Description

This mission is a despatch of two separate formations. One formation is a combined force of 169 B-17Fs from 3rd Bomb Division: 94BG; 95BG; 96BG; 100BG; 385BG; 388BG; 390BG; 447BG; and 482BG despatched to bomb the industrial areas of Brunswick, Germany. German fighter resistance is fierce and fighter escort is hampered by weather and missed rendevous. Heavy bomber losses are horrendous with the equivalent of an entire Bomb Group lost. 143 aircraft are effective on the target, 2 of these on Targets of Opportunity. 29 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 99KIA 190POW 2EVD. 52 aircraft are damaged. 2 airmen are KIA and 3 others WIA in returing aircraft. The bomber gunners claim 42-30-61 of attacking German aircraft but the totals are probably exaggerated.



The second formation is a combined force of 81 B-24s from 2nd Bomb Division: 93BG; 389BG; 445BG; 446BG; 448BG; and 453BG are despatched to bomb the German airfield at Glize-Rijen, Holland. Dense contrails and smoke hamper bombing and only 27 aircraft are effective on the target. No aircraft are lost to enemy action but 4 aircraft are Damaged Beyone Repair (DBR) - 26KIA 15RTD. 1 of these caught fire and exploded, 1 crashed due to ising on the wings, 1 was believed to have had a mid-air collision with a P-47; and the other sustained a mechanical failure as crashed on return. 26 airmen wer KIA and 14 WIA in returning aircraft. The bomber gunners of this formation made no claims on enemy aircraft.