351st Bomb Group

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

   Lead Box
   Stations   –	0945
   Start Engines –	0955
   Taxi    –	1005
   Take Off   –	1020
   Last Take Off –	1125

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary:  Hanover – (Locomotive & Tank Works)
   Secondary: Hanover – (PFF) Locomotive & Tank Works
   Last Resort: Minden – Mittelland Canal
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 6 x 500 GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] plus 6 – M-17 IB’s [Incendiary Bomb]
   351 “B”: 
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff:  All A/C will commence release of chaff at 8 min. before target and continue for 12 min. Each A/C will carry 288 units.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2,500 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

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

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   First Task Force	Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   	Lead	1st "A"	Braunschweig Motor Works	1153 - Cromer
   	2nd	1st "B"	Braunschweig Motor Works	1155
   	3rd	41st "A"	Braunschweig Motor Works	1157
   	4th	41st "B"	Braunschweig Motor Works	1159
   Second Task Force	5th	94 CBW "ABC"	Hanover	1201 - Cromer
   	6th	40 CBW "ABC"	Hanover	1207
   	7th
   	8th
   	2nd Division	36 Sqdns.	Hamm M/Y	1215 - Lowestoft
   	3rd Division	10 Grps.	Munster M/Y & A/F*	1240 – Orford Ness
   	Marauders
   	RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
    * - M/Y - RR Marshalling Yard - A/F - Air Field
   
   Remarks:
    Base Reference Altitude – 23,000 feet.
    Interval between Groups – 2 minutes.
    Zero hour – 1200 hours.
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]	[Type]
     P-51's	5237-0600	Balance 1-3	Close
     P-51's	_______	Balance 1-4	Close

     
     2 Groups P-51's Call Sign Balance 2-1 & Balance 3-1 will make second sortie at 0700 [East] after escorting 2nd & 3rd Division giving 1st Division close support.
     5 Groups P-51's will make second sorties at 0500 [East] after escorting 2nd & 3rd Division call sign Balance 3-2, 3-3, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4.
   
   
9. Group Assembly:

   351st	Box	Altitude	Place
   	Lead	7,000'	Kings Cliffe
   	Low	6,000'	Kings Cliffe
   	High	8,000'	Kings Cliffe

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    A. Type of Bombing Formation -
     Intervalometer Settings – 140 Feet – Visual or PFF
    
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Clear
    Visual Bombing –	Clear
    Authenticator –	Blonde Baby
    Recall –	Roger Tare Oboe
    Weather Code –	TAVIB
    Release "CHAFF" –	Clear

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Woodcraft Able Lead	RG [Red Green]
    351st B	Woodcraft Able Low	RR
    351st C	Woodcraft Able High	GG
    401st A	Woodcraft Baker	RY
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Charlie	RY
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance 1-3,1-4 close 1-5
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove 1-5
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Cromer		S - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 5237-0437		T - Dummer Lake
    C.P. 3 - 5236-0805		O - Hannover
    _____		R - Brunswick
    _____		E - Hamm

    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0700 – 1300	RY	D	Y
    1300 – 1900	GG	X	L

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except following:
    2. - T-461, U-381, L-676
    3. - Regular Channel – G-862  67th Fighter Wing – N-665
    4. - Available on all A/C except Y-651, L-045
       
    
    
16. Let-Down on ____, if overcast.
    351st A   Kings Cliffe 030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   ___° Mag.
    401st A   Cottesmore 010° Mag.
    457th A   Glatton 050° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
     A. Camera A/C to Return - K-252, P-676, T-384
     B. Spares turn back at 3°30’East [Belgian coast]
     C. Every effort will be made by Leaders to bomb at briefed altitude.
     D. Communications between Scouting Force & Bombers and Screening Force & Bombers will be on VHF Channel “D” in CBW
       Lead & Deputy Ships and on Channel “C” in N-665 (741 crystals)

1. Date of Mission - 22 October, 1944.
   1. Target Attacked: Hanover, Germany.
   2. Force – 94th “A” Group. Thirty-eight aircraft, including two flying spares and three PFF ships, were dispatched.
   3. Position – Fifth group in the Division Formation and leading the Second Task Force (as briefed).
   4. Lead Teams

      	Wing Lead
      	Air Commander:	Lt. Colonel Robert W. Burns
      	Pilot:	Captain John T. Eickhoff
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Edward B. Maltby
      	Bombardier:	Captain William B. Lyttle

      
      

      	High Sqdn. Lead
      	Leader:	1st Lt. Jerry A. Bunnel
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Thomas J. Schimpf
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt. William C. Mabrey
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Don W. Smith

      	Low Sqdn. Lead
      	Leader:	1st Lt. Wendell Secrest
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Vernon R. Weatherman
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt. Elver F. Huntley
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Donald H. Stump

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - The assembly of the 94th “A” Group was carried out without difficulty at the Kings Cliffe buncher. The weather ship recommended an assembly at the briefed altitude plus two, but it was found that an assembly could be made at the briefed altitude plus one (8,000 feet).
   2.  Route Over England – Departure from the assembly area was made one minute early at 1120. The briefed route was followed with little divergency [sic]. Control points were reached with no more than one minute’s variance from the briefed time. Departure from the English coast was made one minute late (1202) at 10,000 feet, 2,000 feet below the briefed altitude.
   3.  Division Assembly Line – The briefed Division Assembly Line was flown with little variance from the briefed route. The 94th “A” Group was in its briefed position of fifth. The coast of Holland was crossed one mile north of the briefed point at 1250 – two minutes late – at 21,000 feet, 1,000 feet above the briefed altitude.
   4.  Flight to Target – The course followed was slightly to the left of course. No difficulty was encountered, however. The briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was reached at 1424 – sixteen minutes late.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – The Lead Squadron made its own sighting operation and the Low Squadron dropped on the marker of the Lead Squadron. The briefed IP was reached without difficulty. As indicated on the Track Chart, a turn was made outside of the briefed route in the approach to the IP. Bombing was done by PFF methods. The target was completely covered by cloud. The Lead Squadron had to swing wide on the bomb run to avoid a group coming from the opposite direction. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used in the lead ship of the Lead Squadron and is reported to have drifted off course. The mickey set [Radar] of this aircraft also went out half-way through synchronization. As the synchronization was satisfactory and the mickey set in the deputy aircraft was also out, the lead ship released its bombs on the bomb sight. The high and low squadrons encountered no difficulties on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot was used with no malfunctions.
   6.  Flight From Target – The briefed route was followed on the withdrawal. The Holland coast was reached at 1528 – thirteen minutes late – at 23,000 feet. The English coast was crossed at Cromer at 1608 at 12,000 feet. The return to base was made without further incident. A normal let-down procedure had been followed.
   7.  Fighter Support – Very good.
   8.  Comments – No aircraft were lost. Flak at the target was meager to moderate and fair for accuracy. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Weather at the target was 10/10ths, but visibility above the clouds was generally good and did not hinder good formation flying. The Scouting Force furnished accurate and helpful information concerning conditions at the target.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – The two flying spares returned as planned.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Lead Squadron made own PFF sighting Operation and the Low Squadron dropped on the marker of the Lead Squadron. The High Squadron made own sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10 Cloud cover
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? The Lead Squadron had to swing wide to avoid a group coming from the opposite direction.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Drifted off course.
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? The Mickey set went out half way through synchronization. Synchronization was pretty good and as the Mickey set in the Deputy was out too, synchronization was let ride and release was made on the bomb sight.

Bombardier - Captain Lyttle, William B.
Pilot - Lt. Colonel Burns, Robert W. & Captain Eickhoff
Navigator - 1st Lt. Maltby, Edward B.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 1020 Landed - 1642
Objective - Hanover, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 24   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 - 5 x 500-LB., G.P.’s & 5 x M-17 I.B.’s & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - As above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - (1/10 G.P.’s) (INST. M-17’s)   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -11.5 Actual -__
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 90°  Actual 110°  Velocity - Metro 23K  Actual 40K
Temp C. - Metro -39° C. Actual -40° C.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
2. High Squadron made own PFF sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10 Cloud cover.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? No.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
8. No

Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Smith, Don W.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Bunnell, Jerry A.
Navigator - 2nd Lt. Mabrey, William C.

Aircraft B-17G   B-701  Take-off - 1030 Landed - 1650
Objective - Hanover, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - ____
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: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 6 x 500-LB., G.P.’s & 6 x M-17 I.B.’s & 1 Sky Marker
Number of Bombs Loaded - As above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - (1/10 G.P.’s) (INST. M-17’s)   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -11.5 Actual -__
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 90°  Actual 95°  Velocity - Metro 23K  Actual 55 MPH
Temp C. - Metro -35° C. Actual -39° C.

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. Bombing of the PFF secondary target, a locomotive and tank works at Hanover, Germany was done through 10/10ths clouds. PFF equipment worked fairly well but returns at the target were not too distinct. The lead and low squadrons bombed on the lead PFF A/C [Aircraft] and the high bombed on its PFF. Mickey operators expect fair results. Photographs show no bomb bursts, and clouds prevented visual observations.
3. No enemy A/C were encountered and no claims are being submitted.
4. Flak at the target was meager to moderate and fair for accuracy. On the route out moderate, accurate flak was encountered at Osnabruck and meager flak was observed over Munster and Zwolle.
5. Weather at the target was 10/10ths, but visibility above the clouds was generally good and did not hinder good formation flying.
6. There are no observations of military importance.
7. Bombing was done by PFF methods. The Scouting Force furnished accurate and helpful information concerning conditions at the target. It is believed that chaff was effective against flak at the target although, as lead group over the target, this group did not encounter very much flak. Later at Osnabrück, where no chaff was discharged, this group suffered some battle damage from moderate accurate flak. Fighter support was very good. None of our A/C is missing.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 156-R: Rack malfunctioned for second time on this same ship. – Lt. Barker.
A/C 696-Z: On last mission someone had vomited in ammunition box, and ammunition had not been changed. – Lt. Walker.
A/C 964-M: Group leader did not attempt any evasive action when passing through flak at Osnabruck. – Entire Crew.
A/C 384-T: Test firing of guns from plane in this group took panel out of upper turret. – Sgt. Normand.
A/C 854-V: Group was led over Osnabruck where we encountered flak; this was N of briefed route. – Entire Crew.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 082-B: High and Low leads not maintaining VHF silence. – Entire Crew.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 435-H: VHF discipline excellent. Should be like it all the time. – Lt. Nelson.
A/C 585-K: Air speed in squadron was too low. – Lt. Hadley.
A/C 694-C: Although the Low Squadron called to Lead telling them that the Low Squadron was going into flak, the Lead did not try to take evasive action for at least 2 minutes. – Lt. Brown.

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97216, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.
   2. Airplane No. 43-37705, 511th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-107124, 510th Squadron. Flak hole entered bottom of fuselage, rear of ball turret, and emerged through left side. (MINOR)
   2. Airplane No. 44-6579, 511th Squadron. Two flak holes underside RH wing inboard panel, hitting tank cradles, main tank, but glanced off diagonal. Probable tank change. (MAJOR).
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK
   2		1		1		2

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

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Lead Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: (Y–7651 PFF, T–8461, B–6082, N–7665, L–7515, C–2576, G–7862, S–7512, A–8465, F–7124, K–7252, (U–7216 Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)

   
   

   b. 94th "A" Combat Wing   High Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: (B–7701 PFF)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: B–8691, K–8585, H–8435, G–8070, P–2676, A–8428, J–6579, U–7381, C–8694, M–8650, N–8592, (F–7705 Spare)

   
   

   c. 94th "A" Combat Wing   Low Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: None
   Sqdn 509th A/C: P–8432, G–6078, M–7964, S–9914, F–6566, C–8640, V–7854, L–7676, Z–7696, N–7169, T–1384, R–6156
   Sqdn 510th A/C: None
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None

2. Target: GZ-2845A MPI 039082/4
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MSM R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T RUM R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T SPL R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T UWT R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 1005; Take-Off – 1020; E.T.D. Field – 1200
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1201	10,000 Ft	Cromer

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1515	25,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [Egmond, Netherlands]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1449	12,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [Egmond, Netherlands]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1557	8,000 Ft	Cromer

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1622 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron: 6 x 500 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] & 6 x M-17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron: 6 x 500 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] & 6 x M-17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron:
    509 Squadron: 6 x 500 GP's [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] & 6 x M-17 IB's [Incendiary Bombs]
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2500 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. Lead Box: Name: R.W. Burns Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: Y-7651 PFF  Sqdn. 510
    b. High Box: Name: Jerry A. Bunnell Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: B-7701 Sqdn. 509
    c. Low Box: Name: Wendell Secrest Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: P-8432 Sqdn. 509
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None