VIII Air Support Command 01

16 July 1943

Description

This is the first mission flown by medium bombers (B-26) of the VIII Air Service Command. 16 B-26s from 323rd Bomb Group are despatched to make an attack at medium altitude on the railroad marshaling yards at Abbeville, France. 14 are effective on the target, however 10 are damaged by anti-aircraft fire. There are no losses or claims.

Mission Details

ABBEVILLE

Description: MARSHALLING YARDS

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: First mission for the 323rd Bomb Group.1st mission of 8th Air Force Support Command (B-26 units) to a target. These attacked at medium altitude. No fighter escort on this mission.

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: 16.75 tons
  • People wounded in action: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 16
  • Aircraft effective: 14
  • Aircraft damaged: 10

Connections

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Aircraft

Lieutenant Richard H Lightning, a pilot of the 323rd Bomb Group wrestles with his mascot "Trea" in front of his B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Not to be published .' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 24 Jul 1943.' [stamp] and '276116.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'One of the fastest and best-protected medium bombers in use-fitted with two 2000 H.P. engines and heavily armoured-the B-26, known as the Marauder,is now operating from this country. Associate
  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Flounder Gus
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 454th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 7-May-2015. Added Mission 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'.