VIII Air Support Command 59

16 September 1943

Description

This mission is composed of two elements: The first element is a formation 36 B-26s from 322BG despatched to bomb the German airfield of Beaumont Le Roger, France. 34 aircraft are effective on the target. There are no lossea or claims.



The second element is a formation of 36 B-26s from 323BG despatched to bomb the German airfield at Tricouville, France. 33 aircraft are effective on the target. There are no losses or claims, although 2 aircraft are damaged.

Mission Details

BEAUMONT LE ROGER (Primary) / TRIQUEVILLE (Secondary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: Beaumont le Roger was the primary target and Tricoueville the secondary target.

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
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: 92.00
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 67
  • Aircraft damaged: 2

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 23-jun-2015. Added Detailed Description 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'.