Description

A combined force of 209 fighter aircraft are despatched to attack the German airfield at Gilze-Rijen, Holland. Mission summary as follows:

47 P-38s from 55FG provide a fighter sweep in the Eindehoven/Venlo/Arnhem area in advance of the attack. 6 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 5KIA 1EVD. 1 aircraft with battle damage crashes at Leiston, UK on return and is declared Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) - 1RTD. The fighters in this element claim 7-0-1 of attacking German aircraft.

162 P-47s from 4FG; 78FG; and 355FG participate in the operation. 75 aircraft (21 aircraft from 4FG; 35 aircraft from 78FG; and 19 aircraft from 355FG) are assigned the mission of bombing the airfield. 70 of these aircraft are effective on the target. The balance in each fighter group provide escort and top cover. Just 2 aircraft sustain damage from ground fire. The fighter escort claim 6-1-1 of attacking German aircraft.