NOTE: Elipses (...) denote words/phrases/letters/numbers that were unreadable
| 1. | No nickels carried. None on hand. |
| 2. | Strike photos of the 92nd group were not available for examination. A/c carrying cameras landed away from base and film was turned over to photograph sections of bases where they landed. At Halberstadt bombs of our a/c and composite group were seen to hit factories at the MPI. The area was burning fiercely and heavy black smoke billowed up to 900 feet. Other bomb hits were observed at the junction of the RR tracks at the NE section of the city. Bomb hits and fires were also observed in the center and west end of the city. One crew reported three columns of smoke rising from target area to 5,000 feet observed from distance of five miles. At Oschersleben bombs of the 92nd group were observed to hit the center of the city. The target had been hit by previous formations and the entire city appeared to be burning. A pall of white smoke hovered over the northeast end of the city and gray and black smoke billowed up to 5,000 feet visible 20 miles from the target. |
| 3. | From 50 to 150 e/a were reported today. They were first seen in small numbers in the vicinity of the IP at about 1140 hours. When the formation reached the eastern extremity a solid undercast reaching from the enemy coast. Attacks were constant, but not in group strength until after leaving the target. For a very few minutes through the heavy flak area over and around Halberstadt and Oschersleben virtually all e/a disappeared. Two or three were seen diving through the flak. Immediately after leaving the flak area, a large number of e/a pressed home heavy rate of attacks, which lasted for 75-100 miles going west of the target. As the formation reached heavy undercast 75 miles west of the target, the numbers of e/a fell off sharply, as did the rate of attacks. Sporadic attacks continued, however, until 1400 hours at the Zuider Zee. Thus the formations were under constant attack for two hours and 20 minutes. T/e e/a were seen in the great majority. JU 88s, Me 110s and Me 210s were numerous. Also seen were FW 190s, Me 109s and one JU 87. Attacks were experienced "from all around the clock" although... most of the attacks were from the nose and tail directions from a high level and low. Nose attacks were usually from eleven to one o'clock and tail attacks from five to seven o'clock. Single attacks were experienced almost without exceptions, there being only one or two observations of pack attacks. More s/e e/a were reported to have attacked the nose or front of the formation, whereas t/e e/a made the majority of the tail attacks. The few exceptions e/a were not observed to fire anything except 20 mm and 30 caliber armament. One JU 88 was seen to fire from four to six rockets at the formation near the Zuider Zee at Rangeos to 2,000 yards. All rockets fell short and exploded without contact. One t/e e/a fired two rockets at another formation in the target area. A/c were seen taking off from a/d at Goslar just southeast of Stenhuder Lake and at Brunswick. |
| 4. | At 1044 hours at 5237-0437E this formation encountered meager inaccurate black gunfire at 18,000 feet. This gunfire was continuously pointed. At Harden Bergh at 1110 hours meager inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 19,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was also used at this formation. At 5238-0710E meager black bursts were observed firing on group behind. One huge white burst was observed 15 miles southeast Zwolle at 1130 hours near Hameln. One very large black burst was observed at 1200 hours at Oschersleben. Moderate accurate black gunfire was encountered at 19,000 feet. This fire was continuously pointed. After bombs away formation made a sharp left turn, which changed direction of group to westerly. For a period some minutes formation flew parallel to a railroad from which guns were firing. Until formation changed direction this railway gunfire tracked. At 1213 hours at Brunswick moderate inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 19,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was used. At 1225 hours at Celle meager inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 18,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was used. At Rheine at 1301 hours meager black bursts were observed on left. At enemy coast on way out moderate black gunfire was encountered at Ijmuiden at 10,000 feet. This gunfire was accurate and stayed with formation for approximately three minutes. |
| 5. | Solid undercast and haze overhead extended from enemy coast going to the Harz Mountains. The formation broke into a clear section extension extending from the Harz Mountains northeastward over Halberstadt, Oschersleben and Brunswick permitting visual bombing. Fighter opposition was favored by this clear area as this was where most of the attacks occurred. Only sporadic attacks were made after the undercast was again reached. |
| 6. | An airdrome was observed on the southeast side of Hannover. It was located in a V-shaped area and was completely covered grass with no visible runways. Numerous old large shed, frameworks and piles of old metal debris was observed along roadways and road intersections just after crossing the coast in Holland. About 50 smoke pots were observed one mile southeast of Oschersleben. A railroad yard and manufacturing plant on the southeast side of Hannover was observed with a large black and white smoke column rising from this area. |
| 7. | Unidentified B-17 was seen going down on fire after having been attacked by four e/a over 5210-1120E. At 1154 hours five other B-17 were seen to go down over target area. Ten chutes were seen to come from one B-17, seven chutes from another and five chutes from each of the other three a/c. Another B-17 was seen to straggle after being hit by flak at target. Seven chutes were seen from this a/c at 1238 hours while on heading of 270 true from 5237-0920E to 0850E. A/c 758 K from this group was seen to drop out of formation and dive through clouds at 6,000 feet with five e/a following at 1316 hours. This a/c reported over VHF that it was badly damaged and was calling for fighter support. A/c 175 M from this group was seen to explode at 11,000 feet at 1322 hours over 5232-0605E. Two chutes were seen. Fighter support, principally P-51s, was fair on way in to target. Only a few P-51s were seen just after target. These stayed in view for approximately 15 minutes. |
Tactical Analysis of Enemy Fighter Opposition Encountered on 11 January 1944
Crews from this group reported most all types of enemy aircraft totaled between 50 and 150. Twin engine aircraft by far predominated, listed in the order of greatest number seen were JU88s, Me 210s and one DO 217. Large numbers of single-engine e/a were also observed being listed in same manner. Me 109s, FW 190s and one JU 87. On the whole e/a were black or dark gray in color, usually with white bellies. The twin-engine aircraft appeared to be black without exception. A few twin-engine e/a were reported with unusual coloring. An FW 190 camouflaged yellow, pink and green. Another FW 190 with yellow cowling and several Me 109s with light colored stripe running over and around lengthwise of fuselage were seen. The white and black German cross stood out cleanly.
E/a were first seen in small numbers at 1140 hours in the vicinity of the IP when the formation reached the eastern extremity of the solid undercast extending from the enemy coast. Attacks were constant and not in great strength until after leaving the target where the e/a became very determined and carried attacks into close range. For a few minutes through the heavy flak over over and around Halberstadt and Oschersleben virtually all e/a disappeared immediately after leaving the flak area. A large number of e/a pressed home a heavy weight of attacks which lasted for 75 to 100 miles going west of the target. Upon reaching the undercast on the return route, the number of e/a attacks fell off sharply, but the formations were subjected to enemy opposition for two hours and twenty minutes until 1400 o'clock at the Zeider Zee.
In analyzing tactics it appears that the enemy used most every idea at his disposal, attacking at all around the clock from high, level and low, singly with twin-engine and sometimes in pairs with single-engine using twin-engine aircraft for rocket-firing from out of range and possibly air-to-air bombing as well as captured B-17s. The attacks on this group came mainly from the nose and tail from high, level and low. Nose attacks were experienced from eleven to one o'clock and tail attacks from five to seven o'clock. The t/e e/a came in mostly for the tail attacks and the s/e e/a utilized the nose approach principally. JU 88s and Me 110s fired rockets from approximately 2,000 yards, which burst well short of our formations. One crew saw two bombs drop through the formation. No explosion was noticed and no aircraft were seen overhead. Several crews reported a B-17 with no markings flying ahead of formation alone from just beyond target until enemy coast was reached. It then disappeared. One fighter made a single attack, then this B-17 a/c was unmolested. Fighter a/c were seen taking off from airdromes at Goslar, Brunswick and just southeast of Steinhader Lake.
Final Statistical Report
[someone wrote in Final at the top]
Total # airplanes airborne, including spares: 24
Total # dispatched per group: 23
Total # attacking per group: 22, 5 on Halberstadt, 17 on Oschersleben
# a/c dispatched which failed to attack per group: 1 due to mechanical failure
# a/c lost: 2 to enemy fighters
Time of attack:
Halberstadt: 1147 hours
Oschersleben: 1200 hours
Altitude of attack:
Halberstadt: 20,000 feet
Oschersleben: 19,000 feet
# of bombs on each target:
Oschersleben: [looks like] 204x500 GP
Halberstadt: 168 M47 A1s and 12 500s
# wounded: 3
# missing: 20
Planes with Cat A and AC: 15
Planes with Cat. B: 1
Another Statistical Report
11 attacked Oschersleben
9 attacked Halberstadt
2 attacked Brunswick
one lost to enemy fire, one by reasons unknown
Attacked:
Oschersleben: 1200 hours
Halberstadt: 1147 hours
Brunswick: 1159 hours
Bombs:
Oschersleben: 132 500 GPs
Halberstadt: 60 500 GPs, 168 M47 A1s
Brunswick: 24 500s
# wounded: 2
# missing: 20
to Capt. Johnson at Division
2230 hours
4 a/c heard from guess bombed Oschersleben
Another Statistical Report
Of 11 a/c thus far interrogated, one attacked primary, 8 attacked Oschersleben.
Of two a/c which failed to return, one is reported to have bombed Oschersleben. One unreported.
One failed attack due to mechanical failure.
One lost to enemy fighters, one to reasons unknown.
Category A, AC: 6
Report of the Lead Bombardier
| A. | Bomb sight was synchronized on center of town of Oschersleben, the target of opportunity. |
| B. | This target was not briefed. |
| C. | Accurate gunfire made the a/c unsteady. The bomb run of 40 seconds was too short to accurately synchronize. Number 4 engine went out ten seconds before bombs were away and this threw the a/c off track. |
| D. | None |
handwritten page
says Oschersleben and Halberstadt
then apparently lists airplanes and bomb loads
| A/C | Oschersleben | Halberstadt | Brunswick [?] | |
| 623 | 12 500s | |||
| 387 | 12 500s | |||
| 052 | 12 500s | |||
| 976 | 12 500s | |||
| 326 | 12 500s | |||
| 377 | 12 500s | |||
| 649 | 12 500s | |||
| 008 | Not dispatched | 12 500s | ||
| 770 | 12 500s | |||
| 175 | 12 500s | blew up | ||
| 961 | jettisoned in sea | 12 500s | ||
| 958 | 12 500s | |||
| 025 | 12 500s | |||
| 411 | 12 500s | |||
| 532 | 12 500s | |||
| 180 | 12 500s |
| 799 \ 362 \ 408 / 716 / |
48 500s |
| 496 | 42 100s | |||
| 758 | 42 100s | missing | ||
| 564 | 42 100s | [looks like] reported | ||
| 109 | 42 100s |
Flak Report (for both Oschersleben & Halberstadt)
| 1. | Route followed: [blank] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Visibility at target. Any condensation trails. Solid undercast from enemy coast to Haez Mountains. Poor at target. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | # a/c over [what is there is crossed out; typed in is] enemy territory. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | Formation:
Time of attack: 1200 hours Lead
High
Low
Composite Group
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | General axis of attack: 30° mag | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | How long did formation fly straight and level? 40 seconds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | After turning after bombing run degrees of turn: sharp left turn of approximately 100° | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | Position of group in relation to other groups. Distance between groups. If in doubt, say so. 92nd is low group. Composite high group. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | What evasive action was taken? Give full particulars. Normal side to side evasive action with no change in elevation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Short description of flak on route. [blank] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Any other comments. [blank] |
[next page]
| 1. | Route followed: Lowestoft [to] 5237-1004E [to] 5232-0437E [to] 5227-0757E [to] 5229-0604E [to] 5218-0555E [to] 5228-0719E [to] 5210-0421E [to] 5227-0820E [to] 5201-0322E [to] 5205-0855E [to] 5204-0212E [to] 5153-1025E [to] 5211-0813E [to] Halberstadt Oschersleben |
| 10. | Flak At 1044 hours at 5237-0437E this formation encountered meager inaccurate black gunfire at 18,000 feet. This gunfire was continuously pointed. At Harden-Berg at 1110 hours meager inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 19,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was also used at this position. At 5238-0714E meager black bursts were observed firing on group behind. One huge white burst was observed 15 miles southeast of Zwolle. At 1133 hours near Hameln one very large black burst was observed. At 1200 hours at Oschersleben moderate accurate black gunfire was encountered at 19,000 feet. This gunfire was continuously pointed. After bombs away formation made a sharp left turn, which changed the direction of the group to westerly. For a period of some minutes formation flew parallel to a railroad from which guns were firing. Until formation changed direction this railway gunfire tracked. At 1213 hours at Brunswick moderate, inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 19,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was used. At 1225 hours at Celle meager inaccurate black bursts were encountered at 18,000 feet. Continuously pointed fire was used. At Rheine at 1301 hours meager black bursts were observed on left. At enemy coast on way out moderate black gunfire was observed at Ijmuiden at 10,000. This gunfire was accurate and stayed with formation for approximately three minutes. |
| 11. | Very large red burst with brownish-gray colored smoke was observed over target approximately 1,000 feet above formation. This burst was accurate for deflection. Three times size of normal burst. A white smoke trail which rose from ground was seen on north side of target, which began to curve down when level with a/c. Just after curving down it burst with a big red flash into three red balls, which descended slowly. Over Holland a large black mushroom-like burst was seen with streamers going down. This burst was three times as large as normal bursts. At 1150 at 5158-1012E rockets fired from ground were observed rising with white trails and burst over formation. |
Flash Report
| A. | Approximate number of a/c attacking primary target: none |
| B. | Approximate number of a/c attacking secondary target: none |
| C. | Approximate number of a/c attacking target of last resort: none |
| D. | Approximate number of a/c attacking target of opportunity: Oschersleben: 19 |
| E. | Reason for attacking target of opportunity: Combat wing leader followed over target of opportunity |
| F. | # of a/c known to be missing and # unaccounted for: missing: 1 unaccounted for: 17 |
| G. | Bombing results: ( ) good ( ) fair (x) poor ( ) unobserved |
| H. | Weather, very brief: Overcast from enemy coast to [nothing else] |
| I. | Flak: moderate Enemy aircraft opposition: moderately strong |
| J. | Friendly fighter support: poor, weak
|
Phoned to 40 CBW A-2 by P.H.B. at 1930 hours 11/1/44 after interrogation of Erganian's crew
Formation
strike-outs mean no take-off
Lead
327th Squadron
1 - Erganian - 326 W
2 - Miles - 180 U
3 - Oshea - 025 Q
4 - Walsh - 961 [no letter listed]
5 - McEvoy - 377 U
6 - Lavies - 649 X
7 - Swart - 638 N
High
326th Squadron
1 - Lock - M 175
2 - Wild - S 387
3 - Rose - K 958
4 - Lansing - G 532
5 - Larrivee/Shea - 799
6 - Wenger - R 362
7 - Jessen - Q 770
Low
[squadron not listed, but this is 407th Squadron]
1 - Reid - Z 408
2 - Wilder - R 411
3 - Yakel - T 008
4 - Leavey - Q 047
5 - Perkens - X 052
6 - Skoubo - G 716
7 - Cooper - Y 976
High Squadron, High Group, 40th CBW
325th Squadron
21,000 feet
1 - Hardin - O 564
2 - Lansford - H 493
3 - Tryens - K 758
4 - Floyd - D 014
5 - Camps - L 503
6 - Chesmore - M 109 (327)
7 - Webb - Z 496 (327)
Spares:
Riley - L 623
Koss - Y 636
Debriefing Reports
[NOTE: In the interest of saving space, any questions that were left completely blank by the airmen in have been omitted from the respective reports.]
327th Squadron
230649 X
#3, 2nd element lead squadron
time took off 0857
[time/place of landing difficult to read
after time took off, t.o., but 1228 over time landed, then dash 1328 dash (-1328-)
also says landed at Debach 1450]
| P | 2 Lt. William R. Lavies |
| C | 2 Lt. Elijah C. Vaughn |
| N | 2 Lt. Dale W. Kiner |
| B | 2 Lt. Eugene R. Johnson |
| R | S/Sgt. Johnn J. Walcott |
| TT | S/Sgt. Neil E. Byers |
| BT | Sgt. Lester F. Schrank |
| LW | Sgt. Peter Guaatella |
| RW | Sgt. Wm. E. Harman |
| TG | Sgt. Vern G. Swindler |
Enemy fighter opposition:
200- ...[something short written above the dash; could be MR; kind of looks like a W] JU 88s predominated. Me 110 large numbers. ME 109, FW 190 (one). JU dark top, light bottoms
[next line] with white-black, then Swastika [has cross written]
Me 110 light gray dirty silver. Me 109s black with white nose FW blacks
E/a were in area from IP at 1130 until just before enemy coast at 1352. JU coming in from below at five to seven o'clock on tails mainly 110 was seen to come in from nose attack and was destroyed. Two rockets seen but source not known. Me 110s. No other attacks seen. Some high, some low. Waiting on stragglers. FW 190 five o'clock low on tail. Fired at and turned off and ...109 seen to go down in flames and crash, but no attacks run. Five s/e in train diving down exploded in mid-air. Our fighters were on them.
Air-to-air bombing: none
Enemy use of friendly a/c: none
Fighter support: P-51s over target at 1200. Stayed ten minutes. Five s/e shot down, exploded. P-47s a glance before target.
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following | ||||
| 1108 | 5231N-0706E | 19,000 | one big burst | low ahead | right | black | just one huge burst | ||||
| 1200 | target area | 19,000 | moderate | good | good | black | barrage and continuously pointed | ||||
| 1200 | target | 19,000 | meager | high | behind right | barrage | |||||
| meager flak | diss | places | coming out | ||||||||
| 1338 | 5237N 0516E | 19,000 | moderate | low | right | black | between two formations | ||||
Unusual phenomena: Over target trail of smoke seen to come up and over formation arch and burst just over formation. Four parachutes came out with ball of red fire hanging from each. Crew says flak was more accurate after these were seen.
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations: none
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures: [blank]
Comments/suggestions:
altitude too low
flak too accurate
formation ragged over target
Battle damage: minor
327th Squadron
237961 T
turned back
0856 take-off
1233 landing
landed at Bassingborn [91 Bomb Group base]
| P | 2 Lt. John R. Walsh |
| C | 2 Lt. Rex Townsend |
| N | 2 Lt. Kenneth R. Kinsela |
| B | 2 Lt. Walter L. Warren |
| R | S/Sgt. W. A. Black |
| TT | S/Sgt. William J. Haltom |
| BT | Sgt. William T. Shaddock |
| RW | Sgt. Ross F. Wall |
| LW | Sgt. Arthur L. Bennett |
| T | Sgt. Sherman M. Silver |
Enemy fighter opposition: none
sortie credit
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support: none
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following |
| 1043 | Egmond | 18,000 | meager | check | right | b | ? |
Unusual phenomena: none
Results of Bombing: not over target
Route Followed
Crew observations: none
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures: none
Comments/suggestions: none
Battle damage: one flak hole in wing
407th Squadron
230052 X
camera
with 92nd Group
flying lead second element low squadron
0933 take-off
1503 land Snetterton Heath [96 Bomb Group base]
| P | 2 Lt. Arthur B. Pickens |
| C | 2 Lt. Allen L. Baker |
| N | 2 Lt. Harold NMI Alpern |
| B | 2 Lt. William NMI Scszado |
| R | S/ Robert M. Ferguson |
| TT | S/ Charles E. Cowan |
| BT | Sgt. Merritt T. Gobel |
| RW | Sgt. Paul R.... [typed over; looks like Cotherman] |
| LW | Sgt. Robert W. Fenlason, Jr. |
| T | Sgt. Vern A. Curdy |
Enemy fighter opposition:
10-15 e/a Me 110s mostly and Me 210s one to two only. No JU 88s. E/a seen just before target and stayed almost to enemy coast. E/a seen to leave just over target where flak fire of great accuracy experienced. E/a looked black. Me 110s had light gray bellies. After target e/a only made half-hearted passes. No determined attacks. Before target attacks appeared more determined. One nose attack and last tail attack from above. All attacks single attacks.
Air-to-air bombing: none
Enemy use of friendly a/c: none
Fighter support:
Pretty good at Dutch coast. P-47s arrived as briefed high. They stayed a few minutes. P-51s seen right at target and just before IP saw about twelve and believed were many more. Our a/c were shooting at... [them?] P-51s stayed with us almost to enemy coast and stayed for a good hour or more.
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following | ||
| 1045 | coast going in 5243-0436E | 17,000 | meager | high | scattered wide | black | c. p. f. | ||
| 1159 | target | 18,500 | moderate | good | good | black | c. f. | ||
| scattered all way to coast | |||||||||
| 1353 | 5210N 0422E | 10,000 | meager | good | good | black | c. f. | ||
Unusual phenomena:
Very large red burst with brownish clay colored smoke seen over target above formation 1,000 feet and good for deflection. Three times as large as ordinary flak.
Right over target saw white smoke trail from ground over north side of town, which began to curve down and at even altitude and ahead. Just after curving down it burst with big red flash into three red balls, which descended slowly.
Just before turning on IP saw large black burst larger than flak accompanied by 10-15 small white... can't read; fla or o d something something something... without smoke. There with smoke. Three of these were seen at even altitude but very wide. Smoke was very heavy and inky and hung in sky.
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations: none
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures: [blank]
Comments/suggestions: none
Battle damage:
flak holes in nose, tail, left wing, bomb bay, and one prop blade nicked
hydraulics system knocked out
231180 U
camera ship
deputy leader, lead squadron
| P | Capt. Ellison Miles |
| C | 1 Lt. John C. Qua |
| N | 1 Lt. Arthur K. Slagle |
| B | 2 Lt. Francis X. Lethschuetz |
| R | T/Sgt. James M. Cross |
| TT | T/Sgt. Lester L. Menkin |
| BT | S/Sgt. Glenn D. Phillippe |
| RW | S/Sgt. Thos. R. Buckingham |
| LW | S/Sgt. Herman E. Conrad |
| T | S/Sgt. Donald L. Murray |
Enemy fighter opposition:
50-75 t/e and c/e; mostly 109s;
Types, marking, color: none noted
JU 88s; 25 FW 190s
25 t/e
25 109s
Tactics: ...[hard to read]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following |
Unusual phenomena: single burst of huge flak on the way in; possibly rockets
Results of Bombing: bombed on lead ship
Route Followed
Crew observations:
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage:
Class A
10 flak
237976 Y
# 3 low sq lead element
0910 take-off
1510 landed at Framlingham
| P | 2 Lt. Elmyran R. Cooper |
| C | 2 Lt. Arthur A. Pinzke |
| N | 2 Lt. Arthur J. Croci |
| B | 2 Lt. John D. Williams |
| R | S/Sgt. Joseph E. Frazier |
| TT | S/Sgt. Williamm B. Trask |
| BT | Sgt. Charles R. Gates |
| RW | Sgt. Charles A. Ryne |
| LW | S/Sgt. Hubert V. Garrett |
| T | Sgt. Wallace H. Baldwin |
Enemy fighter opposition: [same as the others]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following | |||
| 1043 | 5237-0437E | 19,000 | meager | on another group | right | b | cps | |||
| 1110 | 5235-0632E | 19,000 | meager | on another group | b | cps | ||||
| 1133 | 5210-0927E | 19,000 | one burst observed for accuracy, deflection very large | black | ||||||
| 1145 | between IP and target | 19,000 | meager | check | check | b | cpf | |||
| 1213 | Braunschweig | 19,000 | continuous | check | check | b | cpf | |||
Unusual phenomena: none
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed in formation
Crew observations: none except VHF signals on another side
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures: none
Comments/suggestions:
Altitude should be maintained until enemy coast has been crossed
Fifteen minutes before enemy coast was reached a voice was heard on VHF announcing formation was...at 14,000 feet and that crew should remove mask... later another voice was heard stating a/c was at 10,000 feet
Battle damage: Class A flak damage
stapled to this page is another interrogation form:
Results observed: ... saw factory hit. Believed target wiped out.
Others: one group's bombs hit in south center of town
Enemy opposition: 11 total. JU 88s, 8 Me 100s, one Me 109
Time: just before target to Hannover
1156 to 1221
Duration: Each plane made about one attack and then left. Most attacks were from six o'clock low. Single attacks. Machine gun and 20 mm were weapons used. Time...for attacks: one attack made from high to low at one o'clock was a JU 88. One attack made from below to within 180 yards. This plane was shot down. Eight o'clock level. Another attack was made came to within 70 yards. Attack on other groups were seen, but too distant for accurate information. Many attacks were made on stragglers also.
Flak
Halberstadt, 19,000 feet, all around except above, extremely accurate, continuously pointed fire, black, intensity moderate
Specialty flak formation
Friendly a/c lost or in distress:
B-17 from our group (175) believed to be leading second element of high squadron. # 1 engine began smoking. Letter designation M. At 1316 hours disappeared out. Peeled off. #175. One chute seen. Plane caught on fire and disintegrated. Flak got. #1 engine. No fighters attacked. Place: over Lingen.
B-17 from group ahead seen to spin down out of control. Seven chutes seen.
Place: Petershagen
Time: 1240 hours
Weather: Home field overcast and landed at Framlingham
Crew suggestions:
When over coast too low on return too much flak on VHF gave altitude away over enemy territory.
Fighter support: P-51 at target. P-47 half hour before target
Minor battle damage
lead low squadron
231408 Z
0857 take-off
1440 landed at Woodbridge
| P | 2 Lt. Winslow C. Reid |
| C | 2 Lt. James W. Prior |
| N | 2 Lt. James W. Grimmitt |
| B | 2 Lt. Harry H. Atamian |
| R | S/Sgt. Charles W. Brazda |
| TT | S/Sgt. Ramsay Longbotham |
| BT | Sgt. Carroll G. Hewitt |
| RW | T/Sgt. James H. Barkley |
| LW | Sgt. Joseph K. Hawkins |
| T | Alexander Phillips |
Enemy fighter opposition: [same as what has been previously noted in other interrogation reports]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak: [same as what has been previously noted in other interrogation reports]
Unusual phenomena:
blue-white smoke trails just before target 1125 5215N-0835E fire with...high with large bursts
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations:
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Longer extension cord on headsets and mikes
Battle damage:
sub depot
Cat B
Tokyo tanks and #4 engine hit
230716 G
#4 high squadron composite group
| P | 2 Lt. Ralph K. Skoubo |
| C | 2 Lt. Harold D. Avery |
| N | 2 Lt. Richd. M. Baker |
| B | 2 Lt. Billy R. Coretti |
| R | S/Sgt. Russell F. Kennedy |
| TT | S/Sgt. Jn. R. Hewitt |
| BT | Sgt. Hal E. Poe |
| RW | Sgt. Charles S. Therburn |
| LW | Sgt. James Dively |
| T | Sgt. Clyde L. Green |
Enemy fighter opposition: [same as others]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak: [blank]
Unusual phenomena:
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations:
Station 119 (forum) 5-F money pouches missing from a/c. Evidently stolen.
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage:
239770 Q
326th Squadron
#2 in second element lead squadron
0905 take-off
1531 at...{Water Beach?}
| P | 2 Lt. Harvey Jessen |
| C | 2 Lt. Dale C. Alexander |
| N | 2 Lt. Donald M. Austin |
| B | 2 Lt. Lynwood A. Argenbright |
| R | S/Sgt. Duane M. Bingham |
| TT | S/Sgt. Wm. G. Belk |
| BT | Sgt. Frederick E. Arrouiquier |
| RW | Sgt. Robert S. Conrad |
| LW | Sgt. Joseph G. Pietruszewsky |
| T | S/Sgt. Wilbur H. Brownlee |
Enemy fighter opposition: {blank]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak: [same as other reports]
Unusual phenomena: none
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
19 a/c over target
Crew observations:
Smoke screens developed at target and towns in vicinity at formation left area.
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage:
One hole in wing and one in nose from spent shell.
231532 G# 4 high squadron
| P | 1 Lt. Douglas M. Lansing |
| C | 2 Lt. John F. Ledyard |
| N | 2 Lt. James L. Hunt |
| B | 2 Lt. William C. Reel |
| R | T/Sgt. John J. Mulchrone |
| TT | T/Sgt. Frank M. Amazeen |
| BT | Sgt. William S. Still |
| RW | Sgt. Carl L. Vorbroker |
| LW | Sgt. Cecil R. Tucker |
| T | Sgt. Frank E. Clements |
group assembly normal
combat wing assembly a little late, but joined just as formation left coast
Enemy fighter opposition: 75
claim one destroyed
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support: First group okay. Four picked up at 1150.
Gun flak:
| Time | Place | Altitude | Intensity | Accuracy Altitude |
for Deflection |
Color | Barrage or Predicated Following |
Unusual phenomena:
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations:
5227 0758 t/e fighter field
B-17 group call letter Q turned back into enemy coast just as we came out.
Big factory at...[looks like] Gishonn
Six to seven tall smoke stacks
B-17 pilot Lock - Germany Dutch border left tank afire. Three men bailed out. Plane spun and exploded.
Casualties: Huge smoke trail in target area. Went above, made an ark and went down again.
no casualties
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Bomb seen poor. Formation poor. Brass bags for tail gunner fill up and can't shoot guns.
Battle damage: minor
antenna shot up
231362 R
#3 second element high squadron
landed at Bungay
| P | 1 Lt. Frederick P. Wenger |
| C | Victor R. Larrance |
| N | 2 Lt. Matthew A. Midura |
| B | 2 Lt. Russel R. Rohlff |
| R | S/Sgt. Stanton C. Southward |
| TT | S/Sgt. Glenn C. Ellis, Jr. |
| BT | Sgt. George D. Tarnowski |
| RW | Sgt. James R. Brown |
| LW | S/Sgt. Wilber E. Beck |
| T | Sgt. Harry A. Brunson |
Enemy fighter opposition:
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak:
flak guns from wheat field 20 miles east of Dümmer Lake
Unusual phenomena: A long column of smoke came up with red balls of fire breaking out like a flare
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations: smoke screen seen at...[looks like] Furstenau, Germany 5230N-0736E
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage: Category A three holes
237799 J
#2 second element high sq
0904 take-off
landed 1545 Castle Camp
13/1602-1635
| P | 2 Lt. Edward R. Larrivee |
| C | 2 Lt. Jack Wilson |
| N | 2 Lt. William E. Thompson |
| B | 2 Lt. Alvin J. Lageson |
| R | S/Sgt. Jack J. Bogel |
| TT | S/Sgt. Joseph E. LeBlanc |
| BT | Sgt. Joseph Gajdos |
| RW | Sgt. Ferman J. Wilson |
| LW | Sgt. Frank G. Adams |
| T | Sgt. Joseph W. Arant |
Enemy fighter opposition: [same as others]
Air-to-air bombing:
Enemy use of friendly a/c:
Fighter support:
Gun flak: [same as others]
Unusual phenomena:
Results of Bombing:
Route Followed
Crew observations: e/a seen coming off ground from airdrome all around target as bomber going over
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage: minor
231175 N
| P | 1 Lt. William B. Lock |
| C | 1 Lt. Richard H. Sperry |
| N | 1 Lt. Milton Cohen |
| B | 1 Lt. Sol H. Greenberg |
| R | T/Sgt. Vernon P. Brubaker |
| TT | T/Sgt. Raymond S. Pencek |
| BT | S/Sgt. James B. Farrell |
| RW | S/Sgt. Charles H. Mullins |
| LW | S/Sgt. Jack H. Wilhoit |
| T | S/Sgt. Chas. H. Scott |
This a/c blew up at 5232N-0605E at 11,000 feet at 1322 hours. Two chutes seen. Another crew reported five chutes seen. Two chutes seen by Sgt. Pietruszewski, LW gunner of a/c 770 in Jessen's crew.
231387 S
326th Squadron
#2 lead element high sq 92nd
| P | 1 Lt. Raymond W. Wild |
| C | 2 Lt. Charles G. Nashold |
| N | 2 Lt. John P. Fraver |
| B | 1 Lt. Arthur J. Roth, Jr. |
| R | T/Sgt. James O. Butts |
| TT | T/Sgt. Alfred A. Delahoussaye |
| BT | S/Sgt. William L. Wallis |
| RW | S/Sgt. Edwin A. McCaffrey |
| LW | Pvt. Charles E. Oakes |
| T | S/Sgt. Paul J. Robek |
Enemy fighter opposition: [same as rest]
Unusual phenomena:
Results of Bombing:
Note: two forms for this crew gave information on two targets.
Casualties:
Lt. Roth, bomb, wounded right leg by 3.303 bullets in right leg
Lt. Wild, pilot, slight wound in arm by spent 30 caliber
Flying equipment failures: Rad suit shorted out
Friendly a/c lost or in distress:
A/c 175 burned and blew up at 1316 1/2 hours at 5130-0700E. Three chutes seen.
Crew observations:
1152 in target area two P-51 a/c shot down
Two JU 88s in flames. These e/a were shot down from attack at even altitude
At 1210 P-51s shot down in flames. One JU 88 at 5200N-1025E
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Should be extra oxygen outlets in plane. Pvt. Oakes to facilitate working over wounded.
TG reports his box of ammo not linked together. This very dangerous because cannot be checked. No accommodation at Thorpe Abbots...no place to sleep
Malfunction of bomb switch required salvoing bombs over target
Fighter support
Saw no P-47s. Saw only four P-51s in target area. Saw one Spit over the North Sea.
Interrogator's observations:
This ship was seriously damaged by... [doesn't say if AA or e/a.] 60 flak holes. Oxygen and hydraulic system out. #4 tank holed.
no claims
231326 W
327
lead
camera ship
| P | Lt. Alex M. Erganian |
| C | Capt. Charles J. Kelly |
| N | 2 Lt. Francis B. Peacock |
| N | 1 Lt. Charles H. Beynon |
| B | 1 Lt. Clarence W. Dace |
| R | T/Sgt. Noe R. Gonzales |
| TT | T/Sgt. William H. Aldridge |
| BT | S/Sgt. John A. Piazza |
| RW | S/Sgt. Tomas M. Gonzales |
| LW | S/Sgt. William G. Russell |
| T | 2 Lt. Jack D. Henderson |
Results of Bombing:
Crew observations:
Casualties:
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
BT dirty and greasy
usually is
Battle damage:
#4 engine out for unknown cause
6-8 flak holes in wings and fuselage
radio room holed
236025 Q
#3 lead element lead squadron
0855 take-off
1505 landed at Horsham
| P | Lt. Henry M. O'Shea |
| C | 2 Lt. Stanley A. Stohl |
| N | 2 Lt. Lloyd A. Oster |
| B | 2 Lt. John J. Conlon |
| R | T/Sgt. Joseph W. Brown |
| TT | T/Sgt. Joe B. Null |
| BT | S/Sgt. D.E. Wight C. Wilson |
| RW | S/Sgt. John A. Lambert |
| LW | S/Sgt. Floyd W. Anthony |
| T | S/ Harvey J. Keil |
Crew observations:
After bombing a/c left assigned position in formation and dropped behind. This a/c followed formation by 500 yards until a/c was five minutes off enemy coast on way back. A/c then turned back toward enemy coast, one engine on fire. Since there was danger of exploding. A/c did not reach enemy coastline. Fire went out before it reached. A/c then turned toward England and crossed English coast at 1445 at 4,000 feet at 5210-0137 to Horham.
Casualties:
LW gunner has flak hole in hand
TG gunner had flak wound in left leg just below knee.
Both of these gunners stayed at their posts after being wounded.
The LW destroyed an e/a while wounded.
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Extra radio equipment should have some other storage than radio room since the entire crew cannot be put in ditching position due to filled condition of radio room.
Battle damage:
A/c at Horsham where crew was advised repairs to a/c would take at least a week to make it safe before flying. Flak holes. One engine out as wells as oxygen on side. Throttle controls... [pages stapled... battle... cable controlling damage. Approximately 75 flak holes are in a/c as well as some 303.
231377
327th Squadron
lead a/c 2nd element lead
0858 1/2 take-off
1503 landed at Framlingham
camera ship
| P | Lt. James McEvoy |
| C | 2 Lt. Gene D. Piburn |
| N | 2 Lt. Theodore Creznic |
| B | 2 Lt. Robert T. Bottorff |
| R | S/Sgt. Delbert C. Miller |
| TT | T/Sgt. James R. McNutt |
| BT | Sgt. George E. Lenar |
| RW | Sgt. Louis Bispham, Jr. |
| LW | S/Sgt. Clifford F. Shutts |
| T | Sgt. Orvin M. Miller |
Crew observations: [not listed here]
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage:
few scattered flak holes
slight damage
327th Squadron
231411 R
| P | 1 Lt. John R. Wilder |
| C | 2 Lt. Virgil W. Hill |
| N | 1 Lt. Joseph C. Parton |
| B | 2 Lt. William J. Coughlin |
| R | T/Sgt. Ingvard A. Jensen |
| TT | T/Sgt. Harry J. Horton |
| BT | S/Sgt. Edwin R. Melvin |
| RW | S/Sgt. Harold W. DeGroat |
| LW | S/Sgt. David E. Lowitz |
| T | S/Sgt. Orlando D. Maiocco |
Gun flak: [not listed here]
Results of Bombing: not observed
Route Followed
Crew observations: [not listed here]
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures:
Comments/suggestions:
Battle damage:
several flak holes
... turret hit [not ball]
hydraulics pump busted
considered minor
ship 623 was seen flying at P-51s this group
325th Squadron
231109 M
camera ship
No. 2 high squadron...
| P | 2 Lt. Floyd H. Chesmore |
| C | 2 Lt. Robert Wolf |
| N | 2 Lt. George A. Tease, Jr. |
| B | 2 Lt. Arnold F. Frantz |
| R | S/Sgt. George P. Mazy |
| TT | Pvt. Paul F. Manno |
| BT | Sgt. Henry D. Rodenbeek |
| RW | S/Sgt. Lawrence W. Brandon |
| LW | Sgt. Edward J. Michonsky |
| T | Sgt. Alexander H. Jack |
Did you get over the target? Halberstadt
Time: 1154
Casualties: none
Comments/suggestions:
heater out in cockpit
navigator's chair a nuisance. Wire to oxygen hose gets entangled.
camera in ship, but no photos taken. A/c switch not thrown. Averted by ME 110 attack.
Battle damage: nil
239758 K
| P | 2 Lt. Joseph A. Tryens |
| C | 2 Lt. Norman P. Burascano |
| N | 2 Lt. Earl W. Faris |
| B | 2 Lt. Arthur J. Guinnip |
| R | S/Sgt. Seymour Weiss |
| TT | S/Sgt. Lester R. Streeter |
| BT | Sgt. Billy M. Walker |
| RW | Sgt. Samuel G. Clevenger |
| LW | Sgt. Donald L. Gilbertson |
| T | Sgt. Jn. J. Cramer |
MIA
325th Squadron
231564 O
#1, high squadron, composite group
| P | 1 Lt. Ernest C. Hardin |
| C | 2 Lt. Leroy J. Teachey, Jr. |
| N | 2 Lt. Robert P. Flinn |
| B | 1 Lt. John A. Gloden |
| R | Sgt. James A. Turner |
| TT | T/Sgt. Wilfred H. Board |
| BT | Pvt. Oliver Red Eagle |
| RW | Sgt. James B. Vigliotti |
| LW | S/Sgt. Jack Hunter, Jr. |
| T | S/Sgt. Elmer W. Littleton |
mostly blank
Battle damage: none
325th Squadron a/c, 327th Squadron crew
23496 Z
| P | 2 Lt. William L. Webb |
| C | 2 Lt. William E. O'Donnell |
| N | 2 Lt. Herman L. Haasis |
| B | 2 Lt. John B. Dexter |
| R | S/Sgt. John L. Rachichi |
| TT | S/Sgt. Ira L. Burkhart |
| BT | S/Sgt. Jack M. Guy |
| RW | Sgt. Thomas M. Campbell |
| LW | Sgt. Robert L. Foster |
| T | Sgt. Henry NMI Garcia |
Results of Bombing: Bombs were seen to hit town
Crew observations: none
Casualties: none
Flying equipment failures: loop antenna shot away because of gun stock failure
Weather over Target
unlimited
6/10 - 8/10 cloud cover
visibility unlimited
Battle damage:
stabilizer hit by flak
flak hole in top turret and another in fuselage
two bullet holes in nose
326th Squadron a/c, 325th Squadron crew
L 623
| P | 2 Lt. William N. Riley |
| C | 2 Lt. John B. Delorimier [sic] |
| N | 2 Lt. Robert A. Nugent |
| B | 2 Lt. John A. Donohue |
| R | S/Sgt. William J. Egar |
| TT | S/Sgt. Harold C. Whitson |
| BT | Sgt. Robert L. Thomas |
| RW | Pvt. Emmett A. McCoy |
| LW | S/Sgt. Forrest C. Neigler |
| T | Sgt. Robert N. Bickford |
Crew observations:
leader of low squadron flew too high and too close to the lead squadron
Light... of smoke streamer like at target area coming up to 19,000 feet.
A/c M 175 B-17 1323 hours # 2 engine fire in middle of Zuider Zee and ship exploded. One chute
B-17 unidentified 1324 hours east of center of Zuider Zee in flames. Went down through clouds engine afire going down gradually.
Flying equipment failures:
LW gunner oxygen hose was caught
left side of ship oxygen went out from bomb bay back
326th Squadron
239958 K
#3 high squadron...
| P | 2 Lt. William B. Rose |
| C | 2 Lt. Walter T. Price |
| N | 2 Lt. William A. Hoffman, III |
| B | 2 Lt. Stanley Kropsec |
| R | T/Sgt. Francis Cline |
| TT | T/Sgt. William A. Gurke |
| BT | S/Sgt. Frederick H. Gay |
| RW | S/Sgt. Keith C. Kent |
| LW | S/Sgt. William J. Richardson |
| T | S/Sgt. Walter E. Eilers |
Crew observations:
At 1100 hours at our right and level, huge explosions bigger than flak bursts. Black smoke and black streamers extending down to cloud, 9,000 foot below.
Battle damage: Class A
230008 T
0984 turned back over England
1235 landed at Bassingbourne
| P | 2 Lt. Jerome Yakel |
| C | 2 Lt. Kenneth E. Booke |
| N | 2 Lt. Ralph S. Davison |
| B | 2 Lt. Charles R. Watson |
| R | S/Sgt. Jesse C. Bowen |
| TT | S/Sgt. Neil S. Lightner |
| BT | Sgt. Raymond L. Crupps |
| RW | Sgt. Melvin A. Benson |
| LW | John L. Hewitt, Jr. |
| T | S/Sgt. Chas. V. McKinney |
turned back over Lowestoft; still over England
turned back at 1030 hours at 12,000 feet
turned back because couldn't find formation
brought bombs back to Bassingbourne
12 500 GPs
ship okay
crew okay
ship flown back to base
a/c 493
325th Squadron
did not take off
a/c failed to take off
got stuck in mud on side of runway attempting to turn off
2 Lt. W. C. Lansford pilot
a/c 20014 D
325th Squadron
| P | 1 Lt. Dick W. Floyd |
| C | 2 Lt. Grady B. Williams |
| N | 2 Lt. Stephen F. Rancsok |
| B | 2 Lt. Donald E. Smith |
| R | S/Sgt. Russell A. Robol |
| TT | S/Sgt. George H. Dolan |
| BT | Sgt. Robert B. Beck |
| RW | S/Sgt. Sherrill J. White |
| LW | T/Sgt. Albert E. Knox |
| T | Sgt. Harry R. Kaiser, Jr. |
didn't take off
[no reason given]
a/c 230636 Y
326th Squadron
did not take off
| P | 2 Lt. John J. Koss |
| C | 2 Lt. John P. Bowers |
| N | 2 Lt. Harry G. Caldis |
| B | 2 Lt. Donwrith V. Gubler |
| R | S/Sgt. William... [looks like] E. Schuff |
| TT | S/Sgt. Cephas I. Bowling |
| BT | Sgt. Leburn W. Merritt |
| RW | Sgt. Eugene L. Goodwin |
| LW | Sgt. Antonio E. D'Erasmo |
| T | Sgt. Jack A. Morton |
a/c 230639 N
327th Squadron
did not take off
2 Lt. Bernard R. Swart
F/O Robert L. Holzhausen - copilot
a/c 231503 L
325th Squadron
did not take off
| P | 2 Lt. Gordon L. Capps |
| C | 2 Lt. Raymond W. Warns |
| N | 2 Lt. Ted B. Siirila |
| B | 2 Lt. Earl H. Gauthier |
| R | S/Sgt. Robert E. Moody |
| TT | S/Sgt. John C. Veldhuizen |
| BT | Pvt. George E. Jones |
| RW | S/Sgt. Robt. E. Toal |
| LW | Sgt. Samuel M. Walker |
| T | Sgt. Kennedy Gibbons |
Change in Time Schedule
| Lowestoft - zero | 15,000 feet | |
| 5237 0437 | + 32 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5235-0600 FRV | + 46 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5233-0710 FRV | + 58 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5230-0820 | + 70 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5155-1024 (IP) FRV | +92 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| target | + 102 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5215-1049 | + 111 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5237-1004 | + 127 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5237-0820 FRV | + 153 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5237-0600 FRV | + 187 minutes | 20,000 feet |
| 5237-0437 | + 207 minutes | start descent 20,000 feet |
| Great Yarmouth | + 247 minutes | 5,000 feet |
Correction to Fighter Support
change force; it reads two groups P-47s from 5230-0820 to read two groups P-47s from 5237-0820
Forces Required
five combat boxes
Assembly
40th A CBW formation
306 is lead
40A CBW with 19 + 1 pff assemble SOP on Splasher 4 at 11,000 feet. Depart splasher 4 zero - 36 minutes.
92 low group in 40A with 21 a/c. Assemble SOP on Splasher 4 9,000 feet.
Composite group high in 40A CBW with 14 a/c from... [looks like] 306 group to form lead and low squadrons plus seven a/c from 92nd group to form high squadron. Assemble SOP on Splasher 4 at 13,000 feet.
40B - 305 lead group with 18 + two pff. Assemble SOP on 40 CBW buncher at 11,000 feet . Depart Podington zero - 52 minutes.
305 group in 40B with 18 a/c assemble SOP 40th buncher at 9,000.
384 is high.
Route
[very hard to read. very light print]
40 A
| Splasher 4 | 0 - 20 minutes | 11,000 feet |
| Lincoln | 0 ...28[?] minutes | 11,000 feet |
| ...Skleaford[?] | 0 - 22 minutes | 11,000 feet |
| Splasher 6 | 0 + 3 minutes | 15,000 feet |
| Lowestoft | 0 + 12 minutes | 15,000 feet |
40B
| Poddington [sic] | 0 - 52 minutes | 11,000 feet |
| Buckingham | 0 - 44 minutes | 11,000 feet |
| Daventry | 0 - 36 minutes | 11,000 feet |
| Mktharborough | 0 - 28 minutes | 12,000 feet |
| Splasher 6 | zero hour | 15,000 feet |
| Lowestoft | 0 + 9 minutes | 15,000 feet |
high squadron on right
Fuel Load: 2300 US gallons
weather ship from 306 group
caution all navigators 40 CBW buncher now located at Podington
CBW leader upon PFF bombing will announce their call sign and bombs away three times
Annex 1
A. On non-Tokyo a/c load one bomb bay
B. Division commander will make the decision as to plan of attack prior to arrival at position 5155-1025E in order to prevent confusion and permit pff a/c to move into position in the event of blind bombing methods are to be employed.
C. Fighter support
Timings
One group P-47s at 5235-0600 to limit of range 0 + 52
One group P-47s at 5233-0710 to limit of range 0 + 65
One group P-51s at 5155-1023 to limit of range 0 + 101
Two groups P-47s at [this is where correction was made] 5230-0820 to limit of range 0 + 157
Six squadrons Spit IX at 5238-0600 to limit of range 0 + 189
Cancel information sent out on teletype. Mark advanced information field order 261 amended to read f/o 262.
Target:
Visual: GY 4776
Blind: GY 4775
Bomb load:
41 all a/c max load 500 GP 1/10, 1/100
94 500 GPs 1/10, 1/100
1 two boxes max load 500 GPs 1/10, 1/100
1 box max M47 IBs
40, 41 all a/c max load M 47 IBs
40 all a/c ma load M 47 IBs
[but they carried 500 GPS]
depart Cromer 20,000 feet at zero hour
Zero Hour: 1100
primary for 41, 94 cbw, 1 cbw - GY 4801
MPI [hard to read] 045067/3
Primary: 40/41, 40 - GY 4822
MPI [looks like] 042026/3
Secondary: 41, 94 - GY 4776
MPI 039102/3
071096/3
050073/3
1CBW
GY 74... [4676 maybe]
MPI 033041/looks like T
40/41
GY 4775 (A)
MPI 024044/3
40
GY 4842
MPI 038042/3
Last Resort:
by pff all CBWs: GY 4773
MPI 010036/2
41 CBW leading
94 CBW
1 CBW
40/41 CBW composite
40 CBW
Disposition of PFF:
1 H2X, 1 H2S a/c to 303
1 H2X to 401
1 H2X to 92
1 H2X, 1 H2S to 305
1 H2X to 306
Last updated 11-2-04 1630 est (1930 z)
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