VIII Bomber Command 161

22 December 1943
Technical Sergeant Edward Fee of the 91st Bomb Group enjoys a cup of coffee surrounded by his comrades at Bassingbourn after his final mission. Printed caption on reverse of print: 'A-27150 AC - HQ 8th AAF Photo Section, 20 Dec 1943. Ovation on Return. Congratulated on the completion of his tour of "Ops", T/Sgt. Edward Fee (holding cup), 30, of Charlestown, Mass., is surrounded by flying mates as he awaits interrogation. T/Sgt. Fee, holder of Air Medal and slated for the DFC, is aerial engineer of Fortres media-408263.jpg FRE 3668 Technical Sergeant Edward Fee of the 91st Bomb Group enjoys a cup of coffee surrounded by his comrades at Bassingbourn after his final mission. Printed caption on reverse of print: 'A-27150 AC - HQ 8th AAF Photo Section, 20 Dec 1943. Ovation on Return. Congratulated on the completion of his tour of "Ops", T/Sgt. Edward Fee (holding cup), 30, of Charlestown, Mass., is surrounded by flying mates as he awaits interrogation. T/Sgt. Fee, holder of Air Medal and slated for the DFC, is aerial engineer of Fortress "Black Swan", and was a longshoreman in civilian life. His final operational mission on December 22nd took him over northwest Germany. Photo shows him enjoying coffee a few minutes after landing. U.S. Air Force Photo.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 3668 - Technical Sergeant Edward Fee of the 91st Bomb Group enjoys a cup of coffee surrounded by his comrades at Bassingbourn after his final mission....

Description

This mission is composed of two forces directed at two separate targets, the communication centers at Osnabruck and Munster, Germany. The force attacking at Osnabruck is composed of two elements. The first element is composed of 227 B-17s (2 are PFF equipped from 482BG)from 1st Bomb Division that included: 91BG (28); 92BG (22); 303BG (20 - did not drop); 305BG (19); 306BG (21); 351BG (31 - did not drop); 379BG (21); 381BG (22); 384BG (20); and 401BG (21 - did not drop). 5 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 22KIA 27POW. Of 2 aircraft returing with battle battle damage, 1 crash lands at Ubbeston, UK 10RTD and the other is abandoned near Washingly, UK 10RTD, both aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR). 5 airmen are KIA and 8 are Wounded in Action (WIA) in returning aircraft. 21 aircraft are damaged. The bomber gunners in this element claim 12-2-3 of attacking German aircraft.



The second element of the force directed to Osnabruck is a force of 121 B-24s from 2nd Bomb Division that included: 93BG (18); 389BG (26); 445BG (26); 446BG (25); and 448BG (26). 87 aircraft are effective on the target. 12 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 82KIA 35POW 1DIC.

1 aircraft with battle damage crash landed at Manston, UK. 1KIA 9RTD. 5 airmen in returing aircraft were Wounded in Action (WIA). 11 aircraft are damaged. The bomber gunners in this element claimed 6-6-3 of attacking enemy aircraft.



The force attacking at Munster, Germany is composed of two elements. The first element is composed of 180 B-17s (including 3 PFF-equipped from 482BG) from 3rd Bomb Division that included: 94BG (20); 95BG (30); 96BG (27); 100BG (30); 385BG (20); 388BG (31); and 390BG (19). 164 aircraft are effective on the target. 3 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 22KIA 8POW. 2 aircraft with battle damage crashlanded back in England, aircraft DBR, 10RTD. 1 airman in a returning aircraft was Wounded in Action (WIA). 29 aircraft are damaged. There are no claims on enemy aircraft.



The second element attaking at Munster is composed of 43 B-24s from 2nd Bomb Division that included: 44BG (23) and 392BG (20). 30 aircraft are effective on the target. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 15KIA 5POW-1DIC. There are no claims by this element on attacking German aircraft.



Mission Details

Münster, Germany

Description: COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 5 B-17s from 390th Bomb Group join with the first wave to drop 80 X 250IB on Osnabruck. 4 Pathfinder (PFF)-equipped B-17s from 482 accompany this wave, 3 are effective on the target.

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
Lieutenant John C "Red" Morgan of the 482nd Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Lt Red Morgan, Cong, Med of Hon.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 299.59
  • People killed in action: 23
  • People wounded in action: 1
  • Prisoners of war: 7
  • People returned to duty: 20
  • Aircraft sent: 181
  • Aircraft effective: 167
  • Aircraft missing in action: 3
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 29

Münster, Germany

Description: COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.
  • 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

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 54.81
  • People killed in action: 15
  • Prisoners of war: 4
  • People died in captivity: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 43
  • Aircraft effective: 30
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2

OSNABRUCK (Primary)

Description: COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Heavy cloud cover disrupts the formations. 303rd Bomb Group fails to bomb because of another formation passing underneath. 351st Bomb Group fails to bomb because of a malfunction in the lead aircraft. 401st Bomb Group fails to bomb because of a Pathfinder (PFF) breakdown. 482nd Bomb Group despatches 4 Pathfinder (PFF) aircraft to accompany this element and second wave but only two are effective on the target. A 401st Bomb Group aircraft suffered a bomb strike and was abandoned over England crashing near Washingley.

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • 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
The insignia of the 381st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 333.82
  • People killed in action: 28
  • People wounded in action: 8
  • People evaded: 1
  • Prisoners of war: 27
  • People returned to duty: 20
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 12
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 2
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 3
  • Aircraft sent: 159
  • Aircraft effective: 149
  • Aircraft missing in action: 5
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 21

OSNABRUCK (Primary)

Description: COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: 448th Bomb Group flies its first mission. 20 B-17s and B-24s drop 265 X 500GP on Targets of Opportunity. 488th Bomb Group loses one aircraft due to a bomb strike.

The insignia of the 389th 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
A flight of B-24 Liberators of the 446th Bomb Group fly in formation above the clouds.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 448th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 93rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 197.58
  • People killed in action: 86
  • People wounded in action: 5
  • People evaded: 1
  • Prisoners of war: 35
  • People returned to duty: 9
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 6
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 6
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 3
  • Aircraft sent: 121
  • Aircraft effective: 87
  • Aircraft missing in action: 12
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 11

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: 381st Bomb Group 534th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18042331
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 412th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18193418
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-686181
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 2nd Bomb Division 20th Combat Bomb Wing 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-809318
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 2nd Bomb Division 20th Combat Bomb Wing 448th Bomb Group 712th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 19055027
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: What's Cookin' Doc
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron 305th Bomb Group 422nd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 92nd Bomb Group fly in formation during a training exercise. Aircraft are, from left to right: B-17E (serial number 41-9022) nicknamed "Alabama Exterminator", B-17E (serial number 41-9023) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle", B-17E (UX-?, serial number 41-9017) nicknamed "Heidi Ho", B-17E (UX-V, serial number 41-9013), B-17E (UX-S, serial number 41-9154) nicknamed "The Bat out of Hell", B-17E (serial number 41-9132). Printed caption on reverse: 'B-26340 AC - Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortres
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Alabama Exterminator II
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Group Base Air Depot 1 92nd Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Kayo
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 365th Bomb Squadron 546th Bomb Squadron 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Mr Five by Five
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 544th Bomb Squadron 94th Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 326th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorMags
Changes
Sources

303rd BG Web Page

Date
Contributortheseanze
Changes
Sources

Personal letters of Sgt. Martin J. Kilcoyne

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 27-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to 2BD (Osnabruck) statisitics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 27-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to 1BD (Osnabruck) statisitics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", ROger A> Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 27-Jul-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 161: Gallery (9 items)