Description

This mission was composed of three elements. The primary targets were the diesel engine works at Hamburg, Germany; the shipyards at Kiel, Germany and the aircraft industries at Warnemude, Germany, but weather frustrated the effort. The first element was a combined force of 123 B-17s from: 91BG (18); 303BG (20); 351BG (20); 379BG (21); 381BG (23); and 384BG (21) dispatched to attack the diesel engine works at Hamburg, Germany. 68 of this force diverted to the secondary target of the shipyards at Hamburg. 14 others from 381BG dropped on Heide as a target of opportunity. and 18 other bombed various targets of opportunity. Fighter resistance is heavy. 15 B-17s from this formation Failed to Return (FTR) - 37KIA 102POW 10RTD (Rescued). The bomber gunners claim 38-6-27 of the attacking fighters. 

The second element was a combined force of 59 B-17s from: 92BG (18); 305BG (20); and 306BG (21) dispatched to attack the shipyards a Kiel, Germany, but weather and assembly problems caused this element to be recalled. No losses or claims in this element. 

The third element was a combined force of 141 B-17s from 94BG (20); 95BG (27); 96BG (21); 100BG (24); 385BG (28); and 388BG (21) dispatched to bomb the aircraft industries at Warnemunde, Germany but cloud cover and weather diverted most of this formation to attack the shipyards at Kiel, Germany as a Target of Opportunity. 67 were effective on Kiel while 18 dropped on Rerik/West and 33 other bombed targets of opportunity. 4 B-17s of this formation Failed to Return (FTR) - 26KIA 5POW 9RTD (Rescued). Fighter resistance against this element was lighter as they attacked about 15 minutes later than the first element. The bomber gunners claimed 6-0-0 of attacking fighters. 

There was no fighter escort for any of these elements.