Description

This mission is composed of two elements. The first element is composed of 170 B-17s from: 91BG (16); 92BG (19); 303BG (20); 305BG (18); 306BG (18); 351BG (21); 379BG (21); 381BG (19); and 384BG (18). The primary target for this element is German airfield at Romilly-sur-Seine, France, but the target is obscured by clouds preventing 306BG and 384BG from bombing. The Commanding Officer of this 1st Bomb Wing element orders the formations to attack the German airfield at Amiens/Glisy instead making use of VHF radio communications to coordinate the attack. This is the first use of VHF in this manner. 105 aircraft hit the Amiens/Glisy airfield. 3 B-17s Failed to Return (FTR) 20KIA 6POW 3EVD 1RTD (rescued by ACR). 2 of the FTRs were involved in a mid-air collision and ended up crashing into the English Channel on the way to the target. 5 other airmen were KIA in aircraft that returned to base along with 8WIA. 1 aircraft was damaged bu debris from the 2 B-17s that collided but managed to make it back to England but crashlanded at Polebook. 8KOM 2RTD 1 RAF Observer also killed. The bomber gunners claim 5-1-3 of attacking German fighters. 

The second element was a combined group of 149 B-17s from: 94BG (21); 95BG (22); 96BG (21); 100BG (19); 385BG (21); 388BG (22); and 390BG (23) despatched to bomb the Meulan aircraft factory at Rouen, France. The target was obscured by clouds and only 1 aircraft managed to bomb a target of opportunity - the railway NE of Rouen. There are no losses or claims but 19 aircraft are damaged.