14 Feb. 1945 Target: Dresden

Group Mission #271

Credited Mission #263

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DATE: 14 Feb. 1945

Target: R.R. Marshalling Yard, Dresden, Germany

BRIEFING OUTLINE
BRIEFING OFFICER: (IMPORTANT): READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP

1. TARGETS:
2. Visual Primary and ~~GH target~~ for today is: M/Y [R.R. Marshalling Yard] - Dresden [Germany]
3. PFF Primary: M/Y Dresden [Germany]
4. Visual Secondary: M/Y Chemnitz [Germany]
5. PFF Secondary: ____
6. Last Resort: Plaun - Chemical Factory

TIMINGS:
Zero Hour:	- 0900		Stations:	- 0625
Start Engines:	- 0635		Taxi:	- 0655
Take Off:	- 0710		Last Take Off:	- 0830
Target Time:	- ____		ETR [Estimated Time of Return]:	- ____
Depart English Coast at:	____	at _____

LOADINGS:
Gasoline:	2,780 Gallons
Bombs:	All A/C: 6 x 500 G.P. [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses] Plus 4 M17 IB's [Incendiary Bomb]

Intervalometer Settings: Visual or PFF – 140 FT.
Chaff: Commence discharge of chaff at - 12" [minutes] before Target & continue 15"
Each A/C [Aircraft] will carry - 360 units.

Disposition of Forces:
3 Divisions will be dispatched. The 1st Air Division will depart England 1st ~~preceded~~ followed by 3rd Division and followed by the 2nd Division.
1st Division will dispatch 4 CBW's of 3 Groups each.
The order of attack in the 1st Division will be:

Lead	1st	Attacking	Dresden - Chemnitz 2nd
2nd	41st	Attacking	Dresden - Chemnitz 2nd
3rd	40th	Attacking	Dresden - Chemnitz 2nd
4th	94th	Attacking	Dresden - Chemnitz 2nd

2nd Division targets are	Magdeburg
3rd Division targets are	Chemnitz

Fighter Cover: 10 Gps. of P-51's of which there are 2 Groups for close support; 8 - P-51's Scouting Target Weather.

Assembly:

Lead at	11,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Green	Flares
High at	12,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Green-Green	Flares
Low at	10,000'	feet on	Kings Cliffe	Buncher	Red-Red	Flares
401st at	11,000'	feet on	Cottesmore	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares
457th at	9,500'	feet on	Glatton	Buncher	Red-Yellow	Flares

Combat Wing Assembly Line: East Dereham to Felixstowe
Division Assembly Line: Felixstowe to Continental Coast
1 minute interval between Groups.
Reference altitude: 22,000

Call Signs:

351st	Woodcraft Charlie
401st	Woodcraft Able
457th	Woodcraft Baker
1st Div. Air Commander	Lt. Col. Ensign
94th CBW Air Commander	Lt. Col. Brown

Navigator - _____
S-2 - _____
Weather - _____
Communications - _____
Flying Control - _____
Special Instructions:
a. Type of Bombing Formation - Bombing by Group if PFF; Bombing by Squadron if visual.
b. Bombardier and Navigator of the #3 A/C of each sqdn. report to Photo Lab.
c. Camera A/C Z-696, H-435, C-694
return at 03°00' East
d. Spares to turn back at 03°00' East.
e. PFF A/C fly as Lead & Deputy of Lead Sqdn; Lead of High & Low Sqdn.
f. GH A/C fly as None
g. REMARKS: Bombing Altitude - 26,500'
Guns will be test fired.
Gunners use Extreme Caution to avoid hitting friendly A/C [Aircraft].
Oxygen discipline will be stressed.
Russian Recognition signals on Communication Flimsy.

BRIEFING OFFICER: HAVE YOU READ SPECIAL BRIEFING POOP??

Operational Narrative – 94th “C” CBW:

Date of Mission - 14 Feb, 1945.

Target : The secondary target (Primary by PFF) was attacked.
Force: Thirty-nine aircraft, including four PFF ships and three flying spares, were dispatched. This group was the 94th “C” Group.
Position: The 94th "C" Group flew in its briefed position as twelfth group in the First Division Formation.

Lead Teams

	Group Lead
	Air Commander:	Major F. A. Richardson
	Pilot:	Captain Vernon R. Weatherman
	Navigator:	1st Lt. Thomas C. Kyser
	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Arnold Schiffman

	High Squadron*
	Group Leader:	Captain James F. Lowery, Jr
	Pilot:	1st Lt. John E. Lamb, Jr
	Navigator:	1st Lt. Joseph P. Killian
	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Robert L. Adams

	Low Squadron
	Group Leader:	1st Lt. Robert L. Cutler
	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Robert Bowen
	Navigator:	1st Lt. William M. Tabb
	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Malcolm S. Burr

* Assumed Lead after scheduled Leader aborted.

Narrative.
1. Squadron and Group 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: After completing the assembly, the formation departed from the buncher on time (0929). It then took a northeast heading in order to permit the 94th "B" Group to get into position behind the 94th "A" Group. If the briefed course had been flown, the interval between the "A" and "C" Groups would not have been sufficient to permit the "B" Group to get into its proper position. The 94th "C" Group soon got into its proper position in the Combat Wing Formation. The formation flew slightly to the east of the briefed course on the leg from East Dereham to Layenham in keeping in trail behind the Wing Leader. The briefed course was contacted before the formation made its departure from Felixstowe, the briefed departure point, at an altitude of 15,000 feet, at 1010, the briefed time.
3. Division Assembly Line: The briefed route was followed with only slight variance while crossing the channel. The divergencies that were made were necessary in order to stay in the Division Column. The 94th "C" Group was flying in its briefed position as the twelfth group in the Division Formation. The Dutch coast was crossed slightly to the right of the briefed point at an altitude of 22,000 feet, 1,500 feet below the briefed altitude.
4. Flight to Target: The briefed route was closely followed until approximately 51°45’N - 09°25’E was reached. At that point it was necessary for the entire Division Formation to fly to the right of the briefed course. The formation made this divergency in order to avoid clouds at the briefed height on the briefed course. The briefed route was contacted again before the formation reached the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. At 50°49’N - 12°10’E (1203 hours) the Low Squadron took over the lead of the 94th “C” Group. This had been necessary when it was determined that both the gee and mickey [Radar] sets in the lead aircraft were inoperative. The PFF aircraft in the High Squadron had aborted, and the mickey set in the deputy aircraft of the Lead Squadron was satisfactory for navigation, but not for bombing. The High and Lead Squadrons were then stacked up on the Low Squadron. The actual IP (50°49’N - 12°20’E) was reached thirteen minutes early (1210). This point was southwest of the briefed IP. The altitude of the former lead aircraft at that point was 27,100 feet, 600 feet above the briefed height.
5. Description of Bombing Run: The 94th “C” Group attacked the target in group formation. The Low Squadron made its own PFF sighting operation and the Lead and High Squadrons dropped on it. The target was completely overcast. No interference was encountered on the bomb run. The C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] functioned satisfactorily. After bombing, the Lead Squadron again took over the Group Lead.
6. Flight From Target: The briefed route was closely followed on the withdrawal with the exception of divergencies necessary to avoid flak. A strong head wind was encountered, and as a result, all aircraft were low on gasoline. Five aircraft of the Lead Squadron, including the lead aircraft, three aircraft of the High Squadron, and five aircraft of the Low Squadron left the formation in the vicinity of Brussels, and landed at airdromes on the continent in order to refuel.
  
  The formation was scattered after the withdrawal of thirteen aircraft that were low on gas. However, the briefed route was followed on the withdrawal. Felixstowe was crossed, but the aircraft then flew directly to base as all were low on fuel. Landings were carried out without mishap. The lead aircraft, after refueling, returned directly to base.
7. Fighter Support: As briefed.
8. Comments: Aircraft 43-38405, Pilot Lt. Ash, was hit by flak at the coast of Holland. It went into a spin with smoke pouring from the cockpit. Seven ‘chutes were seen. No enemy aircraft were encountered. There was no flak at the target. However, flak was encountered at several points on the withdrawal route. The Weather Scouting Force was contacted and furnished accurate and adequate weather information.
9. Aircraft Not Attacking: Two aircraft returned to base early. Two flying spares returned as planned.

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

STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
DIVISION FIELD ORDER NUMBER 629

	351st Bombardmant Group
	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	13	38
No. of A/C Airborne Less Unused Spares	12	13	12	36
No. of A/C Sorties	12	12	12	36
No. of A/C Attacking	12	10	12	36
No. of A/C Not Attacking	0	2	0	0
Name of Primary Target	DRESDEN, GERMANY
(A) No. of A/C Attacking Primary Target	12	10	11	33
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs	72 x 500# GP 48 x 500# IB	120 x 500# GP 48 x 500# IB	120 x 500# GP 48 x 500# IB	360 x 500# GP 48 x 500# IB
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.)			Town at 52°25’N-07°32’E
(A) No. of A/C Attacking T.O.			1	1
(B) No., Size & Type Of Bombs			6 x 500# GP 4 x 500# IB
No. of A/C Lost - Total	0	1	0	1
No. of A/C Lost - Flak	0	1	0	1
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 Off	0805	0807	0809
Time of Attack	1223½	1223½	1223½
Average Time of Flight	8:49	9:08	10:01
Altitude of Release	26,100’	26,900’	26,100’
Visual or PFF	PFF	PFF	PFF
Enemy Resistance – AA Intensity & Accuracy	MODERATE & 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	RESULTS UNOBSERVED

Above data subject to change.
12 Aircraft landed on continent to refuel and have not yet returned to base.

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

GH Aircraft		[POSITION]
44-8376		LEAD
44-8455		DEPUTY LEAD
44-8045		HIGH SQDN LEAD (Aborted)
44-8468		LOW SQDN LEAD

[Lead Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on DRESDEN 14 FEB., 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O at 0805 hours.
2. Group formed at 0929 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 11,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 0934 hours at 50°43'N 00°16'W.
4. Route over England was (not) flown as briefed. Made S turn to north to assume interval behind Glatton [401st BG]
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee, D.R. [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage.
6. Division formation was joined at 1010 hours at Felixstowe.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was (not) flown as briefed. Went west of course at Erfert to get behind group ahead and had to turn out some to stay out of flak.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. D.R. [Dead Reckoning], Mickey
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was ~~not~~ as briefed.
  2. True heading over target. 050°
  3. Actual Drift 14° Right.
  4. Altitude over Target 27,000.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1222½
  6. Wind used for bombing 342°/49 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. P.F.F. with slight visual assistance
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None. Lead squadron bombed off Low squadron because Lead and Deputy Lead ships' mickeys [Radar] were not working good enough for Bombing
  9. Weather over Target. 9/10 got glimpses of Dresden through clouds
  10. Axis of withdrawal 135° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
10. Group rally was accomplished at 50°48'N 13°39'E at 1231 hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at 50°48'N 13°39'E at 1231 hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at 50°48'N 13°39'E at 1231 hours.
13. Flight home ~~was~~ was (not) as briefed. Were [sic] very slightly North of course north of Frankfort in Division Formation. Went 8 miles south of course around flak near front lines
14. Methods of navigation on return route. Mickey, Pilotage, D.R. [Dead Reckoning]
15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~(not)~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: Not Good
  2. Gee: Out
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: Fluctuated back and forth 40 [Degrees]
  5. Other Equipment C 1 [Autopilot] wouldn't work. Something was wrong with the ships electrical system

[Signed:] T.C. Kyser, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Lead Squadron

[High Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on DRESDEN 14 FEB., 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O at 0809 hours.
2. Group formed at 0829 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 12,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 1010 hours at Felixstowe.
4. Route over England was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. Gee
6. Division formation was joined at 1010 hours at Felixstowe.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. D.R. [Dead Reckoning], Pilotage
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was ~~not~~ as briefed.
  2. True heading over target. 44°
  3. Actual Drift ---
  4. Altitude over Target 27,700.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1223
  6. Wind used for bombing 343°/49 knots.
  7. Method of target identification. P.F.F.
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None.
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10
  10. Axis of withdrawal As Briefed
10. Group rally was accomplished at 50°55'N 13°58'E at 1229 hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at ____ at ____ hours.
13. Flight home was ~~was (not)~~ as briefed.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. D.R., Pilotage, Gee
15. Winds aloft were (not) called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~(not)~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: None
  2. Gee: OK
  3. Radio Compass: OK
  4. Fluxgate: OK
  5. Other Equipment OK

[Signed:] T.B. Killian, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, High Squadron

[Low Sqdn.] Lead Navigator’s Narrative of Raid on DRESDEN 14 FEB., 1945

Flight Plan and Log attached.
Track Chart attached.
Narrative.
1. T/O [Take Off] at 0930 hours.
2. Group formed at 1000 hours on Kings Cliffe buncher at 10,000 feet.
3. Wing assembly was completed at 1104 hours at Felixstowe.
4. Route over England was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed.
5. Methods of Navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning], Gee, Pilotage and Radio.
6. Division formation was joined at 1120 hours at 5225 0329.
7. Flight to IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run] was ~~(not)~~ flown as briefed.
8. Methods of Navigation to the I.P. DR [Dead Reckoning] and pilotage
9. BOMB RUN.
  1. Actual I.P. was ~~(not)~~ as briefed.
  2. True heading over target. 360.
  3. Actual Drift 14° Left.
  4. Altitude over Target 25,500.
  5. Time Bombs Away 1253.
  6. Wind used for bombing 238°/58 knots.
  7. Method of target identification.
  8. Difficulties on bomb run. None
  9. Weather over Target. 10/10ths [cloud coverage].
  10. Axis of withdrawal 45° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
10. Group rally was accomplished at Target at 1228 hours.
11. Wing rally was accomplished at 51°26'N 09°51'E at 1234 hours.
12. Division rally was accomplished at 51°09'N 10°01'E at 1238 hours.
13. Flight home ~~was~~ was not as briefed.
14. Methods of navigation on return route. DR [Dead Reckoning] and Pilotage.
15. Winds aloft were ~~(not)~~ called out to the formation.
16. Fighter rendezvous' were ~~(not)~~ as briefed.
17. PERFORMANCE OF EQUIPMENT.
  1. Mickey [Radar]: ____
  2. Gee: Good
  3. Radio Compass: Good
  4. Fluxgate: Good
  5. Other Equipment Good

[Signed:] Melvin L. Ouder, 2nd Lt., Air Corps, Lead Navigator, Low Squadron

Lead Bombardier’s Narrative:
Date - 14 Feb., 1945
Field Order # 629
Squadron or Group - Low Sqdn., 94th "C" Group
Target - Secondary Target at Dresden, Germany

Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined)? PFF
Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Low Sqdn made own PFF Sighting operation; Lead Sqdn dropped on the Low at 1223½ hours on M.H. [Magnetic Heading] of 048°.
Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes
Cloud coverage and visibility. 10/10
If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? PFF
Any Interference on Bomb Run? None
Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes
Any other factors affecting accuracy? None

Combat Bombing Flight Record:

I certify that this 12E Form is complete and accurate.
[Signed] Warren C. Steitz, Captain, Air Corps, Group Bombardier.

Lead Squadron, 94th "C" Group Bombardier - 2nd Lt. Burr, Malcolm S.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Cutler, R. L.
Navigator - 1st Lt. Tabb, William H.

Aircraft B-17G X-468 Take-off - 0813 Landed - 1630
Objective - Secondary Target at Dresden, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - PFF Method
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 36 Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ____
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: One Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - __ Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 6 x 500 Lb. G.P.[General Purpose] & 4 x 500 Lb. I.B. [Incendiary Bomb]
Number of Bombs Loaded - As Above Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10 Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point: Bombing was in Group Formation on Low Squadron.

Altitude of Target - 380		Magnetic Heading Ordered 080° Actual 060°
True Altitude Above Target - 26,100		True Heading 057°
Indicated Altitude - 27,000		Drift, Estimated 3° Right - Actual 18° Right
Pressure Altitude of Target 900		True Track 075°
Altimeter Setting 29.92		Actual Range 15,499'
Calculated Indicated Air Speed - 150K		Bomb Sight Type - M-9
True Air Speed - 222K		Time of Release 1223½
Ground Speed Est. 360 Actual 270		Length of Bombing Run - 39 miles
Wind Direction Metro - 260° Actual - 315°		Intervalometer Setting - 140
Wind Velocity Metro 110 Actual 80		C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] - X [Used]
D.S. - 123.7 Trail - 61 ATF - 42.74.42		A-5 Pilot _____
Tan. D.A, Est. .81 Actual .64		Manual Pilot _____

Type of Release - Train 140'
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved (PFF)
Mean Temp. Metro -16½ Actual -16½
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft. Direction - Metro 260° Actual 315° Velocity - Metro 110 Actual 80
Temp C. - Metro -38° C. Actual -37° C.

Preliminary Damage Assessment:

The three squadrons of this group attacked the PFF Secondary target at Dresden, Germany. Bombing was by PFF methods in group formation. Photos show some ground detail at ‘bombs away’ but no bomb bursts are seen on the ground, because of clouds.
Using information furnished by the lead bombardier an estimated point of impact places the bomb pattern two miles NNE of the briefed PFF MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. This area is heavily built up and contains a M/Y [RR Marshalling Yard], railway station, and gas works. Damage should be heavy.

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

Narrative Teletype Report:

No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
The Three squadrons of this Group attacked the PFF Secondary target at Dresden, Germany. The PFF equipment of the lead A/C of the Lead Squadron was out of commission and the lead A/C of the Low Squadron took over the Group Lead and made the bombing run by PFF. Bombing was by Group formation. Weather was 8 to 10/10 clouds over the target area. Photos show some ground detail at time of bombs away but no bursts are seen on the ground. An approximate point of impact would place the bomb pattern in the middle of the thickly built-up area just North of the river in the area of the railroad station and gas works. Crews reported that the city could be seen through breaks in the clouds and it appeared to be burning.
No E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
There was no flak at the target itself, but meager fairly accurate flak was encountered after the turn at bombs away. Meager accurate flak was encountered at Ijmuiden. There was meager inaccurate flak at Gottingen. Moderate accurate flak was encountered at Erfurt, Brux, and Mainz. Meager accurate flak was encountered at Clotten, and there was moderate fairly accurate flak at approximately 5017 N – 0638 E. Two crews reported flak either from shore installations or from ships in the vicinity of Knocke; this flak appeared to come from friendly territory.
7 to 9/10 cloud coverage existed on the route in with occasional breaks. 8 to 10/10 clouds surrounded the target area with one large break occurring over the target immediately after the bomb run. Con-trails were light and non persistent with unlimited visibility.
At 1415 hours in the vicinity of 5021 N – 0610 E, a P-51 was observed blowing up and one chute was seen.
Four PFF A/C were employed by this Group as follows: One in the Lead and Deputy Lead position of the Lead Squadron: one in the High Squadron Lead, and one in the Lead position of the Low Squadron. The Lead and Deputy Lead PFF A/C of the Lead Squadron were not operating efficiently enough for them to make the bomb run; the PFF A/C of the High Squadron aborted; these conditions forced the lead of the Low to take over the Group lead and the other squadrons bombed on the smoke markers of this A/C. Fighter support appeared as briefed. The Scouting Force was contacted by this Group and it furnished adequate and accurate weather conditions. Our A/C D-405 was observed being hit by flak at the coast of Holland; it went into a spin with smoke pouring from the cockpit. Seven chutes were later seen. Thirteen additional aircraft of this Group have failed to return to Base but it is believed that the majority of them have landed in friendly territory on the Continent.

Track Chart:
Click on Chart to Enlarge

Combat Crew Comments:

508th Squadron:
A/C 900-M Stay on course on the way in after this! - Lt. Wiese. [Probably referring to the plane that was shot down by flak.]

509th Squadron:
A/C 566-F No signal was given to discharge chaff. - Lt Mueller.
Poor element lead resulted in poor formation. - Lt. Mueller

[Signed:] Sidney B. Steiner, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass't S-2 [Intelligence] Officer

Mission Summary Report:

Abortives and Flying Spares:
1. Airplane No. 43-38130, 508th Squadron returned early because #3 supercharger went out. Investigation revealed that #3 supercharger had a faulty electronic governor.
2. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron returned early as planned.
3. Airplane No. 43-38465, 510 Squadron returned early as planned.
4. Airplane No. 44-8045, 511th Squadron returned early. Pilot reported that #2 engine blew a cylinder. Investigation revealed that #8 cylinder of #2 engine had cracked off about two inches above the mounting flange.

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

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. K-8130 Squadron - 510 - High Date - 14 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive #3 turbo Governor out changed Amp didn't help, #2 manifold fluxuation [sic] excessively, couldn't stay in formation without over boosting.
2. Place and altitude 52°31'N - 05°12'E 22,000'
3. Time 1105
4. Position in formation #3 high in High Sqdn.
5. Disposition of bombs Same as "B"
6. Remarks ____
7. Time & Date dispatched 2/14/45
(Pilot's Signature) Robert Murray

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. L-44-8045 Squadron - 511th Date - 14 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Blew cylinder on #2 eng.
2. Place and altitude 52°04'N - 02°50'E 17,000'
3. Time 1028
4. Position in formation Lead - High Squadron
5. Disposition of bombs Brought Back
6. Remarks ____
7. Time & Date dispatched ______
(Pilot's Signature) F.R. Glazier, Capt

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. A-465 Squadron - 510 Date - 14 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive: Flying Spare - Formation intact.
2. Place and altitude: 52°23'N - 03°30'E 16,500'
3. Time: 1036
4. Position in formation: F/S [Flying Spare]
5. Disposition of bombs: Returned to Base
6. Remarks: ____
7. Time & Date dispatched ______
(Pilot's Signature) Edwin G. Gonske, 1st Lt.

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. R-6156 Squadron - 509 - Lead Date - 14 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Flying Spare
2. Place and altitude 3° East 17,000 Ft.
3. Time 10:28
4. Position in formation ____
5. Disposition of bombs BB [Brought Back]
6. Remarks ____
7. Time & Date dispatched ______
(Pilot's Signature) Robert K. Potter

Abortive Report
Aircraft No. M-9001 Squadron - 510 - Low Date - 14 Feb. 1945

PILOT'S STATEMENT:
1. Reason for abortive Loss of #3 Engine at altitude
2. Place and altitude 52°20'N - 08°30'E 27,500'
3. Time 1134
4. Position in formation Deputy Low Sqdn
5. Disposition of bombs Made run on railroad Junction 52°25'N - 07°32'E
6. Remarks Formation was still climbing and it was impossible to stay with the formation.
(Pilot's Signature) F.H. Wilcox

“J” Form:

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

a. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group Lead Squadron - 351st Group - Ref. F.O. #629 Plan B Last T.O. 0830
Sqdn 508th A/C: (Z–8376 PFF),
Sqdn 509th A/C: C–8640, F–6566, L–2955, M–7964, N–7169, O–8920, P–7843, Q–8116, T–8666, Z–7696, (R–6156 Spare)
Sqdn 510th A/C: None
Sqdn 511th A/C: (O–8455 PFF)

b. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group Low Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: None
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: (X–8468 PFF), (A–8465 Spare), B–6610, G–7862, H–8280, K–7252, M–9001, N–7665, P–8038, S–7512
Sqdn 511th A/C: C–8694, M–8650, Q–6565

c. 94th Combat Wing "C" Group High Squadron - 351st Group
Sqdn 508th A/C: A–8410, D–8405, G–8954, K–8130, M–7900, Y–6108, Q–8799 Spare
Sqdn 509th A/C: None
Sqdn 510th A/C: (V–8079 PFF)
Sqdn 511th A/C: (L–8045 PFF), A–8428, H–8435, J–6579, D–6082

Target: GH-584

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

Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T TYP R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T MFY R/T TIPSTAFF
Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T PJG R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T SMD R/T PARTNERSHIP

Taxi – 0655; Take-Off – 0710; E.T.D. Field – 0710
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)

0910 16,500 Ft Felixstowe

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
0910	16,500 Ft	Felixstowe

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
0946	23,500 Ft	52°40'N-04°37'E [Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands]

Time: Height: Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)

1534 10,000 Ft Ostend [Belgium]
Time: Height: Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)

1608 5,000 Ft Felixstowe
E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1652 Hours
MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
Lead Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. 1/10 x 1/40 & 4 M-17 I.B.'s
Low Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. 1/10 x 1/40 & 4 M-17 I.B.'s
High Squadron: 6 x 500 G.P. 1/10 x 1/40 & 4 M-17 I.B.'s
___ Squadron:
Fuel Load of each A/C: Gallons
Leaders:
Lead Sqdn: Rank & Name: Major Richardson A/C No & Sqdn. Z-8376 PFF (508)
Low Sqdn: Rank & Name: 1st Lt. Cutler A/C No & Sqdn. X-8468 PFF (510)
High Sqdn: Rank & Name: Capt. Grazier A/C No & Sqdn. L-8045 PFF (511)
Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
None

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
1534	10,000 Ft	Ostend [Belgium]

Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
1608	5,000 Ft	Felixstowe

Report Compiled By I.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.

Formation Chart:

94th "C" Group - Lead Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				509th Squadron
				Richardson–Weatherman A/C 44-8376 Z PFF
			Whittaker A/C 43-38116 Q		Daugherty–Hammond A/C 44-8455 O PFF
	Ramsey–Nowakowsky A/C 43-38640 C						Johnson, E.G. A/C 43-38920 O
Quinn A/C 43-38666 T		Smith A/C 43-37964 M				Hammet A/C 42-102955 L		Mueller A/C 44-6566 F
	Parker A/C 42-97843 P						Potter A/C 44-6156 R Spare
Fox A/C 43-37696 Z		Wefel A/C 42-97169 N

[Lt Potter, the flying spare returned as planned.]

94th "C" Group - High Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				508th Squadron
				Glazier–Parnell A/C 44-8045 L PFF
			Buttel A/C 43-38954 G		Lowery A/C 43-38691 B
	Wiese A/C 43-37900 M						Ash A/C 43-38405 D
James A/C 43-6108 Y		Wisdom A/C 43-38428 A				Murray A/C 43-38130 K		Sandel A/C 44-6802 X
	Sugg A/C 44-8410 A						Hansen A/C 43-38799 Q Spare
Dunn A/C 43-38435 H		Berkenpas A/C 44-6579 J

94th "C" Group High Squadron Formation Over–Target
				508th Squadron
				Lowery A/C 43-38691 B
			Buttel A/C 43-38954 G		Hansen A/C 43-38799 Q
	Wiese A/C 43-37900 M					James A/C 43-6108 Y
		Wisdom A/C 43-38428 A					Sandel A/C 44-6802 X
	Sugg A/C 44-8410 A
Dunn A/C 43-38435 H		Berkenpas A/C 44-6579 J

[Lt Glazier aborted. The Deputy Lead, Lowery, filled his position. Lt Lowery's position was filled by the flying spare, Lt Hansen.]
[Lt Ash fell out of formation after being hit by flak. His position was filled by Lt James.]
[Lt Murray aborted.]

94th "C" Group - Low Squadron Formation at Take–Off
				510th Squadron
				Cutler–Bowen A/C 44-8468 X PFF
			Peterson–Miller, J.Z. A/C 42-38038 P		Wilcox A/C 43-39001 M
	Hickel A/C 44-6610 B						Gottschalk A/C 42-97252 K
Lawson A/C 44-8280 H		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S				Adams A/C 44-6565 Q		Kirkland A/C 43-38650 M
	Brooks A/C 43-37862 G						Gonske A/C 43-38465 A Spare
Lubozynski A/C 43-38694 C		Blaney A/C 43-37665 N

94th "C" Group Low Squadron Formation Over–Target
				510th Squadron
				Cutler–Bowen A/C 44-8468 X PFF
			Peterson–Miller, J.Z. A/C 42-38038 P
	Hickel A/C 44-6610 B					Gottschalk A/C 42-97252 K
Lawson A/C 44-8280 H		Haskins A/C 43-37512 S			Adams A/C 44-6565 Q		Kirkland A/C 43-38650 M
	Brooks A/C 43-37862 G					Gonske A/C 43-38465 A Spare
Lubozynski A/C 43-38694 C		Blaney A/C 43-37665 N

[Lt Wilcox aborted.]
[Lt Gonske, the flying spare returned as planned.]

Time Schedule:
Zero Hour: 0900 BST [British Standard Time] Briefing: Enlisted Men 0345; Officers 0415 Stations: 0625 Start Engines: 0635 Taxi: 0655 Take-Off: 0710 Leave Base: 0710 [Breakfast: Enlisted Men 0245; Officers 0315]

[Wounded On Mission: 0]
[Killed in Action: 1]
[Prisoner of War: 8]

Missing Air Crew Report (MACR):

A/C# 43-38405 YB-D Pilot: Lt. Ash A/C's 27th Mission MACR # 12334
Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
Eyewitness Account

I, Ivan G. Kimmel, 37727768, was flying as tail gunner on Lt James' crew on a mission to Dresden, Germany on 14 February 1945. I first noticed Lt Ash when he started into a steep dive just after we crossed the Dutch coast. There were no enemy fighters in the area, but there was moderate, accurate flak, and he must been hit by it. After he had descended about 1000 feet, he went into a wide spiral. It was after he went into this spiral that I saw parachutes come from the plane. I counted seven (7) in all. After this the plane was obscured by clouds and I could see nothing more. I heard nothing over VHF.
[Signed] Ivan G. Kimmel, 37727768

I, John J. James, 0-835210, was flying as pilot of aircraft No. 44-6108 on a mission to Dresden, Germany on 14 February 1945. Lt Ash was flying in the element on my right, and I first noticed him when he started to dive at about a 70 degree angle from level flight, at the Dutch coast. There was moderate flak in the area, and I thought he was trying to get out of the flak by nosing down, but he kept on going down and must have been out of control. The plane went out of sight, and this is all I saw. Nothing was heard over VHF.
[Signed] John J. James, 0-835210

Over Assendelft, Netherlands, 4 crew members jumped out of the B-17, Lt. Hays landed north of the Genieweg road, Norbo, Anderson and Pierce on the south side of the Genieweg. Ash, Bennedict, Brady, Graser and Nicholas crash landed at Wormerveer. This account is described on the website:
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/gec-military-moderated/WzjnCflI4kE;context-place=forum/gec-military-moderated
The Flying Fortress was flying with a large smoke trail above the Zaanstreek, and flew over the Zaan. Co-pilot Ned Benedict, in the last fatal seconds came back to consciousness, he pulled hard to the steer to avoid a collision with the "Wessanen" silo`s. Then above the paper factory "Van Gelder" the plane turns and flew on a height of 50 meters to the Noorderveld, where it crash landed. Eyewitness, Piet Stelling, 18 years old at that time: it was fascinating, you should see him coming, a fireball around the plane, I thought I was dreaming, flames came out of the plane. It disappeared behind the Noorderdijk or Ruyterkade. The plane hit the ground and broke in two parts, the front part half in the water.
Co-pilot Benedict, who loses an ear and three fingers, wrote 38 years later from Torance, California to Joan Graas in Assendelft:
"The plane gets into a right spin, we try to escape, but the escape hatches where blocked by the fire. Because of the lack of oxygen we get temporarily unconscious, but we came to consciousness in time to avoid a canal in the city. We made a crash landing with gear up, and escaped through the side windows. I was falling into a deep water of around 60 centimetres. My waist gunner took me out of it, and soon after that I remember some people." Benedict and the radio operator W. Brady where captured by the Germans, and they took them to the "Sint Jozef" Hospital at Apeldoorn. Ash, who suffered some bad burn wounds, was transported to the St. Willebrordus Hospital at Heilo, Netherlands.
Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
- Pilot - 1st Lt Ash, Curtis E. - Transported heavily wounded to a hospital in Heilo, Netherlands - later transported to a POW camp, camp unknown.
- Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Benedict, Ned - Transported to the St Jozef hospital at Apeldoorn, Netherlands - lost one ear, and three of his right hand fingers. He remained in the hospital until liberated by the Canadians on 13 April.
- Navigator - 1st Lt Hays, Robert W. - was hanging in his parachute and was shot upon from the ground. A bullet hit him in the stomach. In a farmhouse he got a last cigarette and died. He was initially buried in Assendelft, Netherlands.
- Nose Gunner - Sgt Nicholas, Arthur A. - Captured, POW camp: Dulag Luft West, Oberursel, Germany
- Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Pierce, Robert B. - Captured, POW, camp unknown
- Radio Operator - S/Sgt Brady, Ward E. - Transported the the St Jozef Hospital at Apeldoorn, Netherlands - he remained in the hospital until liberated by the Canadians on 13 April.
- Waist Gunner - Sgt Graser, Kenneth - Captured, POW camp unknown
- Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Norbo, John R. - Captured, POW camp unknown
- Tail Gunner - Sgt Anderson, Louis D. - Captured, POW camp: Dulag Luft West, Oberursel, Germany
Burial Records:

The burial records below courtesy of findagrave.com
- 1st Lt Hays, Robert W., Buried at Clear Creek Cemetery, Clear Creek, Monroe County, Indiana

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351st Bomb Group

Polebrook, England

Group Mission #271

Credited Mission #263