Description

The port area and Naval facilities at Wilhelmshaven, Germany was the primary target for this mission. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bomb Divisions all participated.



1st Bomb Division: A combined force of 348 B-17s were despatched from: 91BG; 92BG; 303BG; 305BG; 306BG; 351BG; 379BG; 381BG; 401BG; and 428BG to bomb that naval facilities at Wilhelmshven, Germany. 306 were effective on the target with 1 bombing on Oldenberg, German as a Target of Opportunity. 305BG/422BS also dropped 1,800,000 leaflets. 2 aircraft Failed to Return - 13KIA 7POW. 27 aircraft returned with battle damage. 7 airmen in returning aircraft were WIA. The bomber gunners claimed 0-1-0 of attacking German aircraft.



2nd Bomb Division: A combined force of 193 B-24s were despatched but 140 of these were not able to bomb the primary because of cloud cover and were recalled before reaching the enemy coast. 53 others managed to penetrate as far as Holland and had changed their target to Emden, Germany, but these also aborted the mission over the Zuider Zee. 1 aircraft was destroyed in a crash upon return when it stalled on approach. 9KOM 1RTD. There were no other casualties or claims on enemy aircraft.



3rd Bomb Division: A combined force of 323 B-17s were despatched from: 94BG; 95BG; 96BG; 100BG; 385BG; 388BG; 390BG; and 447BG to bomb the naval facilitied at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. 247 aircraft were effective on the target. The lead Combat Wing of this element turned to sharply at the Initial Point (IP) and 53 aircraft bombed the industrial areas of Emden Germany as a Target of Opportunity. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 20KIA. 20 aircraft returned with battle damage. 2 airmen were KIA and 2 were WIA in returning aircraft. There were no other casualties and no claims were made on enemy aircraft.