VIII Bomber Command 104

27 September 1943
The wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5888) nicknamed "Elusive Elcy" of the 94th Bomb Group flies off as a result of a direct hit, during a mission over Emden. Handwritten caption on reverse: '94 BG. 27/9/43.' Printed caption on reverse: 'A DRAMATIC INCIDENT DURING THE AIR WAR OVER EUROPE: A WING BREAKS OFF A FLYING FORTRESS DURING A DAYLIGHT BATTLE, AND THE STRICKEN BOMBER BEGINS TO TURN OVER AS IT STARTS ON THE WAY DOWN TO EARTH. This picture illustrates one of the hazards which the big A media-408493.jpg FRE 3862 The wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5888) nicknamed "Elusive Elcy" of the 94th Bomb Group flies off as a result of a direct hit, during a mission over Emden.

Handwritten caption on reverse: '94 BG. 27/9/43.'

Printed caption on reverse: 'A DRAMATIC INCIDENT DURING THE AIR WAR OVER EUROPE: A WING BREAKS OFF A FLYING FORTRESS DURING A DAYLIGHT BATTLE, AND THE STRICKEN BOMBER BEGINS TO TURN OVER AS IT STARTS ON THE WAY DOWN TO EARTH. This picture illustrates one of the hazards which the big American bombers have to face daily in their attacks on Germany and German-occupied Europe. A formation of Fortresses were flying over heavy cloud towards their objectives when they were attacked with disastrous results for one of their number. Whether as the consequence of an onslaught by fighters or by flak, the Fortress at the top of the picture was hit: half a wing broke off – it can be seen clearly in the air – and flame appears to be coming from the remaining half. The bomber has already begun to turn over, just as the plane begins to dive down to earth. If conditions are favourable the crew may be able to take to their parachutes before the inevitable crash. Meanwhile the remainder of the formation ploughs on steadily towards the target. Despite the danger of heavy losses, the daylight bombing by the American Air Forces is steady reducing Germany’s capacity to wage war, because of the precision methods which can only be applied when the target below is clearly visible to the bombers above.'
On reverse: US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamp]. 289587. [Censor no.] Roger Freeman Collection

Added paragraphs for legibility.

Object Number - FRE 3862 - The wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-5888) nicknamed "Elusive Elcy" of the 94th Bomb Group flies off as a result of a direct hit,...

Description

The industrial areas of Emden, Germany are the targets for this two-element mission. The first element is a combined force of 141 B-17s despatched from 3rd Bomb Division and include the 94BG (19); 95BG (22); 96BG (21); 100BG (20); 385BG (18); 399BG (20); and 390BG (21). 117 aircraft are effective on the target. 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 23KIA 18POW. One aircraft returns to Ludlam, UK and crashlands, but is declared Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 10RTD. 31 other aircraft are damaged with 8 airmen WIA. The bomber gunners in this element claim 17-6-14 of attacking enemy aircraft. 

The second element also attacks the industrial areas of Emden, Germany. The element is a combined force 284 B-17s despatched from 1st Bomb Division and includes the: 91BG (19); 92BG (16); 303BG (19); 305BG (18); 306BG (18); 351BG (18); 351BG (18); 379BG (19); 381BG (19); and 384BG (18). Also included are 3 B-17s from 482BG equipped with H2S radar. This is the first Pathfinder mission led by this type of aircraft. 129 aircraft from this element are effective on the target. 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 18KIA 16POW. In addition 1 airman is KIA and 9 are WIA in returning aircraft. The bomber gunners in this element claim 15-1-10 of attacking German fighters.

Mission Details

Description: DIVERSION

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: Diversion for the raid on Emden, Germany. Recalled because of weather.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 0.00
  • Aircraft sent: 24

Description: HARBOUR INSTALLATION

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 1 B-17 from 482nd Bomb Group, 813BS was equipped with the H2S equipment and lead this element. Another Pathfinder (PFF) aircraft from 482nd Bomb Group/813BS was assigned to also lead this element, but the equipment malfunctioned before the formation crossed the English coast and the aircraft returned to base.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 277 X 500GP, 57 X 1000GP, 1,657 X 100 IB
  • People killed in action: 19
  • People wounded in action: 10
  • Prisoners of war: 14
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 15
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 10
  • Aircraft sent: 284
  • Aircraft effective: 129
  • Aircraft missing in action: 3
  • Aircraft damaged: 47

Description: HARBOUR INSTALLATION

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 2 of 3 H2S equipped B-17s from 482nd Bomb Group lead the first PATHFINDER (Pathfinder (PFF)) mission. This is the first mission for the 482nd Bomb Group. One B-17 from 482nd Bomb Group, 813BS was equipped with the H2S equipment and lead this element. First use of "Pathfinders" (Pathfinder (PFF)) (H2S radar-equipped) in combat operations.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 1,707 X 500GP 22 X 1000GP, 1,356 X 100 IB
  • People killed in action: 23
  • People wounded in action: 8
  • Prisoners of war: 18
  • People returned to duty: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 17
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 6
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 14
  • Aircraft sent: 142
  • Aircraft effective: 117
  • Aircraft missing in action: 4
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 31

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: 95th Bomb Group 335th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18005077 / T-000290
  • Highest Rank: Flight Officer
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 381st Bomb Group 532nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-737361
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
Staff Sergeant Donald W. Crossley, a tail gunner of the 95th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp] Handwritten caption on reverse: '21/9/43.' A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse of print, this has been lost, however considering the publication date, press agency and subject matter this was likely to have read: 'AWARDS TO THE HIGH-SCORING GUNNER. The Distinguished Flying Cross and an oak leaf cluster- the equivalent
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15107390
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 390th Bomb Group 568th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12095602
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
Darrell C. Debolt, bombardier in the 8th Air Force 381st Bombardment Group (H) 1943-1944
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 381st Bomb Group 534th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-734654
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Queen Jeanie : Damn Yankee II
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 545th Bomb Squadron 306th Bomb Group 368th Bomb Squadron 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The Dallas Rebel
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron
A B-17 Flying Fortress (TU-H, serial number 42-29831) of the 351st Bomb Group. Flim still from 'Combat America' (1943). Written on slide casing: 'TU-H, 229831? 510 BS/ 351 BG.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The Invader
Hollywood actor Captain Clark Gable and his crew of the 511st Bomb Squadron, 351st Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (DS-Y, serial number 42-29835) nicknamed "Pistol Ball" at Bodney. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Clark Gable - Bodney - DS-Y 'Pistol Ball'.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Pistol Ball
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 336th Bomb Squadron 511th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 29-Jun-2015. Added bomber gunner claims 17-6-14 to 3rd BD element per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 29-Jun-2015. Corrected statisitics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 29-Jun-2015. Added bomber gunner claims 15-1-10 to 3BD element statisitics on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 29-Jun-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

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'.

VIII Bomber Command 104: Gallery (11 items)