705
8 November 1944Mission Details
Description: BOMB TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY
ENSCHEDE
Description: BOMB TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY
MERSEBURG
Description: SCREENING MISSION
MERSEBURG/LEUNA
Description: OIL REFINERY
Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
Notes: Recalled due to weather. 457th BG MISSION NO. 146: MERSEBURG, GERMANY, 8 NOVEMBER 1944 Although three squadrons were dispatched to attack the Leuna synthetic oil plant at Merseburg, difficulty in assembling caused the Group to be recalled. Several attempts to assemble at various altitudes proved useless. With four craft in formation and weather conditions unfavorable for assembly, it was decided to proceed to the first Control Point, where it was believed the weather would improve. The four aircraft arrived at the Control Point on time and on course. On the Division Assembly Line, the Group Leader was in proper position; however, the other aircraft were unable to assemble. The Group was then recalled. The low squadron, having a full complement of aircraft, went across the border of Germany in a futile attempt to bomb with another group. They then returned to base. At 18,000 feet over the Channel, two aircraft collided in thick haze.The craft piloted by Lt. Amet L. Furr broke into two pieces and went down with all of the crew lost. The fore part of the plane went into a steep glide and disappeared. The aft section likewise went into a glide. The aircraft was noteworthy as having been rebuilt from two other planes, one part being silver and the other camoullage green. It was appropriately named "Arf 'N Arf', partly because of its hybrid make-up from two planes, and partly in recognition of a favorite British beverage. The other airplane, "Bad Time, Inc. II", limped back to England and made an emergency landing.
MERSEBURG/LEUNA
Description: OIL REFINERY
Notes: Weather causes a recall of 350+ bombers. A mix of 752 P-47s and P-51s provide escort.
NORDHORN
Description: CANAL
RHEINE
Description: MARSHALLING YARDS
Connections
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People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 457th Bomb Group 751st Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 825283
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 401st Bomb Group 614th Bomb Squadron 615th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 369th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-761342
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier / Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 401st Bomb Group 615th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
- Nicknames: Briney Marlin
- Unit: 458th Bomb Group 755th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Silver Queen
- Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron 547th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Boss Lady
- Unit: 384th Bomb Group 545th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Rebel
- Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Hot Rock
- Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron
Revisions
Mission details added courtesy of Diane Elizabeth Reese from 457th Bomb Group Mission Documents. http://www.457thbombgroup.org/
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'.