VIII Bomber Command 34

14 February 1943

Description

The marshalling yards at Hamm, Germany are once again slated at the primary target for this mission. A force of 74 B-17s are despatched: 91BG (20); 303BG (17); 305BG (17); 306BG (20), but weather once again forces the mission to be recalled before reaching the Dutch Coast. There are no losses for this mission.

Mission Details

HAMM (Primary)

Description: MARSHALLING YARDS

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Aborted due to weather and recalled between the coast and Dokkum. One aircraft from 92nd Bomb Group make a crash-landing at Chevinor, England - crew OK. No fighter escort.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: None
  • People returned to duty: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 74
  • Aircraft effective: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 1

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

James A Hilley

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 67th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34117846
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Michael S Hlastala

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 487th Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 13011194
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer / Top Turret Gunner / Observer

Bertis W Holland

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16019187
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Otis Allen Hoyt

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17020247 / O-728212
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Alex LeBlanc

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32218162
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Aircraft

42-5260

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Yardbird II
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
The control tower at Thurleigh air base. A B-17 Flying Fortress (WW-G, serial number 42-5729 later nicknamed "Buccaneer") of the 306th Bomb Group is visible in the background. Image via Mike Bowyer A veteran has written on the reverse: 'From Mike Bowyer 3/72 from collection of wing/Co. 76 sqd. Halifax at Home. RAF station WWII.' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'WW:G 25729, GY:X.'

42-5262

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron

42-5264

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Yankee Doodle Dandy
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 16-Feb-2015. Added Bomber Gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statistics on Hamm per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Leee Cunningham 23-Dec-2014. Description based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 19-Oct-43 Correction made to typographical error in mission date.

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'.