8th Air Force 823B FIGHTER STRAFFING

8 February 1945

Description

A combined force of 414 heavy bombers (150 B-17s and 264 B-24s)from 1st, 2nd and 4rd Air Divisions are assembled, but the entire despatch is recalled before leaving the English coast. There are no losses or claims. Because the mission was recalled, it was not given an official Mission Number designation by 8th Air Force.



13 P-51s were despatched to provide escort to the bombers but 2 aborted and the other 11 were recalled with the bombers. Another 99 P-51s were depatched on a fighter sweep and to strafe German rail traffic. 1 aircraft aborted and the other 98 straffed rail traffic as the opportunity presented itself. This operation was also not given an official Mission NUmber designation by 8th Air Force.

Mission Details

Description: FIGHTER SWEEPS

Notes: 98 of 99 P-51s manage to fly a fighter sweep attacking rail traffic and parked aircraft. They claim 1-0-0 Luftwaffe aircraft

Description: MISSION RECALLED

Notes: 150 B-17s and 264 B-24s are despatched to attack targets in western Germany but are recalled before leaving the UK coast due to clouds over bases, routes and targets.

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 487th Bomb Group 839th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator; Waist Gunner

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 10-Feb-2016. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 10-Feb-2016. Corrected Title.

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'.