Description

The primary specific target for this mission are the lock gates at St. Nazaire, France to be attacked by two separate formations and also another force is despatched to bomb the German airfield at Beaumon Le Roger, France. A formation of 120 B-17s of 1st Bomb Wing from: 91BG (20); 92BG (16); 305BG (21); 306BG (21); 351BG (20); and 381BG (22) is despatched to St. Nazaire, France. Of the 13 aircraft despatched by 92BG 6 are YB-40 gunships. This force gets a figher escort part way along the route. German fighter opposition is moderate and flak is moderate. 104 of the 120 B-17s despatched are effective on the target. 5 B-17s are MIA (4 from 351BG). The bomber gunners claim 28-6-8 of the enemy aircraft. 

A second formation of 71 B-17s of 4th Bomb Wing from: 94BG (13); 95BG (21); 96BG (16); and 100BG (21) is despatched to St. Nazaire to attack approximately 15 minutes later that the the first formation. Because of the time lag, fighter resistance is light. 54 of the 71 B-17s despatched are effective on the target. 3 B-17 are MIA, all three sustaining damage from AA fire which punctures the fuel tanks and all three run out of gas and are forced to ditch into the English Channel. All three crews are rescued by ASR. There are no claims on enemy aircraft by this formation. 

A force of 50B-17s from: 303BG (18); 379BG (14); and 382BG (18) is despathed to bomb the German airfield at Beaumont Le Roger, France. This formation gets a fighter escort by Spitfires from the RAF. 43 of the 50 B017s despatched are effective on the target. There are no losses or claims in this formation.