Description

This bomber escort operations is divided into two separate elements.



The first element was a combined formation of 486 fighters of types P-38; P-47 and P-51s are despatched to escort the B-17 formations of 3rd Air Division in their attacks on the industrial areas of Brunswick, Germany. 2 of the P-47 groups (one on penetration support and the other on withdrawl support) failed to take off due to severe weather and fog. On the withdrawl 1 fighter group was 14 minutes late while 2 other figther group were so late they were ineffective as escorts. Mission despatch as follows:



A combined force of 64 P-48s from 20FG & 55FG are despatched. 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1KIA 3 POW. 2 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 1 of these in a crash landing upon return and 1 with non battle damage in a crash - 1KOM 1RTD. The figthers in this element claimed 11-0-8 of attacking German aircraft.



A combined force of 357 P-47s were despatched and included an undetermined number from IX Fighter Command 362FG. 3 aircraft of VIII Fighter Command Failed to Return (FTR) - 2KIA 1POW. 1 aircraft from IX Fighter Command Failed to Return (FTR) - 1KIA. 6 aircraft were damaged. 1 airman in a returning aircraft was WIA. The fighters of this element claimed 37-0-15 of attacking German fighters. Also, the fighters in this element claim 0-0-2 on the ground.



A force of 45 P-51s from IX Fighter Command 354BG joined the escort. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 1POW. The fighters in this element calimed 8-1-17 of attacking German fighters.



The second continent of fighters was a combined force of 91 P-47s from: 355FG and 361FG despatched to escort the bombers attacking the German airfield at Glize-Rijen, Holland. There were no aircraft losses, casualties or claims in this element.