VIII Bomber Command 113

9 October 1943
media-19415.jpeg UPL 19415 Reconnaissance view of the important plant soon after the raid, reveals that it has been entirely devastated. Assembly shops, hangars, and more than a score of smaller structures have been destroyed.
Photo from 42-30353 "Ten Knights in a Bar Room" (95th BG).

NARA Ref 342-FH-3A21959-C25581AC

AAM DB Entry Correction.

Object Number - UPL 19415 - Reconnaissance view of the important plant soon after the raid, reveals that it has been entirely devastated. Assembly shops, hangars, and more than...

Description

This mission is composed of 6 elements. The first element is a combined force of 115 B-17s from: 303BG (20); 379BG (20); 384BG (21); 351BG (21); 91BG 16; and 381BG (16) dispatched to bomb the industrial areas of Anklam, Germany. 106 aircraft are effective on the target. 18 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 89KIA 92POW; 1 aircraft returns but is Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 10RTD. 51 aircraft are damaged. 25 airmen in returning aircraft are Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners claim 65-19-47 of attacking German aircraft (probably exaggerated). The 351BG is awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for their actions on this mission (claimed 26-2-16 of enemy aircraft). 

The second element is a combined force of 100 B-17s from 385BG (22); 94BG (18); 390BG (21); 100BG (16) and 95BG (23) dispatched to bomb the industrial areas of Marienburg, Germany. 96 aircraft are effective on the target. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 10KIA 10POW 1EVD. 13 aircraft are damaged. 3 airmen in returning aircraft are Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners claim 9-2-0 of attacking German fighters. 

The third element is a small formation of 29 B-24s from 93BG (17); and 389BG (12) dispatched to bomb the U-Boat pens at Danzig, Germany. 23 aircraft are effective on the target.2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 2KIA 19INTin Sweden; 1 aircraft returns and is declared to be Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 10RTD. 8 aircraft are damaged. 1 airmen is a returning aircraft is Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners of this element claim 2-0-0 of attacking German aircraft. 

The fourth element is a small formation of 22 B-24s from 44BG (8) and 392BG (14) dispatched to bomb the port area of Gydnia, Poland. This is the first combat mission for 44th BG since returning from temporary duty in North Africa. 18 aircraft are effective on the target.11 aircraft are damaged. The bomber gunners calim 5-3-4 of attacking German aircraft. 

The fifth element is a combined force of 52 B-17s from: 96BG (18) and 388BG (24) dispatched to bomb the port area of Gydnia, Poland. 51 are effective on the target. 4 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 16KIA 15POW 10INT (in Sweden). 6 airmen in returning aircraft are Wounded in Action (WIA). The bomber gunners in this element claim 30-4-6 of attacking German aircraft. 

The sixth element is a combined formation of 112 B-17s from 305BG (18); 92BG (21); and 306BG (21) dispatched to bomb the port area of Gydnia, Poland. 2 aircraft Failed to Return (FTR) 6KIA 14POW. 2 aircraft return Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) 20RTD. The bomber gunners of this element claim 11-4 of attacking German aircraft.

Mission Details

Description: INDUSTRIAL AREA

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 351st Bomb Group is awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (2 of 2) for its actions on this raid.

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 381st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Unofficial emblem of the 91st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 185.50
  • People killed in action: 88
  • People wounded in action: 25
  • Prisoners of war: 93
  • People returned to duty: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 65
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 19
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 47
  • Aircraft sent: 115
  • Aircraft effective: 106
  • Aircraft missing in action: 18
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 51

Description: U-BOAT PENS

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 93rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 50.25
  • People killed in action: 2
  • People wounded in action: 1
  • People returned to duty: 29
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 29
  • Aircraft effective: 23
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 8

Description: PORT AREA

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: This element is a formation of 1st Bomb Division Bomb Groups (92BG, 305BG, and 306BG) bombing the port area of Gdynia, Poland

Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
Official insignia of the 306th Bomb Group, approved 6 January 1943, and updated 2 October 1951.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 92nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 147.23
  • People killed in action: 6
  • Prisoners of war: 14
  • People returned to duty: 20
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 11
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 4
  • Aircraft sent: 60
  • Aircraft effective: 58
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 62

Description: PORT AREA

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 96th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 127.27
  • People killed in action: 15
  • People wounded in action: 6
  • Prisoners of war: 15
  • People returned to duty: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 30
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 6
  • Aircraft sent: 52
  • Aircraft effective: 51
  • Aircraft missing in action: 4
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 37

Description: PORT AREA

Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator

Notes: First combat mission for 44th Bomb Group since returning from North Africa.

The insignia of the 392nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 36.00
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 5
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 4
  • Aircraft sent: 22
  • Aircraft effective: 18
  • Aircraft damaged: 11

Description: INDUSTRIAL AREA

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: This element reports excellent bombing results.

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 390th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A bomber crew of the 94th Bomb Group stand with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30200) nicknamed "Slo Time Sally" and a bomb inscribed 'Special delivery to Hitler'. Inscription on bomb reads: 'Special delivery to Hitler, From Peggy of St. Louis.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 95th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 217.90
  • People killed in action: 10
  • People wounded in action: 3
  • People evaded: 1
  • Prisoners of war: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 9
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 100
  • Aircraft effective: 96
  • Aircraft missing in action: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 13

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 381st Bomb Group 534th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 39398025
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 560th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16066310 / O-735023
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 510th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32478396
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
The crew of the 305th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Lazy Baby" the day after the record-breaking long-distance bombing mission to Eastern Prussia and Pomerania on the 9th of October 1943. Passed for publication 10 Oct 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Greatest Day Raid. American heavy bombers from Britain yesterday set up a new record for a long-distance raid when they made a round flight of 2,000 miles to bomb Pomerania, Poland and East Prussia ... Gdynia, Anklam, Marienburg and Danzig (Gda
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 364th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-681319
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 92nd Bomb Group 326th Bomb Squadron 327th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37264777
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner/Waist Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Piccadilly Filly
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 546th Bomb Squadron 305th Bomb Group 422nd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Damn Yankee
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 545th Bomb Squadron 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Little Audrey
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 384th Bomb Group Base Air Depot 1 368th Bomb Squadron 544th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Bad Check
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
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Contributoracbernstein1
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Date
Contributorwilliam henry
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Sources

Correct typos

Date
ContributorMags
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303rd BG Web Page

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statistics of Anklam per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statistics of to Danzig element per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statistics of Marienburg element attacking Gydnia per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statictis of 2BD (44BG & 329BG) element attacking Gydnia per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims on enemy aircraft to statistics of 3BD (96BG, 388BG) attack on Gydnia per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 4-Jul-2015. Added bomber gunner claims and enemy aircraft to 1BD (92BG,305BG,306BG) statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
Contributorjdossetter
Changes
Date
Contributorsimaguire
Changes
Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
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'.

VIII Bomber Command 113: Gallery (6 items)