1st Bomb Division
Division
The groups under the command of the 1st Bomb Wing came under the command of the 1st Bomb Division in August 1943. In December 1944, the Division was redesginated the 1st Air Division.
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8th Air Force 228 BIG WEEK - DAY 2
21 February 1944
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Flying Fortress B-17G 42-31632, 335th BS, 95th BG, 8AF. Forced landed Dubendorf, Switzerland having sustained battle damage. 24 april 1944.
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Certificate showing the 33 Missions completed by Capt. William M. Bryan Jr of the 93rd Bomb Group
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8th Air Force mission 228; Diepholz, Germany; February 21, 1944. 447th Bomb Group strike photo
Official description
Not yet known
Description
Day 2 of BIG WEEK is another maximum effort by 8th Air Force to bomb 6 airfields in Germany as primary targets: Diepholz, Gütersloh, Lippstadt, Werl, Achmer and Handorf. In addition the industrial areas of Brunswick city are included as a primary target. Weather and heavy fighter opposition hamper the bombing effort. The contingent from 3rd Bomb Division is the only one that has PFF aircraft so their results are better. A total of 861 heavy bombers take to the air for the attack. Mission Summary as follows:
3rd Bomb Division: 281 B-17s from: 94BG; 95BG; 96BG; 100BG; 385BG; 388BG; 390BG; 447BG; and 452BG are dispatched to bomb the airfield at Diepholz and Brunswick City. 175 are effective on Diepholz and Brunswick City; 88 aircraft are effective on the industrial areas of Hannover and the airfields at Alhorn and Vörden as Targets of Opportunity (TOs). 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 19KIA 21POW. 3 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR), 1 with battle damage in a crash landing upon return - 10RTD and 2 that sustain a mid-air collision during assembly - 21KIA. 4 airmen are WIA in returning aircraft. 36 aircraft are damaged. The bomber gunners in this dispatch claim 2-5-2 of attacking German aircraft.
1st Bomb Division: A combined force of 336 B-17s from: 91BG; 92BG; 303BG; 305BG; 306BG; 351BG; 379BG; 381BG; 384BG; 401BG; 457BG and 482BG are detached to the primary German airfield targets at Gütersloh; Lippstadt and Werl, Germany but cloud cover obscures these targets and the formations seek out Targets of Opportunity (TOs). 285 aircraft are effective on the following airfields as Targets of Opportunity (TOs): Achmer, Hopstein, Rheine, Diepholz, Quackenbruck and Bramsche. In addition, the railroad marshalling yards at Coevorden and Lingen, Germany are bombed as Targets of Opportunity (TOs). This is the firs combat mission for 457BG. 9 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 24KIA 60POW(1DIC) 5RTD (rescued by ASR). 63 aircraft are damaged. 4 airmen are KIA and another 14WIA in returning aircraft. The bomber gunners of this element claim 12-5-8 of attacking German aircraft. It is not known how many German aircraft were destroyed or damaged on the ground in these strikes, but damage to facilities runways and flak batteries was extensive.
2nd Bomb Division: A combined force of 244 B-24s from: 44BG; 93BG; 389BG; 392BG; 445BG; 446BG; 448BG and 453BG are dispatched to bomb the airfields of Achmer and Handorf, Germany. 11 aircraft managed to bomb the airfield at Achmer using PFF equipment; 203 others bomb the airfields at Diepholz, Vörden and Hesepe, Germany and the industrial areas of Lingen as Targets of Opportunity (TOs). 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 13KIA 17POW. 1 aircraft is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) - 1KIA 9RTD. 3 airmen aboard returning aircraft are WIA. 6 aircraft are damaged. The Bomber gunners of this element claim 5-6-4 of attacking German aircraft.
Mission details
1. ACHMER (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
285 B-17s of the 336 despatched manage to bomb airfields and marshalling yards. Statistics bundled.
Units
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303rd Bomb Group
Group
The 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated on 3-Feb-1942 at Pendleton Field, Oregon. They assembled at Gowen Field, Idaho on 11-February 1942 where it conducted flight training until 12-Jun-1942. The Group then moved to Alamogordo Field, New... -
305th Bomb Group Can Do
Group
The 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), nicknamed "Can Do" was activated 1-March-1942 at Salt Lake City Air Base, Utah which was their primary training base until 11-Jun-1942 when they relocated to Geiger Field, Washington until 29-Jun-1942, then on to... -
306th Bomb Group The Reich Wreckers
Group
Constituted as 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Trained for combat with B-17's. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF Eighth Air Force in September 1942 Station 111 Thurleigh. During combat,... -
351st Bomb Group
Group
The 351st Bomb Group flew strategic bombing missions from their base at Polebrook, Northamptonshire from April 1943 to June 1945. The Group's most famous member was Hollywood actor Clark Gable, who flew four/ five missions with them as an observer... -
379th Bomb Group
Group
The 379th Bomb Group (H) (heavy), based at Kimbolton, flew more sorties than any other Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force and dropped a greater bomb tonnage than any other Group. The B-17 Flying Fortress Group was awarded two Distinguished Unit... -
381st Bomb Group
Group
The 381st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from Ridgewell, Essex between June 1943 and April 1945. The Group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations, the first for bombing shipyards at Bremen, whilst under heavy attack, on 8 October 1943 and... -
384th Bomb Group
Group
The 384th Bomb Group flew B-17s from Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire, between May 1943 and June 1945. They were engaged in daylight bombing missions over Germany as part of the Allies' efforts to destroy the effectiveness of the Luftwaffe by... -
401st Bomb Group
Group
The 401st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from Deenethorpe, Northamptonshire, from November 1943 to June 1945. Starting their missions at that time meant the focus was very much on the coming invasion attempt of France planned for the following... -
457th Bomb Group
Group
The 457th Bomb Group began combat operations during the Big Week of 20-25 February when American bombers carried out concentrated raids against German aircraft bases, factories and assembly plants. The air crews' targets on that first mission were... -
91st Bomb Group The Ragged Irregulars
Group
The 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated at Harding Field, Louisiana on 15-April-1942 and went to MacDill Field, Florida for the first phase of training from 16-May-1942 to 25-June-1942. The Group was then assigned to 2nd Air Force at Walla... -
92nd Bomb Group Fame's Favoured Few
Group
The 92nd Group sometime after arrivial in the UK converted to the role of in-theater combat crew indocrination and training. For this role, the Group traded its B-17F complement and obtained the B-17E, mostly from the 97th BG which was departing for...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 806.00 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 336 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 285 |
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 6 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged | 63 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 21 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 33 |
| Number of people Died in Captivity | 1 |
| Number of people Returned To Duty | 5 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Probably Destroyed by Bomber Command | 12 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Damaged by Bomber Command | 5 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Destroyed by Fighter Command | 8 |
2. ACHMER (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
244 B-24s from 2nd Bomb Division are despatched to attack German airfields at Achmer and Handorf, Germany as the primary targets. Only 11 aircraft are effective on Achmer, as clouds frustrate bombing attempts. Most divert to bomb the airfield as Diepholz, Germany as a target of opportunity.
Units
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2nd Bomb Division
Division
The groups under the command of the 2nd Bomb Wing came under the command of the 2nd Bomb Division in August 1943. In December 1944, the Division was redesginated the 2nd Air Division. -
392nd Bomb Group
Group
The 392nd Bomb Group flew B-24 Liberators out of Wendling, Norfolk from August 1943 until April 1945. They were the first Group allocated B-24H Liberators, the first B-24 series fitted with a nose turret on the production line. The adaptation increased... -
448th Bomb Group
Group
The 448th Bombardment Group was organized on 6 April 1943 and activated on 1 May 1943 at Gowen Field, near Boise, Idaho. The initial training of the air crews took place in Florida. The entire group was assembled Wendover Field, Utah. Both air and...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 28.35 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 42 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 11 |
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 2 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair | 1 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged | 6 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 12 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 9 |
| Number of people Returned To Duty | 9 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Destroyed by Bomber Command | 5 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Probably Destroyed by Bomber Command | 6 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Damaged by Bomber Command | 4 |
3. ALHORN (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
4. BRAMSCHE (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
5. BRUNSWICK CITY (Primary)
Description
AIRCRAFT FACTORY
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Units
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100th Bomb Group
Group
"The Bloody Hundredth", so-called because of a reputation for losing a high number aircraft and crews, flew B-17s from Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk. Their losses were not the highest of any Eighth Air Force Group but on several occasions the Group lost many... -
385th Bomb Group
Group
The 385th Bomb Group, who took the nickname "Van's Valiants" after their first Commanding Officer Col. Elliot Vandevanter, flew B-17s from Great Ashfield, Suffolk. The Group led the famous attack on the Focke-Wolfe aircraft factory at Marienburg on 9... -
388th Bomb Group
Group
The 388th Bomb Group flew strategic bombing mission from Knettishall, Suffolk from June 1943 to the end of the war. During this time, though, detachments were sent to Fersfield, Norfolk to conduct Aphrodite missions. In these Aphrodite missions veteran... -
390th Bomb Group
Group
The 390th Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from Framlingham, Suffolk, between July 1943 and the end of the war in Europe. The Group was engaged in strategic missions until the invasion of Europe when its role became more of a tactical one. This... -
446th Bomb Group
Group
The 446th Bomb Group, who came to be known as "the Bungay Buckaroos" after the name of their Suffolk base, flew B-24 Liberators on strategic, support and interdictory missions over Europe. The Group led the Eighth Air Force and 2nd Bomb Division on the... -
452nd Bomb Group
Group
The 452nd Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from Deopham Green, Norfolk, from January 1944. The air crews hit strategic sites in Germany but also supported the movement of ground forces across Europe after D-Day. On 6 June 1944 itself, the Group... -
94th Bomb Group
Group
Activated 15 June 1942 at MacDill Field, Florida. Initial organization and training at Pendleton Field, Oregon on 29 June 1942. Primary flight training at Davis-Monthan Field in Arizona from 28 Aug. 42 to 31 Oct. 42; then at Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas... -
95th Bomb Group
Group
The 95th Bomb Group was the only Eighth Air Force Group to be awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations. The first, shared by all four Bomb Wing Groups, was for the bombing of an aircraft factory under intense enemy fire at Regensburg on 17 August... -
96th Bomb Group
Group
The 96th Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses to targets across occupied Europe from May 1943 to April 1945. ...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 193 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 175 |
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 4 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair | 2 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged | 36 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 40 |
| Number of people Wounded in Action | 4 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 21 |
6. COEVORDEN (Opportunistic)
Description
MARSHALLING YARDS
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
7. DIEPHOLZ (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
482nd Bomb Group dropped on this target. It has not been determined if other 1st Bomb Division aircraft also bombed this target.
Units
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482nd Bomb Group
Group
The 482nd Bomb Group was a Pathfinder Group, which using radar-equipped aircraft to support bombing missions until March 1944. Aircraft from this Group went ahead of other Bombers and sent information back about the best routes to take and the extent...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 1 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 1 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 9 |
8. DIEPHOLZ (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
Not yet known
Units
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389th Bomb Group
Group
The 389th Bomb Group, known in more familiar terms as "the Sky Scorpions", flew strategic bombing missions in B-24 Liberators from Hethel, England. They also sent detachments to join bases in North Africa at Benghazi No. 10, Libya, between 3 July 1943... -
392nd Bomb Group
Group
The 392nd Bomb Group flew B-24 Liberators out of Wendling, Norfolk from August 1943 until April 1945. They were the first Group allocated B-24H Liberators, the first B-24 series fitted with a nose turret on the production line. The adaptation increased... -
445th Bomb Group
Group
The 445th Bomb Group flew B-24 Liberators from Tibenham, Norfolk. The crews' first mission was bombing U-boat installations at Kiel on 13 December 1943. The Group continued to hit strategic targets in Germany, including the aircraft components factory... -
446th Bomb Group
Group
The 446th Bomb Group, who came to be known as "the Bungay Buckaroos" after the name of their Suffolk base, flew B-24 Liberators on strategic, support and interdictory missions over Europe. The Group led the Eighth Air Force and 2nd Bomb Division on the... -
448th Bomb Group
Group
The 448th Bombardment Group was organized on 6 April 1943 and activated on 1 May 1943 at Gowen Field, near Boise, Idaho. The initial training of the air crews took place in Florida. The entire group was assembled Wendover Field, Utah. Both air and... -
44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs
Group
The 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated 15-January-1942 at McDill Field, Florida and equipped with B-24Cs. The Group moved to Barksdale Field, Louisiana and acted as a training unit for the 90th 93rd and 98th Bomb Groups and flew anti... -
453rd Bomb Group
Group
As well as strategic bombardment missions, the 453rd Bomb Group also ferried cargo on two occasions. They hauled petrol, blankets, and rations to France in September 1944 and dropped ammunition, food and medical supplies near Wesel during the airborne... -
93rd Bomb Group
Group
93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated 1-March-1942 at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. On 15-May-1942 the Group moved to Ft. Myers, Florida to continue advanced flight training and also to fly anti-submarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico; they...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 523.13 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 203 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 203 |
9. DIEPHOLZ (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
"BIG WEEK" continues hammering German aircraft production and airfields. This 3rd Bomb Division element was the only element that had a Pathfinder (PFF) aircraft assigned, but even so, most formations had to bomb Targets of Opportunity because of cloud cover. This is the last mission flown under VIII Bomber Command structure.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 414.58 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 175 |
| Number of aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair | 1 |
| Number of people Returned To Duty | 10 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Destroyed by Bomber Command | 2 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Probably Destroyed by Bomber Command | 5 |
| Enemy aircraft claimed as Damaged by Bomber Command | 2 |
10. GUTERSLOH (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
The airfields at Gutersloh, Lippstadt and Werl were the primary target for 1st Bomb Division formations, but the targets were obscured by clouds. All divert to Hannover as the best target of opportunity, Others bomb Targets of Opportunity. The 457th Bomb Group flies its first mission and has its first loss.
457th BG MISSION NO. 1 - GUTERSLOH - LIPPSTADT, GERMANY
21 FEBRUARY 1944
The first mission of the 457th was flown on the second day of The Big Week to Gutersloh and Lippstadt. The total operation of the day for the Eighth Air Force was directed against Brunswick, Diephol; Achmer, Gutersloh and Lippstadt. The 457th operation was flown in two formations, A and B. The A Formation, consisting of nineteen aircraft, assigned to fly the high box in the 94th A Combat Wing, and was dispatched to Gutersloh. The B Formation consisting of seventeen aircraft, went to Lippstadt. Both were airparks for the storing of enemy fighters. The A Formation was led by Col. Luper with Lt. J. L. Smith, pilot. Major Henry B. Wilson, Deputy Group Commander, led the B Formation with Lt. Vinton H. Mays as pilot.
The A Formation failed to assemble with the 94th A Combat Wing (CBW), but joined with the 41st CBW. Its target was an Airdrome near Hamm.
Bombing results were nil. A complete undercast obscured the target and when the Wing Leader dropped on a target of opportunity in the target area, twelve ot the crews released bombs. The Group Leader and other planes held their bombs, and failing to find a better target, returned to the Base.
A solid undercast prevented the B Formation, flying the high box of the 94th B Combat Wing, from dropping bombs as no PFF (radar equipped) aircraft was provided. The Formation leader searched for a target of opportunity. Finding none, the formation jettisoned bombs in the North Sea, a short distance from the Dutch Coast.
Notwithstanding the bombing results, two significant events occurred on the mission. Lt. Llewellyn (Lew) G. Bredeson, flying aircraft No 42-31596, was shot down on the bomb run, becoming the first 457th crew to be lost in combat.
The plane of Lt. Edward B. Dozier, who was to become one of the 457th's lead pilots, was attacked by four enemy fighters and was shot up so badly it had to be salvaged. The entire tail was badly damaged. Practically all the controls were gone, the oxygen system was out and the communications system was gone.
In spite of the riddled condition of the ship, Lt. Dozier brought the plane back, making a good landing. The tail gunner, Sgt. Hyman Kaib, and the waist gunner, Sgt. Dwight Anderson, were credited with downing an FW-190. The radio operator, Sgt. Seymour Pliss, died from flak wounds.
Lt. Dozier later was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the courage, coolness, expert skill and superior airmanship he displayed.
(Compiler 's Note: Both aircraft were in the A Formation) The mission was summed up as an interesting introduction into the many factors that can complicate and affect a bombing mission in this theater.
The aircraft of Lt Llewellyn Bredeson was lost on this date.
Units
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457th Bomb Group
Group
The 457th Bomb Group began combat operations during the Big Week of 20-25 February when American bombers carried out concentrated raids against German aircraft bases, factories and assembly plants. The air crews' targets on that first mission were...
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 0.00 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 0 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 0 |
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 2 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 2 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 18 |
11. Handorf, Germany
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
It has not been confirmed that any 2nd Bomb Division aircraft were able bomb Hgandorf.
Mission Statistics
| Number of aircraft Sent | 0 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 0 |
12. HANNOVER (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRCRAFT FACTORY
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
88 B-17s from 3rd Bomb Division Groups attack aircraft factories at Hannover, Germany as a target of opportunity.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 209.47 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 88 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 88 |
13. HESEPE (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Number of aircraft Missing In Action | 1 |
| Number of people Killed In Action | 2 |
| Number of people Prisoners of War | 8 |
14. HOPSTEIN (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
15. LINGEN (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRCRAFT FACTORY
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
16. LINGEN (Opportunistic)
Description
MARSHALLING YARDS
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
17. LIPPSTADT (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
No confirmation that any aircraft from the 1st Bomb Division element dropped on this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 0.00 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 0 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 0 |
18. QUAKENBRUCK (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
19. RHEINE (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
20. VERDEN (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | Not determined |
| Number of aircraft Sent | ND |
21. VERDEN (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division attacked this target.
Mission Statistics
22. WERL (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes
No confirmation that any aircraft from the 1st Bomb Division element dropped on this target.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 0.00 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 0 |
| Number of aircraft Effective | 0 |
Service
People
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Russell Allman
Military | Second Lieutenant | Bombardier | 95th Bomb Group
Damaged by fighter attacks on the return from a mission to Klein Machow, Berlin on 6 Mar 1944, B-17G #42-31299 'Junior' maintained formation until finally crashing NW of Beilen, Holland after the crew baled out. Prisoner of War (POW). POW -
Robert Bellora
Military | Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade) | Flight Engineer/Waist Gunner | 95th Bomb Group
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Henry Benson
Military | Captain | Navigator, bombardier, nose gunner | 93rd Bomb Group
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Julius Blake
Military | Second Lieutenant | Pilot | 94th Bomb Group
Julius Blake enlisted in the Air Corps in April 1942 and followed heavy bomber pilot training. Sent overseas, he was assigned to the 94th Bomb Group / 332nd Bomb Squadron in England. He was Pilot of B-17G #42-31150 when it lost an engine on a mission... -
George Bovenzi
Military | Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade) | Radio Operator | 95th Bomb Group
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Francis Boyle
Military | Second Lieutenant | Navigator | 95th Bomb Group
After fighter attacks set fire to the left wing on a mission to Klein Machnow, Berlin on 6 Mar 1944, B-17G #42-38024 crashed near Oldenburg, GR after the crew baled out. Prisoner of War (POW). POW -
Harold Brassfield
Military | Staff Sergeant (Technician Third Grade) | Tail Gunner | 388th Bomb Group
On the return from a mission to Klein Machnow, Berlin on 6 Mar 1944, B-17G #42-37886 'Blitzing' Betsy' was severely damaged by attacks from several FW190s causing it to collide with another 388th B-17, exploding in mid-air and crashing near Emmen,... -
Edgar Burton
Military | Lieutenant | Navigator | 446th Bomb Group
Flew 25 missions, ending just before D-Day. Flew on D Day just to see it. According to him, he never saw a German fighter but did see lots of flak. -
Edwin Carmell
Military | Colonel | Co-Pilot | 388th Bomb Group
Edwin Carmell served as a co-pilot with the 563rd Bomb Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group, flying missions out of Knettishall, England. Post war: Remained in USAF, serving in Korean and Vietnamese conflicts rising to the rank of Colonel. -
Enrico Carpini
Military | Technical Sergeant | Radio Gunner | 305th Bomb Group Can Do
My dad, Enrico 'Rick' Carpini was from Linden, NJ and served as a radio gunner on a B-17G with the 305th Bomb Group/365th Bomb Squadron. He flew 30 missions from 1/4/44-5/22/44. The pilot was John F. Schleifer from Buffalo, NY. ...
Aircraft
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41-24561 The Duchess, "Sure Stuff"
B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 359BS/303BG [BN-T] Bangor 10/9/42; Molesworth 16/10/42; 59m transferred 1 Base Air Depot (sic),* Burtonwood 7/7/44; Returned to the USA Altus 18/8/44; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Altus 14/8/45. Over... -
41-24605 Knock-out Dropper
B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned to the 359BS/303BG [BN-R] Bangor 22-Sep-42; Molesworth 22-Oct-42; First 8th Air Force aircraft to complete 50, then 75 missions- 27-Mar-44; with M/Sgt Buford Pafford as crew chief; 1 Base Air Depot, Burtonwood 5-Jun-44; Reconstruction Finance... -
41-28711 "Little Sheppard"
B-24 Liberator
Assigned to 712th Bomb Squadron, 448th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. ... -
42-2973 IZA VAILABLE
B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 360BS/303BG [PU-G] Presque Is 27/11/42; Molesworth 13/12/42; Returned to the USA 2/7/44; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Arledge 22/11/44. IZA VAILABLE. -
42-30212 Quarterback
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 29/4/43; Sioux City 14/5/43; Smoky Hill 11/6/43; Dow Fd 16/6/43; Assigned 562BS/388BG Knettishall 17/6/43; transferred Aphrodite project, Missing in Action V-sites, Watten 6/8/44 with Lt Joeseph P Andrecheck & T/Sgt Raymond Healy (2... -
42-30595 'Gremlin Gus II' "Olin's 69'ers"
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 26/6/43; Smoky Hill 13/7/43; Kearney 16/7/43; Dow Fd 19/7/43; Assigned 560BS/388BG Knettishall 20/7/43; (34m) transferred Aphrodite project as OLIN'S 69'ERS; when War Weary, fuselage cut down and vehicle windshield fitted before open... -
42-30778 Old 66/Lady Margaret
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 28/7/43; Gore 6/8/43; Pendleton 12/8/43; Reno 14/8/43; Pierre 16/8/43; Assigned 561BS/388BG Knettishall 3/9/43; crashed on take off for France 13/8/44 with Leon Sutton, Co-pilot: Harlan Thompson, Navigator: George Healy, Bombardier:... -
42-31083 Tenny Belle
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 15/9/43; ... -
42-31138 Winged Fury
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 24/9/43; Gr Island 7/10/43; Romulus 10/10/43; Assigned 560BS/388BG Knettishall 15/10/43; Missing in Action Augsburg 13/4/44 with Art Nelson, Co-pilot: Art Livermore, Navigator: Maurice White, Bombardier: Bill Matuszewski, Flight... -
42-31565 Lassie Come Home
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Denver 21/11/43; Gr Island 7/12/43; Selfridge 14/12/43; Presque Is 15/12/43; Assigned 335BS/95BG [OE-U] Horham 26/12/43; 13m, Missing in Action Berlin 4/3/44 with Pilot Rodney P. Roehm; Co-pilot: David F. Wolter; Bombardier: Donald R. Egan;...
Crash sites
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Reedham War Memorial
Crash site
Revisions
| Date | Contributor | Update |
|---|---|---|
| 17 June 2018 09:46:25 | CeesSteijger | Changes to description |
| Sources | ||
Spelling, names of targets |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 31 January 2018 18:20:02 | william henry | Changes to description |
| Sources | ||
Correct typos |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 21 February 2017 03:34:29 | gish1893 | Changes to aircraft associations |
| Sources | ||
Glen Hartzell diary |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 09 February 2016 23:50:03 | Lee8thbuff | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Lee Cunningham 9-Feb-2016. Added bomber gunner claims to 3BD Diephilz (primary) Mission Event per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 09 February 2016 23:47:28 | Lee8thbuff | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Lee Cunningham 9-Feb-2016. Added bomber gunner claims to 1BG Achmer Mission Event per "The Mighty Eighth War Dairy", Roger A. Freeman |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 09 February 2016 23:45:09 | Lee8thbuff | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Lee Cunningham 9-Feb-2016. Added bomber gunner claims to 2BD Achmer statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 09 February 2016 23:42:09 | Lee8thbuff | Changes to name and description |
| Sources | ||
Lee Cunningham 9-Feb-2016. Added Mission Narrative per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 13 May 2015 12:56:13 | general ira snapsorter | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Mission detail added courtesy of Diane Reese - http://www.457thbombgroup.org/Narratives/MA1.html |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 11 December 2014 10:27:48 | Emily | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Moved pins from the middle of the sea to Verden, Hopsten, Hesepe and Achmer Germany |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 27 September 2014 18:43:17 | AAM | AAM ingest |
| 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'. |
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