VIII Air Support Command 74

27 September 1943

Description

The German airfield at Conches, France is the target for this combined force of 72 B-26s despatched from: 323BG (36) and 386BG (36). One aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 6KIA and 4 others are damaged. There are no claims on enemy aircraft.

Mission Details

CONCHES (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

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.'

323rd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together

386th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • People killed in action: 6
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 68
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 4

Connections

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

People

Harold J Corbin

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-666635
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator; Bombardier

William Alfred Cox

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-662628
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

George H Dunn

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18115736
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

William R Newell

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16035979
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Dearing F Stone

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-795504
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Aircraft

A bomber crerw of the 552nd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (RG-K, serial number 41-34987). Official caption on image: "(GP-30-27-386)(14 Sept 43)(552 Bomb Sq. Crew)." Printed caption on reverse: '552nd B.S., 386th B.G. A/C Name: _ A/C Ser. No.: 134987, RG-K. From left to right starting in back row: 1) Pilot: Gerold A. Wendt. 2) _. 3) _. 4) E/G: Thornton B. Henry. 5) A/G: Myron O. McKim. 6) R/G: _.' On reverse: From Photo Files Of Chester P. Klier [Stamp].

41-34987

  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Danny Boy II
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 29-Jun-2015. Added Mission Narrative 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'.