Description

This fighter escort operation is conducted by two separate fighter elements in support of heavy bomber missions attacking at Siracourt, France and Frankfurt, Germany.

The first element is a combined force of 126 fighters of type P-47 and P-51. A combined force of 84 P-47s from: 356FG and IX Fighter Command 362FG provide the actual escort of the heavy bombers attacking the V-Veapon sites around Siracourt, France. These are supported by a force of 41 P-51s from 8th Air Force 357FG, the first P-51 operation by 8th Air Force, who perform a fighter sweep in the Rouen area. There are no losses or claims in this element.

The second element is a combined force of 606 fighters of types: P-38, P-47 and P-51 despatched to escort the heavy bombers attacking at Frankfurt, Germany. Mission summary follows:

A combined force of 82 P-38s from 20FG & 55FG are despatched. 8 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 2KIA 6POW. 2 other aircraft are damaged, The fighters of this force claim 2-2-4 of attacking German aircraft.
A combined force of 486 P-47s are despatched. Included in this despatch are P-47s from IX Fighter Command 358FG (number not stated in source data). 4 aircraft from VIII Fighter Command Failed to Return (FTR) - 3KIA 1POW. 3 aircraft are Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 2 of these were caused by pilot error on return and 1 was caused by pilot error on take off - 1KIA 2RTD. The fighters in this force claim 14-0-14 of attacking German aircraft in the air and 2-1-4 on the ground.
A force of 38 P-51s from IX Fighter Command 354FG are despatched. 2 Aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) - 2POW. 1 aircraft with battle damage was Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) in a charsh landing upon return - 1RTD. The fighters in this force claim 14-0-10 of attacking German fighters.