Description

The German rubber industry (Chemische Werke Hüls AG) at Marl (district Hüls-Nord), Germany, is the primary objective of this mission and is assigned to the Bomb Groups with the most expericence. Also the industrial area of Antwerp, Belgium is assigned as a secondary target. Three new Bomb Groups will fly their first missions today.

A large formation of 152 B-17s is depatched from 91BG (22); 92BG (29); 303BG (15); 305BG (25); 306BG (24); 351BG (21) and 379BG (16) to bomb at Marl, Germany. 118 of 152 are effective on the target from this formation In addition, a composite group of 303BG (13) and 379BG (7) also is assigned to rubber industry at Marl, Germany and flies with the main formation. 16 of 20 are effective on the target. 11 YB-40 gunships are included in the despatch from 92BG. A total of 11 aircraft are MIA, one of these is a YB-40. 91BG takes the heaviest loss of 5 B-17s. Flak is light-moderate and fighter resistance is moderate. The bomber gunners claim 32-8-23 of the enemy fighters.

A second formation of 63 B-17s is despatched from 94BG (16); 95BG (17); and 96BG (30) to bomb the German rubber industry at Marl, Germany. 49 of the 63 despatched are effective on the target. 5 B-17s from this formation are MIA. The bomber gunners claim 14-12-11 of the enemy fighters.

A composite force of 42 B-17s is despatched from: 381BG (22) and 384BG (20) to bomb the industrial area of Antwerp, Belgium. This is the first mission for 381BG and 384BG. 4 B-17s are MIA. Flak is moderate and fighter resistance is light. The bomber gunners claim 1-2-9 of the enemy aircraft.

Lastly, the 100BG despatched 21 B-17s to fly a diversion for the Huls attack, but was launched too late to confuse the enemy. This is the first mission for the 100BG. There are no losses or claims.