DOCUMENT 53529

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401st Bomb Group, Mission No. 240, 31 Mar 1945, Weimar, Germany. Briefing took place at the early hour of 0200. The aircraft were each loaded with six 1,000 pound bombs and 2,780 gallons of gas. All aircraft were off on the mission by 0627 hours. One aircraft was forced to abort with a turbocharger out, and one spare also returned early. The 401st put up the three squadrons comprising the 94th Combat Wing "C" Group on this mission. The primary target, the oil production facilities at Merseburg, and the secondary target were both covered by clouds, so Weimar was chosen as a target of opportunity. Bombing was done by PFF (radar) mthods with some visual assists. Results were described as fair. No enemy fighters were seen, and, while flak was observed in the area, none hit the Group's formation. By 1437 hours all aircraft had returned safely.

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Units

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Shark Tooth
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Shade Ruff #2
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: NOW GO!, Blue Bomb Express
French prisoners of war await transport home in a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-97931) nicknamed "Madame Queen" of the 401st Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'French POW's flown back to France after war. IN-Q then IW-A "Madame Queen".'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Madame queen
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lady Vivian
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron

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Date:
Contributoracbernstein1
ChangesCreated entry with caption, unit associations, place associations, aircraft associations and mission associations