Official description
Not yet known
Description
This is the first mission flown by medium bombers (B-26) of the VIII Air Service Command. 16 B-26s from 323rd Bomb Group are despatched to make an attack at medium altitude on the railroad marshaling yards at Abbeville, France. 14 are effective on the target, however 10 are damaged by anti-aircraft fire. There are no losses or claims.
Mission details
1. ABBEVILLE
Description
MARSHALLING YARDS
Aircraft type
B-26 Marauder
Notes
First mission for the 323rd Bomb Group.1st mission of 8th Air Force Support Command (B-26 units) to a target. These attacked at medium altitude. No fighter escort on this mission.
Units
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Group
The 323rd Bombardment Group operated with B-26 Marauders, American medium bombers. They were the first Eighth Air Force Group to fly a medium level bombing mission with this aircraft on 16 July 1943. After flying a total of 33 missions with the Eighth,...
Mission Statistics
Tonnage dropped |
16.75 tons |
Number of aircraft Sent |
16 |
Number of aircraft Effective |
14 |
Number of aircraft Damaged |
10 |
Number of people Wounded in Action |
2 |
Service
Aircraft
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B-26 Marauder
The B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-34913) "Flounder Gus" was flown by pilot Richard H Lightfine of the 454th Bomb Squadron of the 323rd Bomb Group, as part of the 9th Air Force. The aircraft was originally based at Earles Colne and took part in the...