Concordia-Vega Refinery (White II)

Aircraft crash site
media-39851.jpeg UPL 39851 Annotated reconnaissance photo of Concordia Vega Oil Refinery, Ploesti, Romania taken 3 August 1943 to assess the impact of the bombing during Operation Tidal Wave.

Point 14 is likely the crash site of B-24D, 42-40994, nicknamed, Hell's Wench, which exploded on 1 August 1943.

Graphic Interpretation report:
1: 4 large and 2 small tanks in the crude oil storage area North of the refinery totally destroyed.
2: Retaining wall of storage sump broken by one of two craters
3: 5 of a group of 12 sunken process tanks destroyed
4: 4 of a group of 12 sunken process tanks destroyed and 2 probably damaged
5: 1 of a group of 8 sunken process tanks destroyed and 3, possibly 4 damaged
6: Ground blackened as if by fire in 2 places. It cannot be said if anything is destroyed in these areas
7: 3 bay shed in asphalt plant damaged by fire
8: Shed in asphalt plant damaged in 2 places by fire; roof of adjoining shed to east blackened
9: Corner of office building destroyed by fire
10: Part of Eastern distillation unit damaged
11: Finished products tank on South side of works destroyed
12: One crater on each side of road causing no damage to highway
13: 2 craters in fields respectively 300 and 700 yards SW of works
14: Large blast mark in field may have been caused by an aircraft crashing and exploding.

Punctuation, aircraft name. - Kickapoo

Object Number - UPL 39851 - Annotated reconnaissance photo of Concordia Vega Oil Refinery, Ploesti, Romania taken 3 August 1943 to assess the impact of the bombing during...

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Detailed History

On approach to the target B-24 'Hell's Wench' was hit by flak, the crew jettisoned their bombs as both wings were hit, and the aircraft began leaking fuel, and became engulfed in flames.



Despite attempts to gain altitude the aircraft lost speed in the climb, rolled over, crashed, and exploded in flames, killing everyone on board.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11021584
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group Headquarters (93rd Bomb Group)
  • Service Numbers: O-280827
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot / Commanding Officer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17037959
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11019924
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18070690
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Hell's Wench
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Ploesti reconnaissance image https://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/39851

Concordia-Vega Refinery (White II): Gallery (2 items)