8th Air Force 282

27 March 1944
A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31330) of the 452nd Bomb Group releases its bombs over an airdrome in Bordeaux. Printed caption on reverese: '61732 AC- BOMBS AWAY!!!! A Beoing B-17 "Flying Fortress" of the 452nd Bomb Group releases its bombs on the Nazi airdrome, Bordeaux, France, as the air offensive against the enemy reaches an all time high. 27 March 1944. US Air Force Photo.' media-380650.jpg FRE 1834 A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31330) of the 452nd Bomb Group releases its bombs over an airdrome in Bordeaux. Printed caption on reverese: '61732 AC- BOMBS AWAY!!!! A Beoing B-17 "Flying Fortress" of the 452nd Bomb Group releases its bombs on the Nazi airdrome, Bordeaux, France, as the air offensive against the enemy reaches an all time high. 27 March 1944. US Air Force Photo.'

- Photo taken from 42-39936, per 452BG Formation Plan for 27 Mar 1944. Roger Freeman Collection

Roger Freeman Collection
https://www.fold3.com/image/49501990

Object Number - FRE 1834 - A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31330) of the 452nd Bomb Group releases its bombs over an airdrome in Bordeaux. Printed caption on reverese:...

Description

This mission might be likened to a "shotgun blast" as a combined force 714 heavy bombers are despatched form all three Air Divisions to attack 11 different German airfields and air depots in France. Mission summary follows:



2nd Bomb Division: A combined force of 168 B-24s from: 44BG; 389BG; 392BG; 445BG; 453BG; 458BG; and 466BG are despatched. 72 are effective on the German airfield of Pau/Pont Long, France; 49 are effective on the German airfield at Biarritz, France; 47 are effective on the German airfield of Mont-de-Marsan, France. 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 17KIA 4POW 10INT (Spain). 4 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR), 2 of these are loss to a mid-air collision during assembly over Hoe, UK - 20KIA, the other two in crashlandings upon return - 10 RTD. 18 aircraft are damaged. 1 airman in a returning aircraft is WIA. There are no other losses, claims or casualties in this element.



3rd Air Division: A combined force of 256 B-17s from: 94BG; 95BG; 96BG; 100BG; 385BG; 388BG; 390BG; 447BG; and 452BG are despatched. 123 are effective on the German airfield of Bordeaux/Merginac, France; 118 are effective on the German airfield at Cayeux, France; 7 are effective on the German airfield at Chartres, France. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 5KIA 10POW 4EVD. 51 aircraft are damaged. 11 airmen in returning aircraft are KIA nad another 2 are WIA. Thre are no other losses, casualties or claims in this element.



1st Air Division: A combined force of 290 B-17s from: 91BG; 303BG; 305BG; 306BG; 351BG; 279BG; 381BG; 384BG; 401BG; and 457BG are despatched. 55 are effective on the German airfield at St. Jean D'Angely, France; 59 are effective on the German airfield of La Leu at La Rochelle, France; 74 are effective at the German air depot of Parcay Meslay at Tours, France; 35 bomb the German air depot of Usine Liotard at Tours, France; 60 are effective on the German airfield at Chartres, France; and 2 bomb other Targets of Opportunity (TOs). 1 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 10POW. 1 aircraft is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in a crash on take-off - 10KOM. 37 aircraft are damaged. 1 airman aboard a returning aircraft is WIA. There are no other losses, casualties or claims in this element.

Mission Details

Description: BOMB TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 5.76
  • Aircraft sent: 2
  • Aircraft effective: 2

BIARRITZ (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 128.53
  • Aircraft sent: 49
  • Aircraft effective: 49

BORDEAUX/MERIGNAC (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: No bomber gunner claims. Groups participating are part of 3rd Bomb Division.

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 390th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 288.93
  • People killed in action: 16
  • People wounded in action: 2
  • People evaded: 4
  • Prisoners of war: 10
  • Aircraft sent: 131
  • Aircraft effective: 123
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 51

CAYEUX (Opportunistic)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 277.18
  • Aircraft sent: 118
  • Aircraft effective: 118

CHARTRES (Opportunistic)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 3rd Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 16.44
  • Aircraft sent: 7
  • Aircraft effective: 7

CHARTRES (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 7 B-17s from 447th Bomb Group (3rd Bomb Division) failed to find their own group and joined the one Bomb Group in attacking Chartres. It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.

The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 172.00
  • Prisoners of war: 10
  • Aircraft sent: 60
  • Aircraft effective: 60
  • Aircraft damaged: 9

LA ROCHELLE/LALEU (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 170.00
  • Aircraft sent: 59
  • Aircraft effective: 59
  • Aircraft damaged: 8

MONT DE MARSAN (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 2nd Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 123.28
  • Aircraft sent: 47
  • Aircraft effective: 47

PAU/PONT LONG (Primary)

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: No bomber gunner claims. Groups participating are part of 2nd Bomb Division.

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A pathfinder B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-51681) of the 453rd Bomb Group flies in formation with a fellow Liberator of the 453rd and and a pathfinder Liberator of the 445th Bomb Group. Image via Alan Rowsell.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Colonel Larry Thomas of the 453rd Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Col Larry Thomas 453BG.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 196.73
  • People killed in action: 37
  • Prisoners of war: 4
  • People returned to duty: 20
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 75
  • Aircraft missing in action: 3
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 4
  • Aircraft damaged: 18

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: No bomber gunner claims. All Groups from 1st Bomb Division participate except 92nd Bomb Group which stands down.

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Official insignia of the 306th Bomb Group, approved 6 January 1943, and updated 2 October 1951.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 158.46
  • Aircraft sent: 60
  • Aircraft effective: 55
  • Aircraft damaged: 13

Description: AIR DEPOT

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 457th BG MISSION NO. 21 - TOURS, FRANCE 27 MARCH 1944 The target was the Aircraft Repair Works of Usine Liotard, under the control of the Nazi War Machine since thefall of France. This facility accounted for the repair of a large percentage of the German fighter planes, principally the FW 190s. Eighteen aircraft were dispatched as the 94th B Combat Wing. In addition, six craft were dispatched with the 94th A Wing to attack the GM airfield three miles north of Tours. Cot. Luper was Air Commander and Lt. Vinton H. Mays as pilot, led the 94th Combat Wing over the Channel. The No. 1 engine on the lead ship began running away and had to be feathered. The lead was turned over to the Deputy Lead, Major Spencer. The lead ship circled the Le Havre area looking for a target of opportunity and finally dropped bombs on the Caen Airdrome. The main formation continued on the assigned course to the IP. The target was visible. Just before bombs away, it was discovered the bomb bay doors of the lead ship had failed to open. A 180 degree turn was made to get in position for a second run. Bombing problems developed with the lead aircraft and the bomb results were poor. Enemy fighter opposition was light and no flak was encountered. There were no personnel casualties, and all aircraft returned safely.

Unofficial emblem of the 457th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 213.19
  • Aircraft sent: 74
  • Aircraft effective: 74
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 17

Description: AIR DEPOT

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: It has not been determined which Groups from 1st Bomb Division attacked this target.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 100.84
  • Aircraft sent: 35
  • Aircraft effective: 35

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 615th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 6962724
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16006483
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-399662
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Squadron Commander - Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-754991
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 615th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 31037975 / O-681515
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Bomb Totin Mama
  • Unit: 458th Bomb Group 754th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Stardust
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 784th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: - Snafu Snark - Snark
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 785th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Big Dick Hard To Hit
  • Unit: 458th Bomb Group 755th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Date
ContributorTennyBelle
Changes
Sources

8th AF Database

Date
ContributorWWII37
Changes
Sources

711th Bombardment Squadron (H), 447th Bombardment Group (H)
B-17-G #42-39882, “My Gal” Crew
Top Left to Right: August E. Herlth, Eugene G. D'Albero, Larry S. Hatfield, Martin J. Gruber
Bottom Left to Right: William M. Lindgren, Bailey E. Swadley, Raymond L. Hayes, William H. Stoyer, Rocco J. LoCarro, Louis L. Jenkins

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 9-Mar-2016. Added Mission Summary based on "The Mighty Eighth War Dairy", Roger A. Freeman; "Losses of the 8th & 9th AIr Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE and MACRS.

Date
Changes
Sources

Mission detail added courtesy of Diane Reese - http://www.457thbombgroup.org/Narratives/ma21.html

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

466th BG Historian

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Associated Media based on images associated with missions in Freeman, The Mighty Eighth War Diary.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

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'.

8th Air Force 282: Gallery (14 items)