VIII Bomber Command 119

3 November 1943
An Illustration of the Wilhelmshaven raid, 3 November 1943. Image stamped on reverse: '10 Nov 1943.' [stamp], '292478.'[Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'THE BIGGEST EVER DAY RAID: By US Fortresses and Liberators on Wilhelmshaven- escorted all the way by fighters. Special Sphere drawings. THE SCENE OVER WILHELMSHAVEN JUST AS OUT BOMBERS WERE LEAVING THE TARGET ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMVER 3RD. AFTER THE BIGGEST DAYLIGHT RAID EVER CARRIED OUT OVER GERMANY. IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND OF THIS DRAWING, LIGHTNING media-418517.jpg FRE 9010 An Illustration of the Wilhelmshaven raid, 3 November 1943. Image stamped on reverse: '10 Nov 1943.' [stamp], '292478.'[Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'THE BIGGEST EVER DAY RAID: By US Fortresses and Liberators on Wilhelmshaven- escorted all the way by fighters. Special Sphere drawings. THE SCENE OVER WILHELMSHAVEN JUST AS OUT BOMBERS WERE LEAVING THE TARGET ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMVER 3RD. AFTER THE BIGGEST DAYLIGHT RAID EVER CARRIED OUT OVER GERMANY. IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND OF THIS DRAWING, LIGHTNING FIGHTERS ARE SEEN DIVING DOWN AND ATTACKING ENEMY FIGHTERS WHICH HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ATTACK THE BIG BOMBERS FROM THE REAR' IN THE TOP LEFT IS A GROUP OF THUNDERBOLTS; WHILST BELOW, GERMAN FW 190S ARE SEEN MAKING A HEAD-ON ATTACK. November 3rd is a date which will figure in aviation history, for on that day a great force of American Fortresses and Liberators made the "biggest ever" daylight raid on Germany, which the naval base shipbuilding centre of Wilhelmshaven as their chief target; furthermore the bombers were escorted by Thunderbolts and Lightning fighters all the way there and back. It has been estimated by some competent authorities that eight to nine hundred aircraft- fighters and bombers- took part. The total distance flown could not have been less than six hundred miles, yet only five bombers were lost- a great tribute to the work of the escort fighters. Of the enemy, eighteen aircraft were destroyed by the Fortresses and Liberators, and another sixteen were shot down by the Thunderbolts and Lightnings, for a loss of only two of the former. The moment depicted in the drawing above occurred just as the bombers were leaving the target. "We found about ten enemy aircraft as they were about to attack the bombers from the rear", said one of the American fighter pilots. "We came in on their tails and evidently surprised them. We got five, and the rest decided to play smart and went home". The method by which certain types of short-range fighters can now be converted into long-range fighters is by fitting extra tanks to the underside of the aircraft. These affect the speed but slightly; after the petrol has been consumed they are jettisoned, whereupon the fighter regains whatever manoeuvrability it had previously sacrificed. It is by this means that the Thunderbolts were able to fly out over Wilhelmshaven and back: the Lightnings, on the other hand, were designed from the start for long-range flights.' Roger Freeman Collection

Corrected a typo in the photo caption.

Object Number - FRE 9010 - An Illustration of the Wilhelmshaven raid, 3 November 1943. Image stamped on reverse: '10 Nov 1943.' [stamp], '292478.'[Censor no.] Printed caption...

Description

October 1943 turned out to be the worst loss rate for 8th Air Force for the entire war. 2,145 B-17s and 303 B-24s had been dispatched on missions. 163 B-17s had been lost (lost rate 7.5991%) and 9 B-24s were lost (loss rate 2.9703%). These loss rates meant that the B-17 crews chances of completing a 25-mission tour was only 28.32%. The losses on the 10-Oct-43 mission to Munster of 30 aircraft, followed by the devastating losses of 60 aircraft on the Second Schweinfurt mission of 14-Oct-43, caused the the USAAF high command to re-think the whole theory that the bombers could effectively protect themselves without long range fighter escort and some even questioned the whole strategy of "daylight bombing." With the arrival of the 55FG with P-38 Lightnings at Nuthampstead on 14-Sep-43 and the achievement of operational status on 15-Oct-43, there was a least some optimism of USAAF high command the P-38 would stem the losses, even though it was not particularly suited for "mixing it up" with the Bf-109s and Fw-190's of the Luftwaffe. The 55th had been "cutting their teeth" all during the latter half of October 1943 and were now thought to be fully qualified to support another "big" bombing mission to Germany.



On 3-Nov-43, the 8th Air Force went back to attacking Germany with a vengeance. The 3-Nov-43 mission was an all-out dispatch of 438 B-17s and 117 B-24s to bomb the German port areas of Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The mission would also be supported by 333 P-47s providing penetration and withdrawal support and 45 P-38s which would go all the way to the target and back with the bombers.



The mission consisted of three elements. The first element was a combined "maximum effort" force of 217 B-17s from 1st Bomb Division that included: 91BG (24); 92BG (25); 303BG (23); 305BG (20); 306BG (25); 351BG (25); 379BG (24); 381BG (27); and 384BG (24) dispatched to Wilhelmahaven, Germany. 211 aircraft of this element were effective on the target. 6 aircraft (2.765% loss rate) Failed to Return (FTR) 48KIA 12POW. 31 aircraft were damaged. 11 airmen in aircraft that returned were Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners of this element claimed 20-3-23 on attacking German aircraft.



The second element was a combined "maximum effort" force of 221 B-17s from 3rd Bomb Division that included: 94BG (33); 95BG (27); 96BG (50); 100BG (26); 385BG (27); 388BG (30); and 390BG (28) dispatched to bomb Wilhelmshaven, Germany. 212 aircraft of this element were effective on the target. Only 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) (0.045% loss rate) 8KIA 2POW. 11 aircraft were damaged. Only 1 airman in a returning aircraft was wounded. The bomber gunners in this element claim 1-0-1 of attacking German aircraft.



NOTE: 11 PFF B-17s from 485BG were interspersed in the 1BD and 2BD formations and used H2X radar to identify the target and assist the bombardiers to effectively determine "bombs away."



The third element was a combined "maximum effort" force of 117 B-24s from 2nd Bomb Division that included: 44BG (28); 93BG (28); 389BG (33); and 392BG (28) dispatched to bomb Wilhelmshaven, Germany. 105 aircraft were effective on the target. There were NO losses or claims in this element, but 5 aircraft were damaged.



Fighter support (cf. VIII FC FO-168) from the 45 P-38s dispatched claimed 3-5-5 of attacking enemy aircraft. The 333 P-47s accounted for another 11-0-2 of attacking enemy aircraft.



Consideration must be given to the fact that the bomber formations were not attacked by the massive fighter formations put up by the Luftwaffe against the attacks at Munster and Schweinfurt, and the penetration was not as deep as that at Schweinfurt. However, credit must be given to the fighters for keeping the Luftwaffe from the bomber formations. 2 of the B-17s that were lost were involved in mid-air collisions. 566 bombers were dispatched and only 7 were lost (1.236%) which is a vast improvement from the 7.559% loss rate experienced in October 1943. Their was some relief, at last, and a boost in morale that this air war could be won.

Mission Details

WILHELMSHAVEN

Description: HARBOUR INSTALLATION

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: One B-24 managed to drop 4 X 1000GP on the Initial Point.

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 93rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 308.45
  • Aircraft sent: 120
  • Aircraft effective: 108
  • Aircraft damaged: 5

WILHELMSHAVEN

Description: NAVAL BASE

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 482nd Bomb Group contributes 11 Pathfinder (PFF) aircraft dispersed among the elements on this attack. Fighter opposition was mainly concentrated on the first wave. This wave and the third did not encounter as many German fighters. 96th Bomb Group is the first to fly A, B and C formations (double strength) with a despatch of 50 aircraft.

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 390th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A bomber crew of the 94th Bomb Group stand with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30200) nicknamed "Slo Time Sally" and a bomb inscribed 'Special delivery to Hitler'. Inscription on bomb reads: 'Special delivery to Hitler, From Peggy of St. Louis.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 479.70
  • People killed in action: 8
  • People wounded in action: 1
  • Prisoners of war: 2
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 225
  • Aircraft effective: 216
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 11

WILHELMSHAVEN (Primary)

Description: NAVAL BASE

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: First mission using H2H (radar) (9) and H2S (radar) 2; Aiming point completely destroyed; First 500 plane mission by 8th Air Force. GEN Ira Eaker begins planning a "maximum effort" against the German Aircraft industry and the Lufttwaffe code named "OPERATION ARGUMENT". This operation will begin on 11 January 1944 and ramp up to "Big Week" in late February 1944. This is the largest attack staged by 8th Air Force to date on a single target (566 heavy bombers).

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Official insignia of the 306th Bomb Group, approved 6 January 1943, and updated 2 October 1951.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 660.00
  • People killed in action: 48
  • People wounded in action: 11
  • Prisoners of war: 12
  • People returned to duty: 20
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 20
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 23
  • Aircraft sent: 221
  • Aircraft effective: 215
  • Aircraft missing in action: 6
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 31

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 492nd Bomb Group 1st Scouting Force 385th Fighter Squadron 546th Bomb Squadron 857th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-728536
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-676530
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
Argentos, James 18108164 T/Sgt. 367th BS 306th BG Air Corps
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18108164
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 381st Bomb Group 535th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-735735
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 560th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16066310 / O-735023
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Damn Yankee
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 545th Bomb Squadron 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Little Audrey
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 384th Bomb Group Base Air Depot 1 368th Bomb Squadron 544th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Sunrise Serenader
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 384th Bomb Group 365th Bomb Squadron 544th Bomb Squadron
A 365th Bomb Squadron, 305th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortress (XK-R, serial number 41-24578) taxiis to take off from Chelveston airbase. Passed for publication 30 Jun 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '124578, XK:R.' Printed caption on reverse: 'At A Fortress Station In Britain. From an American base in Britain the Flying Fortresses carry out operational activities which result in terrible blows against the German industrial war machine. This series of pictures shows scenes at a Flying Fortresses stati
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Problem Child : Old Reliable
  • Unit: Base Air Depot 1 547th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group 305th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributorwilliam henry
Changes
Sources

Correct typos

Date
ContributorMags
Changes
Sources

303rd BG Web Page

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Jul-2015. Correcting typos in narrative.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 8-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to 3rd BD statisitics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 8-Jul-2015. Correction typos in statistics.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 8-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to 1BD statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 8-Jul-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman. Loss statisitcs calculated from loss statistics collected from MACR sources and tabulated and calcualted by Mr. Cunningham.

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'.

VIII Bomber Command 119: Gallery (7 items)