Description

This is another massive raid on Bremen, Germany by a force of 360 B-17s. The mission is composed of two elements. The first element is a combined force of 182 B-17s from 1st Bomb Division that included: 94BG (40); 95BG (20); 96BG (41); 100BG (20); 385BG (20); 388BG (20); and 390BG (21). High clouds frustrate bombing efforts and only 104 aircraft are effective on the target. 9 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 60KIA 27POW 3RTD (rescued by ASR). 1 aircraft crash lands on return at RAF Beccles and is declared to be Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 10RTD. 32 aircraft are damaged. 1 airman is KIA and 11 other are WIA in returning aircraft. The bomber gunners in this element claim 8-10-8 of attacking German fighters.

The second element is a combined force of 178 B-17 from 1st Bomb Division that included: 91BG (21); 92BG (18); 303BG (20); 395BG (9); 306BG 27); 351BG (19); 379BG (19); 381BG (22); 384BG (19); and 482BG (5). 50 aircraft are effective on the target. Weather and clouds hamper bombing efforts. 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 18KIA 23POW 1DIC. 1 aircraft sustained a landing gear failure on return and belly landed aircraft DBR. 10RTD. The bomber gunners in this element claim 6-1-2 of attacking German aircraft.