VIII Air Support Command 20

15 August 1943

Description

The railroad marshalling yards at Abbeville, France are the target for 21 B-26s despatched from 323rd Bomb Group. The attack is conducted at 1933 hrs (near sunset). 19 of the aircraft are effective in attacking the target. There are no losses or claims, although 9 are damage and one airman is wounded.

Mission Details

ABBEVILLE

Description: MARSHALLING YARDS

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: The 323rd Bomb Group (B-26) flies its first mission. They accidently drop a 1000GP bomb in a field two miles south of Redhill, England - no injuries, but frightened cows.

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: 27.00
  • People wounded in action: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 21
  • Aircraft effective: 19
  • Aircraft damaged: 9

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 16-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'.