![On 4th April, 1945, Liberators of the 2nd Air Division were attacked by Me-262 jet fighters. Aircraft from the 448th Bomb Group flying mission No.248 were to bomb jet airfields throughout Germany and forty-five aircraft from Seething attacked the secondary target at Wesendorf due to cloud cover over the primary target at Parchim.
Approximately fifty German jet and rocket fighter aircraft engaged the formation causing a total loss of eight B-24 Liberators, three of which were from the 448th BG, including 44-50838 (Red Bow, pictured). Also shot down were Trouble N Mind, a B-24H piloted by Captain John Ray, Jr [DETAILS of SHAFTER CREW NEEDED]
Although I have seen the damage attributed to flak in at least one publication the nature and scale of the damage would suggest that the aircraft was hit by an R4M rocket from an Me-262 jet.
(Thanks to donall for his contribution on the forums at armyairforces.com)](https://www.americanairmuseum.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/media/media-12808.png?itok=FjIG2FYl)
1st Air Division
Division
In December 1944, the 1st Bomb Division was redesginated the 1st Air Division.
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8th Air Force 926
4 April 1945
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Crew #664 Elmo Maiden Crew 466th BG - 786th BS Standing Left to Right: Bernard M. Atkins (TG), Vernon R. Hayden (WG), William R. Hoopes (B), Gustave J. Roussel (E), Guerino G. Petti (N), Herbert Rosenkoff (CP), William A. Thomason (TT), Elmo Maiden (P), Kenneth W. Chester (NG), Joseph R. Zebrowski (R/O) B-24J-5-DT #42-51532 Code: U8-W Photo taken on 27 December 1944 after crash landing at an airfield in Belgium.
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![On 4th April, 1945, Liberators of the 2nd Air Division were attacked by Me-262 jet fighters. Aircraft from the 448th Bomb Group flying mission No.248 were to bomb jet airfields throughout Germany and forty-five aircraft from Seething attacked the secondary target at Wesendorf due to cloud cover over the primary target at Parchim.
Approximately fifty German jet and rocket fighter aircraft engaged the formation causing a total loss of eight B-24 Liberators, three of which were from the 448th BG, including 44-50838 (Red Bow, pictured). Also shot down were Trouble N Mind, a B-24H piloted by Captain John Ray, Jr [DETAILS of SHAFTER CREW NEEDED]
Although I have seen the damage attributed to flak in at least one publication the nature and scale of the damage would suggest that the aircraft was hit by an R4M rocket from an Me-262 jet.
(Thanks to donall for his contribution on the forums at armyairforces.com)](https://www.americanairmuseum.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/media/media-12808.png?itok=gq-POv5U)
On 4th April, 1945, Liberators of the 2nd Air Division were attacked by Me-262 jet fighters. Aircraft from the 448th Bomb Group flying mission No.248 were to bomb jet airfields throughout Germany and forty-five aircraft from Seething attacked the secondary target at Wesendorf due to cloud cover over the primary target at Parchim. Approximately fifty German jet and rocket fighter aircraft engaged the formation causing a total loss of eight B-24 Liberators, three of which were from the 448th BG, including 44-50838 (Red Bow, pictured). Also shot down were Trouble N Mind, a B-24H piloted by Captain John Ray, Jr [DETAILS of SHAFTER CREW NEEDED] Although I have seen the damage attributed to flak in at least one publication the nature and scale of the damage would suggest that the aircraft was hit by an R4M rocket from an Me-262 jet. (Thanks to donall for his contribution on the forums at armyairforces.com)
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Aerial photographs taken over Royan France on April 14, 1945 Top: Target No. 137, bounded by Blvd. de la Falaise, Rue de Roches, Cotreau la Beautre, Ave Joubre. Bottom: Target No. 11, showing the Royan Harbor with Rue Oger as the coastal road and bounded by Rue Maryse Bastie, Rue Des Platines NW, Blvd. de da Cote De Beaste
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B-24s in Flight, Photo probably taken by Tsgt. Harry Aaron Berger during the April 14, 1945 Royan Mission
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Ed passed away on June 30th, 2014. Obituary http://bit.ly/2aOwgoP Recorded in 2007 at the 448th Bomb Group reunion in Orlando, Florida. Interviewed by Evan Thomas Camera Operator: Ray E. Johnson **Full transcript link coming soon**
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401st Bomb Group, Mission No. 241, 4 Apr 1945, Unterlüss, Germany. Briefing was again scheduled for the early hour of 0250. All operational aircraft were airborne by 0705 hours, and since there were no aborts the two spares returned early. The 401st furnished the 94th Combat Wing "A" Group for this mission, the primary target being the airdrome and engine testing shop at Rotenburg, Germany. However, cloud cover precluded visual sighting, and the Group therefore searched for other airfields to bomb as targets of opportunity. The Lead and High Squadrons were unable to locate an appropriate target and returned with their bombs. However, the Low Squadron bombed an ordnance depot at Unterluss, Germany, causing extensive damage, although lack of target photographs made it difficult to interpret the bomb fall. No enemy aircraft were encountered and, while flak was observed in three different locations, none of the Group's ships was damaged. All aircraft had landed from the mission by 1518 hours.
Official description
Not yet known
Description
Not yet known
Mission details
1.
Description
BOMB TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Mission Statistics
2.
Description
ESCORT MISSION
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
25 P-51s escort 8 F-5s and 2 P-38s on a photo and radar recon mission, they claim 1-0-0 aircraft.
Mission Statistics
3.
Description
SCOUTING MISSION
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Mission Statistics
4. DEDELSDORF (Secondary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Units
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 39 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 13 |
5. EGGEBECK (Opportunistic)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Units
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3rd Air Division
Division
In December 1944, the 3rd Bomb Division was redesginated the 3rd Air Division.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 6.0 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 2 |
6. FASSBERG (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Units
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1st Air Division
Division
In December 1944, the 1st Bomb Division was redesginated the 1st Air Division.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 383.7 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 149 |
7. HOYA (Secondary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Units
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1st Air Division
Division
In December 1944, the 1st Bomb Division was redesginated the 1st Air Division.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 105.0 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 37 |
8. KIEL/ DEUTSCHE (Secondary)
Description
SHIPYARD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Primary – Docks at Kiel (visual only)
Secondary – City of Kiel
We were to fly up the north sea and cutting west, hit land at [intentionally left blank] which was our I.P. and on the west coast of Denmark. From there the course was 102o to the eastern coast of Denmark and Kiel. The S-2 officer warned us to stay away from “the more accurate Naval flak.” He also said that there was a pocket battleship and other enemy ocean-going craft docked at Kiel. He also told us not to bomb the Kiel canal because it was being used by relief ships for Holland.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 1497.5 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 505 |
9. PARCHIM (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
A mix of 324 P-47s and P-51s provide escort. Mix not given in available data. The P-47s claim 14-0-20 aircraft and the P-51s claim 9-0-3 aircraft.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 87.0 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 33 |
10. PERLEBERG (Primary)
Description
AIRFIELD
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Units
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2nd Air Division
Division
In December 1944, the 2nd Bomb Division was redesginated the 2nd Air Division.
Mission Statistics
| Tonnage dropped | 65.3 |
| Number of aircraft Sent | 29 |
11. UNTERLUSS (Opportunistic)
Description
BOMB TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY
Aircraft type
Not yet known
Notes
Not yet known
Mission Statistics
12. WESENDORF (Secondary) / Seething, England
Description
"I just can’t remember the mission although i do have an air medal that’s dated April 5th and that aeroplane that’s cut in half we were flying a group ahead of that. Now that flight back there was Ed Chu’s flight and i always tried the best i could to get around some the facts on this. And i watched those jets come down to my right circle that group and shoot the hell out of them."
"..And one jet came right at us and we were flying in the low right what they call the coffin corner and that jet came at me. And as far as everybody in my flight knows i was the only one shooting at him. And to make a long story short it was posted on the squadron bulletin board that that was confirmed kill."
(Edward Paretti, 448th BG)
Aircraft type
B-24 Liberator
Notes
I interviewed a small group of 448th veterans with an American friend during one of their last reunions in Orlando, 2007. Edward Paretti (NY) spoke of the above incident in which the group were attacked by jet fighters. It sparked an interest in the mission and encounters with jets and I tried to gather as much material as I could about 4th April 1945. Ed Chu was an asian-american who also served in the 448th BG. He was at the reunion but couldn't or didn't want to talk at that time. We wrote to each other after the reunion and he passed away a few years later.
If you want to get in touch you can find me here www.happywarriors.co.uk
Units
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448th Bomb Group
Group
The 448th Bombardment Group was organized on 6 April 1943 and activated on 1 May 1943 at Gowen Field, near Boise, Idaho. The initial training of the air crews took place in Florida. The entire group was assembled Wendover Field, Utah. Both air and...
Mission Statistics
Service
People
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Donald Aagesen
Military | Captain | Pilot/Co-Pilot | 303rd Bomb Group
Donald C Aageson served as a pilot with the 303rd Bomb Group. He flew 29 missions. ... -
Cecil Adkisson
Military | Sergeant | Ball Turret Gunner | 401st Bomb Group
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George Alexander
Military | Second Lieutenant | Observer / Top Turret Gunner | 448th Bomb Group
Assigned to 714BS, 448BG, 8AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) Wessendorf in B-24 44-50838 'Red Bow' 4-Apr-45; A/C downed by fighters, broke up in flight near Lauenburg, Killed in Action (KIA), MACR 13730. Awards: AM, PH. -
Harry Allen
Military | Staff Sergeant | Left Waist Gunner | 448th Bomb Group
Assigned to 714BS, 448BG, 8AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) Wessendorf in B-24 44-50838 'Red Bow' 4-Apr-45; A/C downed by fighters, broke up in flight near Lauenburg Killed in Action (KIA) MACR 13730 Awards: AM (3OLC), PH. -
Frank Arndt
Military | Sergeant | Radio Operator, Tail Gunner | 401st Bomb Group
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Merlin Austin
Military | Flight Officer | Bombardier | 401st Bomb Group
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Clarence Bailey
Military | Sergeant | Tail Gunner | 401st Bomb Group
Member of Ford's Crew. Sgt Clarence Bailey flew 10 missions, from 04/04/1945, mission #241, to 04/20/1945, mission #254. He served as a Tail Gunner. -
Maj. Ignacio Barrios
Military | Major | Navigator | 447th Bomb Group
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Nephi Berkenpas
Military | Colonel | Aircraft Mechanic, Instructor Pilot for B-24, B-17, B-25, Pilot, Aircraft Commander, Instructor Aircraft Maintenance | 351st Bomb Group
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Frank Calicura
Military | First Lieutenant | B-17 Pilot | 95th Bomb Group
Frank Calicura served as a pilot with the 95th Bomb Group. ...
Aircraft
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42-102398 Dynamite John
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 29/2/44; Gr Island 22/3/44; Grenier 20/4/44; Assigned 612BS/401BG [SC-H] Deenethorpe 13/5/44; Returned to the USA Bradley 6/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 8/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in... -
42-102468 'Farmer's Daughter'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 5/3/44; Hunter 7/4/44; Dow Fd 29/4/44; Assigned 615BS/401BG [IY-C] Deenethorpe 3/5/44; 614BS [IW-S]; 106m, Returned to the USA Bradley 7/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 14/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for... -
42-107151 Cover Girl
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Tulsa 7/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Grenier 7/4/44; Assigned 614BS/401BG [IW-B] Deenethorpe 15/4/44; Returned to the USA Bradley 8/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 12/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA)... -
42-31591 Homesick Angel
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 26/11/43; Wendover 9/12/43; Grenier 20/1/44; Assigned 457BG Glatton 25/1/44; transferred 613BS/401BG [IN-J] Deenethorpe 11/3/44; Missing in Action Pas de Calais 19/3/44, force landed continent; Salvaged 1 SAD Troston 22/4/44; mission... -
42-31730 'Morning Star', 'Tail End Charlie'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 10/12/43; Kearney 27/12/43; RAF Nutts Corner 15/1/44; Assigned 615BS/401BG [IY-B] Deenethorpe 31/1/44; 613BS [IN-O]; 112m, Returned to the USA 121 BU Bradley 7/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 9/6/45; 4100 BU Patterson 9/10... -
42-31891 The Shape
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 31/12/43; Kearney 12/1/44; Assigned 612BS/401BG [SC-P] Deenethorpe 15/2/44; Returned to the USA 121 BU Bradley 1/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 8/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA)... -
42-32012 'Shark Tooth'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Denver 15/1/44; Kearney 28/1/44; Assigned 614BS/401BG [IW-P] Deenethorpe 5/3/44; Returned to the USA 121 BU Bradley 8/6/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 13/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman... -
42-37788 HELL'S MESSENGER
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Denver 28/8/43; Scott 16/9/43; Assigned 544BS/384BG Grafton Underwood 7/11/43; transferred 547BS [SO-N]; transferred to 364FG Leiston, Sfk, UK. 11/43; Returned to the USA Bradley 14/7/45; 4185 BU Independence 17/7/45; Reconstruction Finance... -
42-39993 'Hells Angels Out Of Chute 13', 'Grossly Inadequate'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Long Beach 26/10/43; Assigned 612BS/401BG [SC-C] Deenethorpe 1/1/44; 118m landing accident at base with Jim Nolan 7/5/45; sal 2 SAD Watton, Nfk 8/5/45. HELL’S ANGELS OUT OF CHUTE 13 aka GROSSLY INADEQUATE. ... -
42-97105 Paper Doll
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Selfridge Fld 3/2/44; Dorval 4/3/44; Assigned RAF [HB-768]; transferred 561BS/388BG Knettishall 13/3/44; Missing in Action Parchim 7/4/45 with Lew Hickman, Arnold Wolf, Cawthorn Perdue, Albt Vawter, Herman Meyer (5 Prisoner of War); John...
Revisions
| Date | Contributor | Update |
|---|---|---|
| 04 February 2020 21:26:13 | Al_Skiff | Changes to person associations and aircraft associations |
| Sources | ||
Added crew of B-24 44-50838 |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 02 July 2017 03:16:35 | Virginiawise50 | Changes to person associations |
| Sources | ||
Virginia Wise, eldest child of Lester Allen Wise, who flew on this mission as a pilot with Jack Q. Means as co-pilot. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 01 July 2017 18:34:44 | Virginiawise50 | Changes to person associations and aircraft associations |
| Sources | ||
Virginia Wise, eldest child of, Lester Allen Wise, B-17 (43-39056) pilot 8th Air Force, 385th Bomb Group, who flew on this mission to Kiel from Great Ashfield, England, 4 Apr 1945 |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 01 December 2016 23:50:36 | daveb@dalitech.com | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Information from original, hand-written combat logs dated Feb-Apr 1945. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 04 February 2015 23:03:11 | bloodsweatflak | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
4th April 1945 |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 04 February 2015 23:00:09 | bloodsweatflak | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Red Bow Incident |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 04 February 2015 16:17:59 | Emily | Changes to event |
| Sources | ||
Freeman, Mighty Eighth War Diary, p. 479 |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 27 September 2014 18:43:13 | AAM | AAM ingest |
| Sources | ||
Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'. |
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