VIII Bomber Command 86

24 August 1943
B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 305th Bomb Group fly in formation during a mission. B-17F (KY-G, serial number 41-24592) nicknamed "Madame Betterfly" is visible in the foreground. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publciation 26 Aug 1943.' [stamp] and '280694.' [Censor no.] A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse, however this has been removed. media-379003.jpg FRE 1137 B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 305th Bomb Group fly in formation during a mission. B-17F (KY-G, serial number 41-24592) nicknamed "Madame Betterfly" is visible in the foreground. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publciation 26 Aug 1943.' [stamp] and '280694.' [Censor no.] A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse, however this has been removed. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 1137 - B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 305th Bomb Group fly in formation during a mission. B-17F (KY-G, serial number 41-24592) nicknamed "Madame Betterfly"...

Description

The 8th Air Force is intent on dishing out some "pay back" to the Luftwaffe for the toll it took on bombers of the 17-Aug-43 mission to Schweinfurt/Regensburg. So, This mission has three attack elements and a diversion element. The attack elements are all directed at German airfields in France, one of which is an air depot. There are attacks in the late morning and late afternoon. 

The first element is composed of 85 B-17s of the 17-Aug-43 Regensburg element that landed at bases in North Africa. The target is the German airfield of Bordeaux/Merignac, France. The Groups participating are: 94BG (17); 95BG (8); 96BG (15); 100BG (6); 385BG (13); 388BG (16); and 390BG (10). 9 aircraft had mechanical difficulties and returned to North Africa, and the 385BG formation of 13 did not attack. 58 of the 85 are effective on the target. These attacked between 1157hrs and 1200 hrs. 3 aircraft are MIA - 5KIA 3POW 6EVD 6RTD (rescued by ASR). 2 aircraft are listed as Category E losses (Damaged Beyond Repair-DBR) but one of these was a ground accident prior to take-off from Telergma when someone in the crew retracted the landing gear while the aircraft was on the hardstand. The other DBR ran out of gas while in the landing pattern at Knettishall and the pilot was forced to make a crashlandind in a nearby field. The crew were all OK. The bomber gunners of this element claimed 3-3-10 of attacking fighters. 

The second attacking element was a force of 110 B-17s from: 91BG (14); 92BG (19); 305BG (18); 306BG (18); 351BG (22); 379BG (12); and 381BG (7) despatched to bomb the large German air depot at Villacoublay, France. 86 aircraft are effective on the target between 1800hrs - 1805hrs. Weather prevented 91BG from dropping. There are no losses in this element but 64 are damaged. The bomber gunners claim 1-0-1 of attacking enemy aircraft. 

The third element is a formation of 42 B-17s from: 94BG (6); 95BG (7); 96BG (3); 100BG (7); 385BG (6); 388BG (6); and 390BG (7) despatched to bomb the German airfields at Conches, France and at Evereux/Fauville, France. Weather hampers bombing: none of the aircraft despatched from 94BG, 385BG and 388BG are able to bomb because of cloud cover. 22 of the 42 despatched manage to bombe the target. 1 B-17 is MIA because of a mechanical failure and is ditched into the English Channel - 1KIA 9RTD (rescued by ASR). The bomber gunners calim 0-0-2 of attacking enemy aircraft. 

A force of 36 B-17s from 303BG (18); 379BG (6); and 384BG (36) are despatched to fly a diversion for the elements attacking at Villacoublay and Chonches. One aircraft aborts. There are no losses or claims. 


 

Mission Details

Description: DIVERSION

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: Diversion for Villacoublay 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 384th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Aircraft sent: 36
  • Aircraft effective: 35

Description: AIRFIELDS

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 85 B-17s from Africa join raid, these landed there after Regensburg raid. 9 returned to African bases. 385th Bomb Group despatch was not effective in bombing the target.

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 388th 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

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 141.75
  • People killed in action: 4
  • People evaded: 6
  • Prisoners of war: 3
  • People returned to duty: 26
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircrafts probably destroyed by bomber: 3
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 10
  • Aircraft sent: 85
  • Aircraft effective: 58
  • Aircraft missing in action: 3
  • Aircraft damaged beyond repair: 2
  • Aircraft damaged: 40

/

Description: AIRFIELDS

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 94th Bomb Group 385th Bomb Group and 390th Bomb Group despatch are unable to effectively hit the target.

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: 248.00
  • People killed in action: 2
  • People wounded in action: 9
  • People returned to duty: 9
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 2
  • Aircraft sent: 42
  • Aircraft effective: 22
  • Aircraft missing in action: 1
  • Aircraft damaged: 15

Description: AIR DEPOT

Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Notes: 91st Bomb Group despatch unable to effectively hit the target

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 351st 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: 257.25
  • People wounded in action: 10
  • Enemy aircrafts destroyed by bomber: 1
  • Enemy aircraft damaged by bomber: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 110
  • Aircraft effective: 86
  • Aircraft damaged: 64

Connections

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People

Argentos, James 18108164 T/Sgt. 367th BS 306th BG Air Corps
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18108164
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
A bomber crew of the 388th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30207) nicknamed "Big Red.' Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Bailey Crew.'
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-793713
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18124489
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37111609
  • Highest Rank: Technician Fourth Grade
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 335th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13057861
  • Highest Rank: Master Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer/Waist Gunner

Aircraft

  • 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
Ground crew work of the 303rd Bomb Group work on the engines of a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "The Duchess". Passed for publication 20 Jan 1944. Printed caption on reverse: 'Famous Fortresses. Associated Press Photo Shows:- Ground crewmen at work on the Fortress "Duchess", which has already been on 50 missions over enemy territory. They are (left to right, lower): Sgt. Clyde L. Dewald, of 200 E Union St., Schnykill Haven, Penn.; and Sgt. James C. Hicks, of Rowtob, Henderson, K.Y.; (Upper) Cpl. Charles
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The Duchess, Sure Stuff
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Bad Check
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Spitball
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Date
ContributorThomBear
Changes
Sources

Added a/c 41-24560, per post-mission report.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 26-May-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to Villacoublay element statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 26-May-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to Conches element statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 26-May-2015. Added bomber gunner claims to Bordeaux element statistics per "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 26-May-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Associated Media based on images associated with missions in Freeman, The Mighty Eighth War Diary.

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'.

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