond Jim
    Recall –Five Cent Series
    Weather Code –VBITA
    Release "CHAFF" –____
    W/X [Weather] A/C –Macro-King

    (B) Call Signs:
    Call SignFlaresRemarks
    351st AWoodcraft Baker LeadGY [Green Yellow]
    351st BWoodcraft Baker LowRR [Red Red]
    351st CWoodcraft Baker HighGG
    401st AWoodcraft Able LeadRY
    401st B
    457th AWoodcraft Charlie LeadRY
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    (C)
    U.S. FightersBalance One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    BombersVinegrove One-Eight
    U.S. Grnd. ControlColgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    Control Points:Fighter Reference Points:
    One - ClactonP - Koblenz
    Two - 51°10’N - 02°44’EI - Hersfeld
    Three - 50°10’N - 07°44’ES - Kassel
    Four - 50°46’N - 09°35’ET - Brunswick
    Five - 50°46’N - 09°35’EO - Magdeburg
    Six - 50°10’N - 07°44’EL - Halle

    Remarks: ____

    (D)
    Colors of the Day
    TimeColorLetterChallenge
    0700 – 1300GGID
    1300 – 1900GYVC

    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except following:
    2. - T-461, Z-696, M-900
    3. - C-576, G-070, F-711
    4. - Available on all A/C.

  16. Box[Let-Down On][Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st A  Kings Cliffe Buncher    030° Mag. 
    401st A Cottesmore Buncher  010° Mag. 
    457th A Glatton Buncher  050° Mag. 

  17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields - Bradwell - 51°44’N - 00°54’E.
    3. Landing Aids.

  18. Special Instructions:
    Camera A/C to Return - M-196, N-727, V-854
    1. Tight formation will be flown on Bomb Run. Bombardiers will assist pilots in obtaining correct positions.
    2. Spares turn back at Belgian Coast.

    Division Air Commander: Colonel Hunter – C/S [Call Sign] “Swordfish Able Leader”.


Operational Narrative – Lead Combat Box:
  1. Date of Mission - 28 September, 1944.
    1. Target Attacked: Magdeburg, Germany.
    2. Force – "B" Group of the 94th Combat Wing. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and three PFF ships, took off.
    3. Position – Briefed and flew as eighth in First Division.
    4. Lead Teams
      "B" Group Lead
      Group Leader: Lt. Colonel Paul D. Wood
      Pilot:1st Lt. John T. Eickhoff
      Navigator:1st Lt. John R. Gulnac
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Warren C. Steitz

      High Sqdn. Lead
      Pilot: 1st Lt. Evan A. Poston
      Co-Pilot:2nd Lt. Charles T. Molitor
      Navigator:2nd Lt. Irl A. Irwin
      Bombardier:2nd Lt. George H. Plaut
  2. Narrative.
    1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly of the “B” Group was made good over the Kings Cliffe buncher at 10,000 feet. The assembly altitude was changed from 8,000 to 10,000 feet shortly before take-off.
    2.  Route Over England – Departure from the assembly point was made two minutes early. The briefed course was followed with only slight divergencies [sic] which became necessary in order to stay in the proper position in respect to preceding formations. Control points were reached with only minor time variances.
    3.  Division Assembly – The course flown from Brandon to Clacton was slightly to the left of the briefed course. No difficulties were encountered and the “B” Group departed the English coast at 0925½ (ninety seconds late) at the briefed altitude of 10,000 feet.
    4.  Flight to Target – Flown nearly as briefed. In keeping in proper position in respect to preceding formations it was necessary to fly a course that was north of the briefed route. The entire formation lost time on the route in. The IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached about eighteen minutes late and was overshot. However, this caused no difficulty.
    5.  Description of Bombing Run – The Lead and Low Squadrons attacked the PFF target in Group formation, with the lead plane of the Lead Squadron using the “H2X” [Radar] method of bombing. The High Squadron followed the Lead and Low Squadrons and attacked the target using its own PFF equipment. Strikes were not observed. However, the woods and river in the southeastern part of the city were seen on the turn after bombs away. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used with no malfunctions. The target was attacked at 1156½ (17½ minutes late).
    6.  Flight From Target – The turn to the left after bombs away was cut short in order to avoid flak seen ahead on the briefed route. After the turn was completed, the briefed route was followed for the remainder of the withdrawal. The Belgian coast was crossed to the right of course at the briefed altitude of 10,000 feet and seventeen minutes early (1432). A normal let-down procedure was followed. The English coast was crossed at Clacton at 1502 (23 minutes early) and return to base was made without incident.
    7.  Fighter Support – Good.
    8.  Comments – No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak in the target area was moderate and generally accurate. Weather was approximately 7/10ths en route, with some breaks in the clouds. There were 7-8/10s clouds at the target. Aircraft 42-97926, Pilot Lt. Barker, was forced to crash-land in Belgium. This ship had two engines out when last seen, and the last reports received over VHF informed that a third engine was going bad and that he would have to crash-land in Belgium. The Scouting Force was helpful. Information was received 35 minutes before the IP was reached.
    9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – One flying spare returned as planned. The remaining aircraft attacked as previously indicated.

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


Statistical Summary:
94th "B" GROUP FORMATION
Lead BoxHigh BoxLow BoxTOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off0000
No. of A/C Airborne13131238
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares12131237
No. of A/C Sorties12131237
No. of A/C Attacking12131237
No. of A/C Not Attacking0000
Name of Primary TargetMagdeburg, Germany
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target12131237
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 120 x 500# GP  130 x 500# Incd  119 x 500# GP 239 x 500# GP
 130 x 500# Incd 
Name of Secondary Target
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Secondary Target
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Last Resort Target (LRT)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking LRT
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
Name of Target of Opportunity (T.O.)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs
No. of A/C Lost - Total0011
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 - Unknown0011*
Time of Take Off074607470749
Time of Attack115411541154
Average Time of Flight8:058:048:12
Altitude of Release26,423’27,023’25,823’
Visual or PFFPFFPFFPFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & AccuracyModerate and Accurate
Enemy Resistance – Fighter0000
Enemy Resistance – Bombers0000
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft0000
Degree of SuccessResults Unobserved

PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None Three PFF ships were used (2-Lead & 1-High). All three attacked.
* Crash landed in Belgium.


Bombardier’s Narrative For The Mission Of This Date:
Lead Box 94th "B" Group
Target - Marshalling Yards, Magdeburg, Germany.
  1. The Lead and Low Squadrons of this Group attacked the PFF target in Group Formation with the lead plane of the Lead Squadron using the “H2X” method of bombing.
  2. The High Squadron of this Group followed the Lead and Low and attacked the target using its own PFF equipment.
  3. Strikes were not observed, however, the woods and river in the southeastern part of the city were seen on the turn after bombs away. The Lead Bombardier of the Low Squadron made this observation.
  [Signed] William B. Lyttle, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier


Combat Bombing Flight Record - Lead Squadron 94th “B” Group:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Steitz, W.C.
Pilot - Lt. Colonel Wood, Paul & 1st Lt. Eickhoff, J.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Gulnac, John

Aircraft B-17G   L-045  Take-off - 0747 Landed - 1552
Objective - Marshalling Yards, Magdeburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 52°04’N - 10°34’E [Just west of Börßum, Germany]
Method of Attack - Group (2 Sqdns.)
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 24   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ONE (PFF)
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: ONE (PFF)   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500# G.P. [General Purpose] AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 & 1 Sky Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - PFF On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - +149Magnetic Heading Ordered 82° Actual 110°
True Altitude Above Target - 25,626’True Heading 105°
Indicated Altitude - 26,000’Drift, Estimated 5° Right - Actual 11° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target +185True Track 116°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 16,138'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KB.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 228KTime of Release 11:56½
Ground Speed Est. 284 Actual 275Length of Bombing Run - 11 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 280° Actual - 325°Intervalometer Setting - 200’
Wind Velocity Metro 57K Actual 52K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 125.0  Trail - 61   ATF - 42.40A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .63 Actual .60 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 200'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14 Actual -14.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 280°  Actual 325°  Velocity - Metro 57K  Actual 52K
Temp C. - Metro -37° C. Actual -36° C.



Combat Bombing Flight Record – High Squadron 94th “B” Group:

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Plaut, George H.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Poston, Evan A.
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Irwin, Irl A.

Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 0748 Landed - 1552
Objective - Marshalling Yards, Magdeburg, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed (PFF)
Initial Point - 52°04’N - 10°34’E [Just west of Börßum, Germany]
Method of Attack - Squadron
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 (“H2X”)   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - None   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500# IB's [Incendiary Bomb] M-17
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10 & 1 Sky Marker   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - Instantaneous   Tail - ___
Synchronization - PFF On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - +149Magnetic Heading Ordered 82° Actual 120°
True Altitude Above Target - 26,423’True Heading 115°
Indicated Altitude - 26,800’Drift, Estimated 5° Right - Actual 7° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +185True Track 108°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 15,504'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KB.S. Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 228KTime of Release 11:54 10560
Ground Speed Est. 284 Actual 213Length of Bombing Run - 8 min.
Wind Direction Metro - 280° Actual - 230°Intervalometer Setting - 200’
Wind Velocity Metro 37K Actual 25K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 115.7  Trail - 132   ATF - 45.79A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .59 Actual .51 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 200'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -14.5 Actual -14.5
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 280°  Actual 235°  Velocity - Metro 57K  Actual 25K
Temp C. - Metro -38° C. Actual -36° C.



Intelligence S-2 Reports:
  1. No leaflets were carried on today’s mission.
  2. Due to heavy undercast [sic], photos do not show bomb strikes. The Mickey Operators believe the bombs fell in the target area.
  3. Approximately thirty (30) unidentified enemy aircraft were seen to attack the group following, and seven (7) B-17’s were seen going down just before the IP.
  4. Flak at the target was moderate and generally accurate, especially for the low squadron. Meager to moderate flak was observed over Kassel and Koblenz.
  5. Weather was approximately 7/10ths enroute [sic], with some breaks in the clouds. There were 7-8/10ths clouds at the target.
  6. There was much barge activity observed on the Rhine River below Koblenz. A convoy of fifty (50) trucks was observed heading north at 50°12’N. - 06°23’E [Just west of Prum, Germany].
  7. PFF units were employed for bombing. Fighter support was good. Our A/C X-926 was forced to crash-land in Belgium. This ship had two engines out when last seen, and last reports received over VHF inform that a third engine was going bad and he would have to crash-land in Belgium. No location was given. Two Triangle “P” ships were observed to collide just after the target. One chute was seen. Scouting Force was helpful; information received thirty-five (35) minutes before the IP.


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 426-B: On climb we were doing 135-145 MPH and S-ing to keep air speed from stalling out. - Pilot.
A/C 956-L: Triangle “P” ship seemed deliberately to weave in front of formation, creating much prop wash.
A/C 192-R: Suggest Armament check on this ship’s bomb racks.
A/C 349-B: “Woodcraft Charlie” was on VHF constantly. - Pilot.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 571-X: No. 3 ship in Lead Squadron, Low Box flew a very poor mission.
A/C 674-F: We had trouble with prop wash through the whole mission. – F/O Horowitz.
A/C 595-O: Need better judgment by lead ships. – Seidell.
A/C 070-G: Formation, especially from IP over target, was very poor. I couldn’t get my element into proper position to drop bombs, because I had to pull over to keep clear of planes above us. – Lt. Walker.
A/C 955-P: “Woodcraft Charlie” talked on VHF for one hour solid.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 665-N: Too much unnecessary chatter on VHF by other groups.
A/C 252-K: No VHF information in regard to climb or descent. – Lt. McGee.
A/C 124-F: Large printed numbers on caravan regarding assembly, instead of chalk figures, would be much easier to read. – Lt. Gode.
A/C 576-C: Transportation was very slow today. Trucks that were there when we landed went over and picked up crews that landed after we did. – Lt. Ford.
A/C 461-T: “Woodcraft Charlie” hogged the VHF. – Pilot.
A/C 196-M: We followed the prop wash, of the Wing ahead, all the way into target. – Lt. Redman.

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


Mission Summary Report:
  1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
    1. Airplane No. 43-38518, 511th Squadron, returned early as planned. (Reason: Flying Spare).
  2. Battle Damage:
    1. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through left aileron. Flak hole underside left inboard wing panel. Flak damage to plexiglass nose. Flak hole through dorsal fin. Flak damage to astrodome. Flak hole left side of fuselage between tail and waist window, damaging cables, and emerging through right side. (MAJOR).
    2. Airplane No. 43-37854, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through right wing, rear of leading edge. Flak hole through rudder. Flak hole through dorsal fin. (MINOR).
    3. Airplane No. 42-102955, 510th Squadron. Flak hole through right horizontal stabilizer, necessitating change, damaging bulkhead and stringers. (MAJOR).
    4. Airplane No. 43-38171, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through right wing tip. Flak hole through vertical stabilizer. Flak hole entered #4 nacelle, cut former and damaged tank. (MINOR).
    5. Airplane No. 43-38585, 511th Squadron. Three flak holes through right wing, damaging skin, flap, and oil line. Flak damage to vertical stabilizer, damaging former, stringer, and stiffeners. Flak damaged #4 nacelle and fire wall, necessitating engine change. Flak hole through left wing and flap. Flak hit ignition lead to #4 cylinder, and made two holes in #3 cowl flap. Flak damaged plexiglass nose, #1 nacelle, damaging ignition harness also. (MAJOR).

    TOTAL A/C DAMAGEDMAJOR DAMAGEMINOR DAMAGEBY FLAK
    5325
  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th "B" Combat Group   Lead Squadron
    Sqdn 508th A/C:
    Sqdn 509th A/C:
    Sqdn 510th A/C: T–8461, G–7862, S–7512, C–2576, H–8280, L–7515, F–7124, K–7252, M–7196, N–7665, Y–7651 PFF Deputy Lead
    Sqdn 511th A/C: L–8045 PFF, (N–8518 Flying Spare)

    b. 94th "B" Combat Group   High Squadron
    Sqdn 508th A/C: B–7349, M–7900, D–8405, C–7843, R–1192, J–7978, F–1711, L–7956, K–8130, N–7727
    Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF)
    Sqdn 510th A/C:
    Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8426, (Y–8171 Flying Spare)

    c. 94th "B" Combat Group   Low Squadron
    Sqdn 508th A/C:
    Sqdn 509th A/C: Q–8116, Z–7696, O–7595, N–7169, F–7674, X–7926, S–9914, V–7854
    Sqdn 510th A/C: P–2955
    Sqdn 511th A/C: X–7571, G–8070, K–8585
  2. Target: GY-4675
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T SRL R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T WVX R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T JSB R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T PCJ R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. a. Lead Squadron: Taxi – 0735; Take-Off – 0750; E.T.D. Field – 0750
    b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____
  5. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    092410,000 Ft Clacton
  6. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    094414,000 Ft 51°10'N-02°44'E [Nieuwpoort, Belgium]
  7. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    144910,000 Ft 51°10'N-02°44'E [Nieuwpoort, Belgium]
  8. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    15255,000 Ft Clacton
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1558 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: Lead Squadron
    508 Squadron: [All A/C] 10 x 500# G.P.'s [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:

    Bomb load of Each A/C: High Squadron
    508 Squadron: [All A/C] 10 x M-17 IB's [Incendiary Bomb] Fusing 39.8
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:

    Bomb load of Each A/C: Low Squadron
    508 Squadron: [All A/C] 10 x 500# G.P.'s [General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
  12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons

  13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Squadron: Name: P.D. Wood Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: L-8045  Sqdn. 511
    b. High Squadron: Name: E.A. Poston Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: B-7701 Sqdn. 509
    c. Low Squadron: Name: B.R. Weatherman Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: Q-8116 Sqdn. 509

  14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.



Formation Chart:
94th "B" Group Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
510th Squadron
Eickhoff–Wood
A/C 44-8045 L PFF
Theys–Gorham
A/C 43-38461 T
Keller
A/C 42-97651 Y PFF
Barnhart
A/C 44-8280 H
Matre
A/C 43-37862 G
Cramer
A/C 42-107124 F
McFarland
A/C 43-37515 L
Ford
A/C 42-102576 C
Carle
A/C 43-37512 S
McGee
A/C 42-97252 K
Johnson
A/C 43-38518 N Flying Spare*
Bennett
A/C 43-37665 N
Redman
A/C 42-97196 M

  * Flying Spare Aircraft returned as planned.

94th "B" Group High Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
508th Squadron
Poston
A/C 42-97701 B PFF
Kennedy
A/C 43-37900 M
Muhleman
A/C 42-97349 B
Angelini
A/C 43-37978 J
Trapp
A/C 43-38405 D
Weis
A/C 43-37956 L
Lenze
A/C 42-31711 F
Stahl
A/C 42-31192 R
Kevorkian
A/C 42-97843 C
Van Sandt
A/C 43-38130 K
Sullivan
A/C 43-38171 Y Flying Spare*
Wishnewsky
A/C 43-37727 N
Galloway
A/C 43-38426 B

  * Flying Spare Aircraft stayed with the formation and attacked the target.

94th "B" Group Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off and Over Target
509th Squadron
Weatherman
A/C 43-38116 Q
Maddux
A/C 43-37696 Z
Secrest
A/C 42-102955 P
Whitaker
A/C 43-37571 X
Tebbel
A/C 43-37595 O
Knight
A/C 42-39914 S
Barker
A/C 42-97926 X**
Horowitz
A/C 43-37674 F
Petersen
A/C 42-97169 N
Walker, G.T.
A/C 43-38070 G
McGuire
A/C 43-37854 V
Hibbard
A/C 43-38585 K

  ** After bombing target, the plane crash landed in Belgium.

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0900 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing: ____ Stations: 0715 Start Engines: 0725 Taxi: 0735
Take-Off: 0750 Leave Base: 0750

[Wounded On Mission: 0]


Aircraft Loss:
  • A/C# 42-97926   RQ-X  "Fast Baby"  Pilot: Lt. Barker  A/C's 50th Mission

    Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

    42-97926, piloted by Lt. James Barker, received flak damage on the return from the target that took out two engines and eventually a third had to be shut down. The plane crash landed near Ypres, Belgium. The crewmen were uninjured and returned to duty at Polebrook. The plane was scrapped.

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