Description

German airfields in Holland and France are the targets for this mission. All of the attacks were made late in the afternoon just prior to sunset. The mission is composed of two elements. The first element is a combined force of 180 B-17s from: 91BG (20); 351BG (19); 381BG (23); 92BG (18); 305BG (19); 306BG (20); 303BG (20); 379BG (21); and 384BG (20) are despatched to the German airfields at Vlissingen, Holland; Amiens, France; and Poix, France. 91 aircraft are effective on Vlissingen (cited as a secondary target in Freeman): 91BG (19); 92BG (18); 305BG (16); 306BG (20); 351BG (18). There are no losses or claims in this formation, although 34 are damaged and 3 airmen are wounded. 381BG was not able to bomb (reason not yet determined). 56 aircraft are effective on Amiens; and 14 other dropped on Poix. There are no losses or claims in these two formations, although 14 aircraft were damaged. The Mission Report of the 303BG which attacked Amiens stated that there was no fighter opposition and "It was a milk run you dream about" That report also mentions that there was RAF Spitfire support for this mission.

The second element was a formation of 147 B-17s from: 94BG (21); 385BG (21); 390BG (21); 95BG (21); 96BG (21); 100BG (21); 388BG (21) are dispatched to bomb the German airfields at Merville, Lille/Vendville and Vitre en Artois, France. 82 of these aircraft drop half their load on Merville and half hit Lille/Vendeville. 61 aircraft are effective on Vitre en Atrois. Two B-17s Failed to Return (FTR) one from 385BG and one from 390BG (First MIA for this Group)-17KIA, 1POW, 4EVD 3WIA. Fighter opposition is light. The bomber gunners claim 9-0-1 of the attacking German fighters.