Description

German airfields in France and the Caudron-Renault works at Paris are the targets for this mission. The mission is composed of three elements. The first element is a combined force of 168 B-17s from: 91BG (14); 351BG (19); 381BG (22); 92BG (19); 305BG (18); 306BG (18); 303BG (19); 379BG (21); and 384BG (18) despatched to bomb the German air depot at Romilly-sur-Seine, France. 100 of the aircraft are effective on the target. 28 aircraft bomb the German airfield at St. Andre-de-L'Eure, France; and 12 aircraft bomb the German airfield at Evreux/Fauville, France as a target of opportunity. 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR)-4KIA 16POW 10EVD 10RTD (rescued by ASR) 55 aircraft are damaged and 2 airmen are Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners claim 11-1-0 of attacking enemy aircraft. 

The second element is a formation of 65 B-17s from: 94BG (21); 96BG (21); and 388BG (23) despatched to bomb the German airfield at Mureaux, France. 38 are effective on the target. 18 from 94BG bomb what they think is a target of opportunity, but it turns out to be a "dummy" airfield that the German have constructed near Dieppe, France. There are no losses or claims in this element. 

The third element is a formation of 65 B-17s from : 95BG (20); 100BG (21); and 390BG (22) are despatched to bomb the Caudron-Renault works at Paris, France. 385BG was scheduled to fly this mission but was cancelled when one of their aircraft exploded on the hardstand at Great Ashfield. When the formation reaches Paris, the target is obscured by clouds. So, the formation bombs the Beaumont Le Roger airfield near Paris. 5 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR)-16KIA 13POW 4EVD 10RTD (rescued by ASR); 18 aircraft are damaged and 4 airmen are Wounded in Action (WIA) 

NOTE: B-17F-100-BO 42-30414 "Roundtrip Ticket II" was fully loaded with 500lb bombs and parket on dispersal No. 9 at Great Ashfield. An oxygen leak in the top turret slinger ring had been detected and teh crew had exited the aircraft and were waiting for the leak to be repaired. For some unknown reason a fire started aboard the aircraft. The fire brigade was called but they were unable to control the fire and the aircraft and its entire bomb load exploded. CPL Edward B. DeWolf was killed. A total of 5 other aircraft were damaged: B-17E 41-9017 and B-17F 5911 "Hesitatin' Hussy" which were parked 390ft away were so damaged by the blast that they had to be scrapped. 3 others were damaged and repaired in two days: B-17F 42-30251, parked at 630ft from the blast: B-17F 42-3097 "The Groundhog", parked 800ft from the explosion; and B-17F 42-30091, parked 900ft from the blast.