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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #232

Credited Mission #226
 
DATE: 21 Nov. 1944
Target: I.G. Farben Synthetic Oil Plant,
Merseberg, Germany
 
Briefing Outline:
    1. TARGETS: 
    2. Visual Primary: I.G. Farben Synthetic Oil Plant, Merseberg, Germany
    3. PFF Primary: Merseberg
    4. Visual Secondary: Merseberg
    5. PFF Secondary: Merseberg
    6. Last Resort: Rudolstadt

  2. TIMINGS:
    Zero Hour: - 0930
    Stations: - 0720
    Start Engines: - 0730
    Taxi: - 0740
    Take Off: - 0755
    Target Time: - 1147
    ETR [Estimated Time
       of Return]:    		 - 1618

      Gasoline 2,700 Gallons

  3. LOADING:
     Lead - 10 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 – 1/40 [Fuses]
     High - Same (Long Delay Fused Bombs in J-579; M-964; O-277)
     Low - Same
     Composite - ___

  4. Intervalometer Settings: Visual or P.F.F. – 75 FT.

  5. Chaff: All A/C [Aircraft] commence release chaff 4 mins. after IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] & continue for 12 mins. Each A/C will carry 288 units.

  6. Division Formation:
    Disposition of Forces[Bomb Group]TargetTime of Departure
    11 Groups“A” Gp. in 94 CBW
    [Combat Bomb Wing]    		457th Merseburg 1125
    “B” Gp. in 94 CBW 401stMerseburg1127
    “C” Gp. in 94 CBW351stMerseburg1129
    1 Div. Lead1st CBWMerseburg
    2nd CBW40th CBWMerseburg
    3rd CBW94th CBWMerseburg
    4th CBW41st CBWMerseburg
    25 Groups2nd Div.36 Sqdns.Hamburg
    3rd Div.13 Grps.Merseburg - Lutzkendorf

    PFF A/C to fly as: Group Lead & Deputy Group Lead

    REMARKS:
     Division Assembly Line - Clacton to 52°37'N-04°37'E
     Interval between Groups - 1 minute.

  7. Fighter Cover: 6 Gps. of P-51’s.

  8. Other Forces: 1 Group P-51's, 2 Gps P-38, 9th AF - Target Area - will escort stragglers - No radio contact with these.

  9. Assembly:
    Lead at10,000'feet on Kings Cliffe Buncher
    High at11,000'feet onKings CliffeBuncher
    Low at9,000'feet onKings CliffeBuncher
    401st at11,500'feet onCottesmoreBuncher
    457th at10,000'feet onGlattonBuncher
    Composite at____feet on____Buncher
    Combat Wing Assembly Line: 0924
    Division Assembly Line: 0938

  10. Navigator - _____
  11. S-2 - _____
  12. Weather - _____
  13. Special Instructions:
     a. Type of Bombing Formation - Normal
     b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
      They are: Lead - M-900 High - R-156 Low - D-524
     c. Camera A/C  N-727; P-676; O-595 to return at Coast out [bound].
     d. Spares to turn back at 03° East.
     e. REMARKS: Keep gunners on ball - Remember Oxygen checks.
      Fighter opposition expected heavy - as on Nov. 2.
      Lead group over will drop frags [Fragmentation Bombs] on 24 gun flak battery to reduce flak by 25%.
      Remember to keep an eye on ships in your squadron so you vote on best & worst formation flying at interrogation.

      BREAK!!  PILOT’S STAY!

  14. CALL SIGNS:
    CALL SIGNFLARES  NAME
    351stWoodcraft CharlieRG [Red Green]Capt. Geiger
    401stWoodcraft Baker______
    457thWoodcraft Able__Maj. Syptak
    1st Div. Air CommanderSwordfish Able Leader__Lt. Colonel Rohr
    94th CBW Air CommanderMaj. Syptak______

    FightersBalance 1
    BombersVinegrove 1-9
    Grnd. ControlMohair ("D" Channel)

    Control Points:Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Clacton – 0930 hrs.W - Hamburg
    C.P. 2 - 52°37’N-06°00’E - 1028 hrs.H - Dummer Lake
    [Genemuiden, Netherlands]E - Northeim
    C.P. 3 - 50°05’N-07°45’E - 1301 hrs.L - Nordhausen
    [Langscheid, Germany]P - Halle
    _____I - Meinninger
    _____N - Fulda
    _____G - Frankfort

    Remarks: Reference Altitude: 24,000’

  15. Colors of the Day
    TimeColorLetterChallenge
    0700 – 1300G-RRHW
    1300 – 1900R-RRIN

    Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. Channel “A” - All A/C except the following:
    2. Channel “B” - P-258, V-854, U-381
    3. Channel “C” - 67th F.W.[Fighter Wing] C-753
    4. Channel “C” - 8th A.F., G-567
    5. Channel “D” - Available on all A/C except L-045, Z-376, Q-116, Q-080 which have 67th Fighter Wing Channel.

  16. FLYING CONTROL:
    1. Runway on Take Off. 25 [Runway heading 025°]
    2. Expected Runway on return.  25
    3. Emergency Airfields on Continent. - Know procedure in case emergency landing in France.
    Use caution taxiing.
    Weather ship - Tipstaff Baker (Col. Romig)
    Stand off areas as follows - Low - Peterborough; High - Withering.
    In case of instrument let-down - go to the stand off field until called in.


Operational Narrative:
  1. Date of Mission - 21 Nov, 1944.
    1. Target Attacked: The Lead and High Squadrons attacked the Primary Target at Merseburg, Germany by PFF methods. The Low Squadron attacked a Target of Opportunity at Apolda, Germany visually.
    2. Force: 94th "C" Group. Thirty-seven aircraft, including two PFF ships and one flying spares were dispatched.
    3. Position: Briefed to fly as third group in the third combat wing in the Division Formation. This position was flown to the target.
    4. Lead Teams
      "C" Group Lead
      Air Commander: Captain Jerome H. Geiger
      Pilot:1st Lt. Evan A. Poston
      Navigator:1st Lt. Lester W. Boardman
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Earl G. Maxwell

      High Squadron Lead
      Leader: Captain William R. Logan
      Pilot:1st Lt. Charles E. Daugherty
      Navigator:1st Lt. Elver F. Huntley
      Bombardier:2nd Lt. Donald H. Stump

      Low Squadron Lead
      Leader: Captain Jerry A. Bunnell
      Pilot:1st Lt. Joseph C. Robinson
      Navigator:1st Lt. William C. Mabrey
      Bombardier:1st Lt. Don W. Smith

  2. Narrative.
    1.  Squadron and Group Assembly: Carried out as briefed at the King's Cliffe buncher at 10,000 feet.
    2.  Route Over England: Departure from the assembly point was made on time (0859) and on course. Holbeach was reached two minutes late (0910). The 94th "C" Group was flying in its proper position behind the 94th "B" Group. As both formations were behind time, a direct course to Clacton was flown from 52°29'N-00°51'E [Near Great Hockham, England]. Clacton was reached on time (0938) at 14,000 feet, 1000 feet below the briefed altitude.
    3.  Division Assembly Line: Division assembly line flown as briefed. The 94th "C" Group was in the proper position in the Division Formation. The coast of Holland was reached at the briefed point at 1026 (3 minutes late) at 21,200 feet, 1200 feet above the briefed altitude.
    4.  Flight to Target: The 94th "C" Group followed the Division Formation from the enemy coast on the way into the target. The 94th "B" Group climbed above the 94th "C" Group and was above it for the majority of the route into the target. Information received from the Weather Scouting Force indicated that it would be difficult to climb above the bad weather in the target area or to attack the target below it. The decision as to how to attack was left to the formation leaders. The Division Leader announced over the VHF [Radio] that he was flying in the soup at the reference altitude minus four without great difficulty. The 94th "C" Group was at that time letting down in the hope of finding better weather, and leveled off to attack the target at 20,250 feet. The briefed IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run.] was not reached, but the point used in its place was only 2 minutes south and nine minutes east of the briefed point. The IP was reached while the formation was still in the process of letting down in search of better weather. The formation was then six minutes late (1140).
    5.  Description of Bombing Run: The Lead and High Squadrons attacked the target at Merseburg by PFF methods. The High Squadron dropped on the smoke markers of the Lead Squadron. A PFF run had been started, when the bombardier announced that he thought a visual run could be made when the formation was about in the middle of the bomb run. However, when the formation was still seven miles from the target it became evident that the briefed aiming point was completely overcast. As a result, a PFF run was made as had at first been started. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The weather, however, was extremely bad and visibility very poor. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was not used by the lead aircraft. Bombing results were not observed. Shortly before the target was reached, the Low Squadron became seperated [sic] from the Lead and High Squadrons in the bad weather. It turned to the right before the target was reached in order to avoid the possibility of collision and let down in order to get under the cloud cover. It was thus possible to attack the town of Apolda as a Target of Opportunity. A 360° turn was made and the target was attacked visually. Visibility was poor in the target area. A short run was made with the railroad tracks as the aiming point. No interference was encountered on the bombing run. The C-1 Pilot functioned satisfactorily.
    6.  Flight From Target:  The Lead and High Squadrons had attacked the target at 1151 - four minutes late. The turn to the right was made as briefed after the target. The proceeding formations were followed loosely on the withdrawal. After attacking the Target of Opportunity, the Low Squadron took up a southwesterly heading and contacted the briefed course at 50°40'N-10°20'E. The Group Leader contacted the Low Squadron on VHF, and after determining that it was ahead of the Lead and High Squadrons ordered it to return to base without waiting for the rest of the formation. The lead aircraft reached the Belgian coast at 1421 - 22 minutes early at an altitude of 5,700 feet. The formation was slightly to the right of the briefed departure point. The formation gradually closed in to the briefed route while flying to Cromer. Cromer was reached at 1519½ - 27½ minutes early at 1,000 feet. A normal let-down procedure had been followed. Return to base was made without further incident. The Low squadron followed the briefed route on the withdrawal, ahead of the Lead and High Squadron.
    7.  Fighter Support: As briefed.
    8.  Comments: (1) Aircraft 43-37727, pilot Lt. Loehndorf, was last seen straggling behind just after the target with the No. 4 engine feathered, and has not been heard of since. No enemy aircraft were encountered. In the Merseburg area, intense, black continuous, following flak was encountered. Eight to ten-tenths clouds were encountered in the target area. The Scouting Force was contacted and furnished helpful and accurate weather information. One aircraft landed in the vicinity of Brussels after having been damaged by flak.

  [Signed] Clinton F. Ball, Lt. Col., Air Corps, Operations Officer


Statistical Summary:
94th “C” COMBAT BOMB WING FORMATION
Lead BoxHigh BoxLow BoxTOTAL
No. of A/C Failing to Take Off0101
No. of A/C Airborne13121237
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares13121237
No. of A/C Sorties13121237
No. of A/C Attacking13*101235
No. of A/C Not Attacking0202
Name of Primary TargetMERSEBURG, GERMANY (PFF TARGET)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target131023
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs 130 x 500# GP  100 x 500# GP  230 x 500# GP 
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.)APOLDA, GERMANY (VISUAL)
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.1212
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs119 X 500# GP119 X 500# GP
No. of A/C Lost - Total1001
No. of A/C Lost - Flak11
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
Time of Take Off075407550756
Time of Attack115111511207
Average Time of Flight8:118:007:57
Altitude of Release20,140’20,740’18,500’
Visual or PFFPFFPFFVisual
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & AccuracyINTENSE AND ACCURATE
Enemy Resistance – Fighter0000
Enemy Resistance – Bombers0000
U.S. A/C Engaged by Enemy Aircraft0000
Degree of SuccessRESULTS UNOBSERVEDLITTLE DAMAGE
Bomb Totals130 x 500# GP100 x 500# GP119 X 500# GP349 X 500# GP

* - Includes A/C scheduled as F/S [Flying Spare] with Lead Squadron, which replaced the FTO [A/C that Failed Take Off] in the High Squadron.


PFF A/C were borrowed from Groups as follows: None
PFF A/C were loaned to Groups as follows: None

PFF AircraftPOSITION
42-8045LEADAttacked Primary
42-97701DEPUTY LEADAttacked Primary


Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 21 Nov. 1944
Field Order # 599
Squadron or Group - Lead Sqdn., 94th "C" Combat Group
Target - Merseburg, Germany (PFF)
  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? Squadron performed own PFF sighting operation.
  3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? 51°28'N-10°56'E.
  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? None.
  7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Not used.
  8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? The lead of the High Sqdn. was shot out of formation and as the high sqdn. was abreast of the lead sqdn., they dropped on the lead sqdn.
  [Signed] Earl G. Maxwell, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier.

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Maxwell, Earl G.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Poston, Evan A.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Boardman, Lester

Aircraft B-17G   L-045  Take-off - 0755 Landed - 1605
Objective - Merseburg, Germany (PFF)
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF
Initial Point - 51°28'N - 10°56'E
Method of Attack - Group
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 - 10 x 500 LB., An-M43 G.P.[General Purpose] Á 2 Smoke Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - PFF On

Information at Release Point:  High dropped on lead Sqdn's. markers.

Altitude of Target - ___Magnetic Heading Ordered 110° Actual 89°
True Altitude Above Target - 20,140True Heading 83°
Indicated Altitude - 20,600Drift, Estimated 8° Left - Actual 6° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +706True Track 77°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 14575.6'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KBomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 185KTime of Release 1151
Ground Speed Est. 266 Actual 232KLength of Bombing Run - 43 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 250° Actual - 250°Intervalometer Setting - 75 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 57 Actual 48 C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] _____
D.S. - 143.3  Trail - 54   ATF - 37.09A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .61 Actual .74 Manual Pilot - X [Used]

Type of Release - Train 75 Feet
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved
Mean Temp. Metro -12.5 Actual ___
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 250°  Velocity - Metro 38  Actual 48
Temp C. - Metro -38° C. Actual -__° C.



Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 21 Nov. 1944
Field Order # 599
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th "C" Combat Group
Target - Apolda, Germany (Target of Opportunity)
  1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)?  Visual
  2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron performed own sighting operation.
  3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? None used.
  4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Visibility was poor.
  5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? A short run was made with the R.R. tracks being the A.P. [Aiming Point].
  6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? None.
  7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
  8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? Due to the short run, an aiming point was hard to pick out.
  [Signed] Don W. Smith, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier.

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

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

Aircraft B-17G   Q-080  Take-off - 0755 Landed - 1545
Objective - Apolda, Germany (Target of Opportunity)
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - R.R. Tracks
Initial Point - None
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 - 10 x 500 LB., An-M43 G.P.[General Purpose] Á 1 Smoke Markers
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:

Altitude of Target - ___Magnetic Heading Ordered 110° Actual 186°
True Altitude Above Target - 18,500True Heading 180°
Indicated Altitude - 17,300Drift, Estimated 8° Left - Actual 15° Left
Pressure Altitude of Target +706True Track 165°
Altimeter Setting 29.92Actual Range 10,627'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150KBomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 210KTime of Release 1207
Ground Speed Est. 230 Actual 230KLength of Bombing Run - 4 minutes
Wind Direction Metro - 250° Actual - 280°Intervalometer Setting - 75 Feet
Wind Velocity Metro 55K Actual 50K C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 155.1  Trail - 50   ATF - 34.17A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .61 Actual .52 Manual Pilot - ____

Type of Release - Train 75 Feet
Point of Impact If Seen - Fair
Mean Temp. Metro -12.5 Actual -12.5
Winds - Altitude - 20,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 250°  Actual 280°  Velocity - Metro 55K  Actual 57K
Temp C. - Metro -38° C. Actual -__° C.



Preliminary Damage Assessment:
  1. The lead and high squadrons of this group bombed, by PFF methods, the synthetic oil plant at Merseburg, Germany. An effective smoke screen and clouds obscured the target. No bursts can be seen on photos.
  2. Photo cover for the high squadron shows 'bombs away' with some ground detail. An approximate plot shows 'bombs away' to be four and a half miles from the target on a course directly for the south end of the target area.
  3. The low squadron bombed, as a target of opportunity, the Railroad lines at Apolda, Germany. Apolda is a city of approximately 25,000 population located on the main R.R. line between Weimar and Naumburg. The bombs fell in the western edge of the city across the R.R. tracks. At least ten hits are seen on the tracks. The main concentration fell into open area and damage will be negligible. The pattern is 1710 feet by 1530 feet.
  [Signed:] Thomas L. Cooper, Captain, Air Corps, Group P.I. [Photo Intelligence]


Narrative Teletype Report:
  1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
  2. The lead and high squadrons of this group bombed by PFF methods the secondary target at Merseburg, Germany. Smoke screen and cloud cover obscured the target and results were unobserved. The low squadron bombed as a target of opportunity the railroad line at Apolda, Germany, between Weimar and Naumburg. Approximately ten hits can be seen on the railroad line; other damage will be negligible.
  3. No enemy A/C were encountered and no claims [of enemy A/C being shot down] are being submitted.
  4. At the primary target intense black continuous following flak was encountered, accurate for both height and deflection. Meager inaccurate flak was encountered at Ymuiden, Giessen and Clatten.
  5. There were 8 to 10/10 clouds at the briefed bombing altitude with bases down to 18,500 feet; the formation was forced to fly in these clouds and was considerably broken up as a result of the poor visibility encountered in them. The lead and high squadrons bombed by PFF methods on the secondary target through clouds, but the low squadron was separated from the other squadrons in the clouds and was forced to bomb a target of opportunity at Apolda where conditions were visual.
  6. One crew observed four large barges heading south at 1116 hours in a canal at approximately 52°17'N-08°56'E [Near Minden, Germany].
  7. The PFF equipment of both the lead and deputy lead of the lead squadron worked well. The Scouting Force was contacted and furnished helpful and accurate weather information. Fighter support was as briefed. Our A/C H-666 landed in the vicinity of Brussels after having been damaged by flak. Our A/C N-727 was last seen straggling behind just after the target with No. 4 engine feathered, and has not been heard of since.


Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge



Combat Crew Comments:

    508th Squadron:
A/C 410-A Why can't we have ammunition for .45's issued before each mission? We could turn it in again afterwards. - Lt. Terrill.
A/C 587-G Bomb above the clouds - not in them! - Lt. Buttel.
A/C 753-C There should be some way for engineers to get tools to take on a flight. - Lt. Crutcher.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 957-D Flimsey [sic] containers are in poor condition and do not hold the material well enough. - F/O Lockard.
A/C 696-Z We went into the clouds to bomb the primary when the Last Resort offered a clearer target. - Whole crew.
A/C 676-L Transportation today was very poor for the 509th Squadron. We were the only squadron that didn't have any trucks out there when we landed.
A/C 640-C The high squadron flew so low that there was a choice of flying in the prop wash of the low box of the high, or the high box of the lead. There was one time when the two squadrons almost collided, resulting in breaking up of the high squadron.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 694-C Paint the letter of the plane on the tail by tail gunner's guns so that you can see them in fog if all that can be seen is the direct rear of plane. - Lt. Reznik.

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


Mission Summary Report:
  1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
    1. Airplane No. 44-6078, 509th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot reported an excessive amount of fuel was being consumed and he estimated consumption at over 400 gallons per hour. A ground check revealed consumption to be 284 gallons per hour, which is not excessive for climb.
    2. Airplane No. 43-38465, 510th Squadron, returned early. The Pilot reported that #1 engine had an oil pressure drop, a runaway propeller and that the engine ran rough. The engine was feathered. Aircraft was ground checked and flight checked at altitude and found to be satisfactory.
  2. Battle Damage:
    1. Airplane No. 43-43-37956, 508th Squadron. One flak hole underside left and right wing panels, skin and corrugation damage. Flak skin hole left side of fuselage above wing. Numerous flak skin holes vertical stabilizer and dorsal fin, right side. Two flak holes right side of fuselage forward of waist window, damaging skin, wiring, and oxygen lines. (Major).
    2. Airplane No. 43-38405, 508th Squadron. Two flak holes #4 nacelle, damaging cowl flap, fixed cowl, ball joint, exhaust shroud and tail pipe. Flak skin hole leading edge of RH stabilizer. Flak skin hole top of right inboard wing panel. Fabric damage by flak to right elevator. (Major).
    3. Airplane No. 43-38753, 508th Squadron. Flak skin hole top of fuselage left of Pilot's compartment. Flak damage #2 and 1 nacelles, damaging skin and hydraulic lines. Flak skin hole top of left wing tip. Two flak holes underside RH inboard wing panel, damaging skin and tokio tank. (Major).
    4. Airplane No. 43-38567, 508th Squadron. Flak skin hole leading edge right wing outboard panel. Fabric damage by flak to underside RH aileron. Two flak skin holes underside RH wing panel. Flak skin and rib damage to right side of vertical stabilizer and rudder. Flak skin damage to #4 nacelle, right side. (Minor).
    5. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron. Flak skin damage to leading edge of RH Stabilizer. Flak hole underside of right wing, damaging tokio tank. Flak hole left side of fuselage rear of waist window. (Major).
    6. Airplane No. 43-37900, 508th Squadron. Five flak holes underside RH wing panel, damaging skin, corrugation and tokio tanks. Flak hole left bomb bay door. Flak hole left wheel well. Three flak holes left side of fuselage, skin damage only, but going clear through. Flak hole right side of dorsal fin. Flak skin damage to #4 nacelle. (Major).
    7. Airplane No. 43-97258, 508th Squadron, landed away from base with Major battle damage.
    8. Airplane No. 43-38432, 509th Squadron, landed away from base with Major battle damage.
    9. Airplane No. 43-38591, 509th Squadron. Four flak holes through right wing panel and aileron, damaging skin, corrugation and tokio tanks. Three flak holes through left wing panel and aileron. damaging skin and tokio tank, and main tank. (Major).
    10. Airplane No. 43-38640, 509th Squadron. Numerous flak holes both wings, damaging tokio and main tanks. Three flak holes left and right stabilizers, skin damage only. Flak hole leading edge of right wing. (Major).
    11. Airplane No. 43-37696, 509th Squadron. Flak skin hole top of LH stabilizer. Two flak holes underside RH wing, damaging stiffner [sic], booster pump cover. Three flak holes underside left wing, one flak hole left aileron, possible tokio tank damage. Two flak holes right side of fuselage, damaging generator junction box wiring, and engine fire extinguisher cables. (Major).
    12. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron. Two flak skin holes in each wing, underside. One flak skin hole left bomb bay door. Flak skin hole through vertical stabilizer. Flak skin hole through LH stabilizer. (Minor).
    13. Airplane No. 42-97701, 509th Squadron. Flak damage to Left stabilizer, necessitating change. Flak skin hole through vertical stabilizer. Flak skin damage to #1 nacelle. Flak skin hole leading edge left wing. Flak damage to right wing underside damaging gas hose and #4 tank. Flak damaged spar leading edge right wing. Flak damaged right side of fuselage and G [Gee] box. (Major).
    14. Airplane No. 43-38592, 511th Squadron. Flak hole entered top of RH wing panel and damaged fuel tank vent line, fluxgate wiring and #3 feeder tank. Flak skin hole top of right wing. (Major Damage).
    15. Airplane No. 44-8045, 511th Squadron. Flak entered underside right wing at flap and damaged skin, corrugation and bracket. Flak entered right stabilizer at top and damaged formers, skin and spar. Flak skin damage top of fuselage to bomb bay. Flak entered #3 nacelle and damaged skin and oil tank. Flak entered #1 nacelle, damaged skin and oil tank vent line. Flak entered right wing from below, damaging flap, several stringers, and skin and flap bracket. (Major).

    TOTAL A/C DAMAGEDMAJOR DAMAGEMINOR DAMAGEBY FLAK
    1513215
  [Signed:] John W. Freeman, Captain, Air Corps, Group Engineering Officer


Abortive Report
Aircraft No. A-465 Squadron - 510  Date - 21 Nov. 1944
  1. PILOT'S STATEMENT:
    1. Reason for abortive: #1 Engine - Loss oil pressure - deton [detonation] - heavy smoke - runaway prop.
    2. Place and altitude: 52°37'N - 05°56'E [9 miles NW of Zwolle, Netherlands] (22,000 - 23,000?)
    3. Time: 1040
    4. Position in formation: high box
    5. Disposition of bombs: tried to hit ship in Z sea (Zuider Zee) missed 2000'
    6. Remarks: fought engine for 35 min. until M/P [Manifold Pressure] dropped and prop ran away - considered staying in formation but decided gas might give out on such a long haul.
      (Pilot's Signature) Richard H Goldborough
  2. GROUP ENGINEERING OFFICER'S STATEMENT:
    1. Cause (if mechanical): ____
    2. Responsibility: ____
    3. Type if abortive: ____
    4. Position in formation: ____
    5. Disposition of bombs: ____
    6. Remarks: ____
      (Eng. Officer's Signature) ____
  3. SQUADRON COMMANDER'S STATEMENT:
    1. Responsibility: ____
    2. Action Taken: ____
      (Squadron C.O.'s Signature) ____
  4. GROUP S-3's [Operations] STATEMENT:
    1. Comments: ____
    2. Credit: ____
      (Operations Officer's Signature) ____
  5. To Group Commander for information and remarks.
Ship was small steamer transport with one stack. 52°30'[N] 05°07'[E], Bombs Away 10:59, Alt. 18,000, Mag. Heading 280°


“J” Form:
  1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:
    a. 94th "C" Group   Lead Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: (Z–8376), M–7900, H–8666, A–8410, G–8567, D–8405, C–8753, P–7258, L–7956, N–7727, (O–8277 DA*),
            (F–1711 Spare)
    Sqdn 509th A/C: None
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF)

    * - DA - Delay Action Bombs

    b. 94th "C" Group   Low Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: None
    Sqdn 509th A/C: None
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: Q–8080, B–8691, D–7524, H–8435, N–8592, U–7381, C–8694, F–7705, M–8650, K–8585, P–2676,
            (J–6579 DA*)

    * - DA - Delay Action Bombs

    c. 94th "C" Group   High Squadron - 351st Group
    Sqdn 508th A/C: None
    Sqdn 509th A/C: P–8432, Q–8116, R–6156, N–7169, G–6078, U–8591, F–6566, L–7676, Z–7696, V–7854, C–8640, O–7595,
            (M–7964 DA*)
    Sqdn 510th A/C: None
    Sqdn 511th A/C: None

    * - DA - Delay Action Bombs
  2. Target: GQ-1515
  3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:
    Squadron508 [Call Sign]W/T TUY R/T CARLTONSquadron510 [Call Sign]W/T NGW R/T TIPSTAFF
    Squadron509 [Call Sign]W/T RFA R/T HOTMINTSquadron511 [Call Sign]W/T SWK R/T PARTNERSHIP
  4. Taxi – 0740; Take-Off – 0755; E.T.D. Field – 0755
  5. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
    093815,000 Ft Clacton
  6. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
    102320,000 Ft 52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]
  7. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
    14435,000 Ft 51°13'N-02°53'E [Ostend, Belgium]
  8. Time:Height:  Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
    15475,000 Ft Cromer
  9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1618 Hours
  10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
  11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    Lead Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    Low Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    High Squadron: 10 x 500 G.P. - 1/10 x 1/40
    ___ Squadron:
  12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
  13. Leaders:
    a. Lead: Rank & Name: Capt. Geiger A/C No & Sqdn. L-8045 PFF (511)
    b. Low: Rank & Name: Capt. Bunnell A/C No & Sqdn. Q-8080 (511)
    c. High: Rank & Name: Capt. Logan A/C No & Sqdn. P-8432 (509)
  14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By Shepard, M/Sgt.



Formation Chart:
94th "C" Group Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
508th Squadron
Geiger–Poston
A/C 44-8045 L PFF
Kennedy
A/C 43-37900 M
Angelini
A/C 42-97701 B PFF
Sullivan
A/C 43-38405 D
Stahl
A/C 43-38666 H
Wishnewsky
A/C 42-97258 P
Crutcher
A/C 43-38753 C
Buttel
A/C 43-38567 G
Galloway
A/C 44-8410 A
Lenze
A/C 43-37956 L
Kale
A/C 42-31711 F Spare
Parnell
A/C 43-38277 O (D.A.)
Loehndorf
A/C 43-37727 N

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.


94th "C" Group Lead Squadron Formation Over Target
508th Squadron
Geiger–Poston
A/C 44-8045 L PFF
Kennedy
A/C 43-37900 M
Angelini
A/C 42-97701 B
Sullivan
A/C 43-38405 D
Stahl
A/C 43-38666 H
Wishnewsky
A/C 42-97258 P
Crutcher
A/C 43-38753 C
Buttel
A/C 43-38567 G
Galloway
A/C 44-8410 A
Lenze
A/C 43-37956 L
Parnell
A/C 43-38277 O (D.A.)
Loehndorf
A/C 43-37727 N

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.


94th "C" Group High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
509th Squadron
Logan–Daugherty
A/C 43-38432 P
Horowitz
A/C 44-6156 R
Knight
A/C 43-38116 Q
Walker–Korges
A/C 43-37676 L
Crews
A/C 42-97169 N
Barker
A/C 43-37957 D
Mueller
A/C 43-37696 Z
Whittaker
A/C 43-38591 U
Basehore
A/C 44-6078 G
Claggett
A/C 43-38640 C
Beveridge
A/C 43-37964 M (D.A.)
Goldsborough
A/C 43-38465 A

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.


94th "C" Group High Squadron Formation Over Target
509th Squadron
Logan–Daugherty
A/C 43-38432 P
Horowitz
A/C 43-6156 R
Knight
A/C 43-38116 Q
Walker–Korges
A/C 43-37676 L
Crews
A/C 42-97169 N
Barker
A/C 43-37957 D
Mueller
A/C 43-37696 Z
Whittaker
A/C 43-38591 U
Kale
A/C 42-31711 F
Claggett
A/C 43-38640 C
Beveridge
A/C 43-37964 M (D.A.)
Goldsborough
A/C 43-38465 A

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.
Basehore (Abortive) was replaced by Kale (Flying Spare) from Lead Squadron.


94th "C" Group Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
511th Squadron
Bunnell
A/C 43-38080 Q
Ashton
A/C 43-37524 D
Nay
A/C 43-38691 B
Johnson
A/C 43-38694 C
Lambert
A/C 43-38435 H
Williamson
A/C 43-38650 M
Langdon
A/C 43-37705 F
Butler
A/C 42-97381 U
Fox
A/C 43-38592 N
Hadley
A/C 43-38585 K
Boettcher
A/C 44-6579 J (D.A.)
Taylor
A/C 42-102676 P

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.


94th "C" Group Low Squadron Formation Over Target
511th Squadron
Bunnell
A/C 43-38080 Q
Ashton
A/C 43-37524 D
Nay
A/C 43-38691 B
Johnson
A/C 43-38694 C
Lambert
A/C 43-38435 H
Williamson
A/C 43-38650 M
Langdon
A/C 43-37705 F
Butler
A/C 42-97381 U
Taylor
A/C 42-102676 P
Hadley
A/C 43-38585 K
Boettcher
A/C 44-6579 J (D.A.)

(D.A.) Indicates that A/C loaded with Delay Action Bombs.
Taylor replaced Fox, who attacked T/O [Target of Opportunity] while out of formation.


Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0930 BST [British Standard Time]  Briefing:Enlisted Men 0415; Officers 0445 Stations: 0720 Start Engines: 0730 Taxi: 0740 Take-Off: 0755  Leave Base: 0755 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0315; Officers 0345]

[Wounded On Mission: 3]
[Killed in Action: 3]
[Prisoners of War: 6]


Missing Air Crew Report (MACR):

  • A/C# 43-37727   YB-N  Pilot: Lt. Loehndorf  A/C's 46th Mission   MACR # 11204

    Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

    Eyewitness Account
    I, Belford E. Duffey, 0-813130, was flying as Co-Pilot of Aircraft No. 43-37956 which was in the Low Flight of the Lead Element on a Mission to Merseburg, Germany on 21 November 1944. Just after bombs away, I noticed that Lt. Loehndorf, who was flying on my right wing, was slowing down his No. 4 propeller as if he were feathering it. I noticed this just after the target when we turned sharply to the right. I saw no parachutes. We then went into the clouds and I saw nothing further of this plane.
    [Signed] Belford E. Duffey, 2nd Lt., Air Corps.

    Eyewitness Account
    I, Ray F. Hakeos, 36855663, was flying as Ball Turret Gunner on Aircraft No. 43-37956 which was in the Low Flight of the Lead Element on a Mission to Merseburg, Germany on 21 Nov 1944. Just after we left the target, I noticed that at about 6 o'clock (and a little below plane in which I was flying) there was a ship whose No. 3 Engine was smoking. I am not sure that this was Lt. Loehndorf's plane, but it bore the red diagonal marking of our group. Shortly afterwards, I noticed that the No. 3 Engine was on fire. It peeled off to the left and started into a dive, going into clouds that made it impossible for me to see it any longer. I saw no parachutes. As far as I know, this was the only one of our planes not still in the formation.
    [Signed] Ray F. Hakeos, 36855663, S/Sgt., 508th Bomb Sq (H).

    Summary of Eye-Witness Accounts
    1. Position of missing aircraft when last sighted or contacted: 51°19'N, 12°00'E.
    2. Approximate altitude:  21,000'
    3. Describe enemy opposition:  Flak at target intense and accurate. No enemy aircraft encountered. No "particular" information concerning effect of enemy opposition on missing aircraft although it was presumably damaged by flak.
    4. Description of extent of damage to missing aircraft:  No. 4 Engine feathered.

    German documents state that the plane crashed at 11:59 am, 1 km. south east of Koettichen.
    The Waist Gunner, Harold L. Dillon, stated on a questionnaire in the MACR, "We went into N.W. Germany and went S.E. to our target, and were headed west on the bomb run (secondary target was airfield S.W.)."
    Question: Where were you when you left formation? "Just past the target, over Osterfelde, Germany, a village near Weisenfels, Germany. The Bombardier and Engineer went out the front escape hatch. The Ball Turret Operator, Radio Operator and myself went out the waist door. The Tail Gunner went out the escape door in the tail. I didn't see anyone bail out except from the waist door. We rolled out head first. The radio operator and I made delayed jumps, landing at Osterfelde.
    Question: Where did your aircraft strike the ground? "It exploded a few seconds after we, in the waist, bailed out, according to the Ball Turret Gunners report."
    Question: What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? "I presume the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Navigator were in the ship when it exploded."
    On the rear of the questionnaire Sgt Dillon stated, "We were shot up pretty bad by flak. No. 4 engine out. After dropping bombs, the bombardier tried to shut the bomb-bay doors. They lacked about 6 in. of closing. The fire broke out immediately in No. 3 main gas tank, and in the bomb-bay, gas was blowing in the bomb-bay, burning like a blow-torch. The fire was intense and increased rapidly. We, in the rear, were cutoff from those in front. I think we bailed out in 5 min. or less after the fire was first noticed. The Engineer reported that the cockpit was full of smoke and the Co-Pilot opened his window. The engineer was burned on the neck and wrist. The Ball Turret Gunner reported that the plane turned a half-circle and exploded. He opened his chute as soon as he left the plane. I delayed opening my chute until I had dropped 10 to 15 thousand feet, and never saw the plane again after bailing out. We had a "Camera" plane that day."
    Another crewman stated that the plane was hit at the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and was able to drop their bombs on the target before the pilot ordered them to bail out.

    Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
    • Pilot - 2nd Lt Loehndorf, Warren E., Killed in Action
    • Co-pilot - F/O Simcich, John J., Killed in Action
    • Navigator - F/O Ivanhoff, Jordan, Killed in Action
    • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Kemp, Stanley N., 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 or Repatriated.
    • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Potter, Leland C., 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 or Repatriated.
    • Radio Operator - Sgt Townsend, Bernard S., 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 or Repatriated.
    • Waist Gunner - Sgt Dillon, Harold L., POW at Dulag Luft Grosstychow Dulag 12. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
    • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Olson, Evan 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 or Repatriated.
    • Tail Gunner - Sgt Albright, Basil 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 or Repatriated.
    Burial Records:

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

    • 2nd Lt Loehndorf, Warren E., initially buried in the cemetery of Reuden on 24th Nov. 1944. Reinterred at Plot B Row 41 Grave 42, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium.
    • F/O Symcich, John, initially buried in the cemetery of Reuden on 24th Nov. 1944. No other burial records found.
    • F/O Ivanoff, Jordan, initially buried in the cemetery of Reuden on 24th Nov. 1944. Reinterred at Forest Hill Cemetery, Canton, Stark County, Ohio, USA, Plot: Military 1 Row 16.


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