VIII Fighter Command FO 242 BOMBER ESCORT

13 February 1944

Description

A combined force of 232 fighters of types: P-47 and P-51 are despatched to provide escort to heavy bombers attacking V-Weapon sites in the Pas-de-Calaise area of France. Mission summary follows:



A combined force of 189 P-47s from 78FG 352FG; 353FG and 356FG provide escort. There are no losses in this element, but 4 aircraft are damaged. The fighters in this element claim 0-1-4 of attacking German aircraft. The fighters in this element also claim 0-0-4 on the ground.



A force of 43 P-51s from 357FG provide escort. 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) when the aircraft sustained an engine failure over the Norht Sea. The pilot was rescued by ASR and RTD. There were no claims on enemy aircraft made by this figther element.

Mission Details

PAS DE CALAIS

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 189
  • Aircraft damaged: 4

PAS DE CALAIS

Description: FIGHTER ESCORT

Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang

Mission Statistics

  • People returned to duty: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 43
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1

Connections

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People

John B Gardner

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 412th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12050909
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 8-Feb-2016. Added Mission Narrative per "The Mighty Eighth War Dairy", 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'.