Description

The German naval bases at Kiel and Flensburg, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. A force of 123 B-17s is despatched from: 91BG (19); 92BG (10); 303BG (27); 305BG (22); 306BG (24) and 351BG (21) to bomb the naval facilities at Kiel, Germany. Dense flak and fierce fighter opposition is encountered. This has the two-fold strategic objective of drawing up the Luftwaffe for destruction of their fighters and attaking the port facilities supporting the German U-Boat offensive. 101 of 103 of the B-17s despatched are effective on the primary at Kiel. One B-17 from 351st BG drops on the secondary target for this formation, the port facilities at Flensburg, Germany and another drops on a target of last resort the Kreigsmarinewerft dock yards. 6 B-17s are MIA. The bomber gunners claim 48-7-21 on the attacking fighters. 

A second formation of 64 B-17s are depatched from: 94BG (26); 95BG (15) and 96BG (23) to bomb the naval yards at Flensburg, Germany. Anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition is also stiff aginst this formation but NO B-17s are lost and 9 are damaged. The bomber gunners claim 12-4-14 on the enemy fighters. 

The 379th Bomb Group despatches 24 B-17s on a diversion for the bombers attacking at Kiel and Felnsburg. This is their first operation. They will fly their first bombing operation on 29-May-43. This diversion is escorted by 117 P-47s despatched from 4FG, 56FG and 78FG. Therer are no losses or claims in the bomber formation or among the escorting fighters.