VIII Bomber Command 42

12 March 1943
media-23266.jpeg UPL 23266 Lt. Frank Robert Spitznagel and crew. 364th Squadron, 305th BG. Assembled June 18, 1943 in front of their B-17 #42-29633, nicknamed "SpitzFire"
(Personnel noted Back Row Left - Right; Front Row L-R)

Ds 6/30/2018

Object Number - UPL 23266 - Lt. Frank Robert Spitznagel and crew. 364th Squadron, 305th BG. Assembled June 18, 1943 in front of their B-17 #42-29633, nicknamed...

Description

The railroad marshalling yards at Rouen/Sotteville, France is the primary target for 72 B-17s. 91BG (18); 303BG (18) ; 305BG (17) and 306BG (19). Of this formation, 63 are effective on the target. There are no aircraft losses or claims on enemy aircraft in this formation. This is most likely attributed to the fact that 4th Fighter Group has conducted a fighter sweep by 41 Spitfires along the attack route.



In addition 18 B-24s are despatched on a diversion for the attack on Rouen: 44BG (6); 93BG (12). There are no aircraft losses or claims on enemy aircraft in this formation.

Mission Details

Description: DIVERSION

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: Diversion for Rouen/Sotteville raid.

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 18

ROUEN/SOTTEVILLE (Primary)

Description: MARSHALLING YARDS

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: There is no direct fighter escort of bombers for this mission, but Spitfires of 4th Fighter Group perform a sweep of the route, which is significant in achieving a no-loss result for the bombers

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 169.63
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 63

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-435877
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 19064357
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 39022387
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: A/RAD
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 96th Bomb Group 338th Bomb Squadron 358th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12012003 / O-435698
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12030885
  • Highest Rank: Master Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 26-Dec-2014. DEscription added based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" Roger A. Freeman.

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'.

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