VIII Air Support Command 11A

31 July 1943

Description

This is element A of VIII ASC Mission #11. 21 B-26s from 323BG are despatched to bomb the German airfield at Merville, France. 20 of these aircraft are effective on the target. There are no losses or claims but 2 aircraft are damaged.

Mission Details

MERVILLE

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: First occasion where bombers are sent out on 2nd mission on the same day. First mission for 322nd Bomb Group since the horrific debacle of 17-May-43 when their whole force was destroyed.

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 23.25
  • Aircraft sent: 21
  • Aircraft effective: 20
  • Aircraft damaged: 2

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 12-May-2015. Edited Mission Narrative.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 12-May-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.