Intelligence Annex | 15 Feb 1945

HEADQUARTERS 55TH BOMBARDMENT WING (H) D/JDB/2 APO 520, US ARMY 15 February 1945 2100A INTELLIGENCE ANNEX NO. 77 TO OPERATIONS ORDER NO. 77

This is Plan Able.

Maps: GSGS No. 4072 EUROPE AIR (MUCHEN, VIENNA Sectionals)1:500,000 Target and/or Briefing Charts: No. 13-14-A(REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING A/D) No. 13-14-A(LANDAU) No. 14-14-JA(UDL E/G& CAMPOFORNIDO) AP and MBC 13-66(REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING A/D) AP and MBC 13-93(LANDAU) Illustrations No. 3(a)16C/1,4,5 (OBERTRUABLING A/D) No. 3/air/34a/1,2 (LANDAU) Photograph No. 5007 (UDINE) M.A.P.R.C. NO. 30-240(C.7e) UDINE/CAMPOFORMIDO Pathfinder Scope Photos: 21-O(12)1, 21-O(12)2, 21-O(14)1 (REGENSBURG) D.I.R. No. 46/16, dated 31 December 1944 (LANDAU)

For several months the Fifteenth Air Force has been waiting for an opportune time to attack jet-propelled aircraft bases in the REGENSBURG-AUGSBURG-MUNICH area. The first consideration was weather. Visual conditions which are anticipated for this plan are a necessity for successful attack of parked aircraft and airdrome facilities. Also it is evident that the Air Force awaited the strategic time for the attack. That time has arrived. The Allies have not been ignorant of the progress and the increase in numbers and models of jet-propelled aircraft. The G/P has shown increased tendencies to attack photo recce planes. This could be interpreted as protection to prevent us from watching jet-propelled planes against our fighters first, and, second, bomber aircraft have been a target of jet-propelled aircraft. In the future, the G/P would desire to attack our bombers and airplanes at airfields. In the months of fuel shortages and loss of other fighter aircraft factories, types of aerial targets which this Air Force has so successfully reduced, the enemy undoubtedly entertains plans which will include primarily jet-propelled aircraft in defense of Europe. In fact, on this purpose rests the enemy's only desperate chance to attempt to regain air supremacy or defense of the homeland. It is not expected that either of these two objects could be attained; nevertheless, the growth of jet-propelled aircraft constitutes our objective which must be reduced and in time eliminated. It is believed that this year at least three types of jet-propelled planes are listed for substantial production. This would be composed of the Me 262 and the Me 290, both twin-engined aircraft, and the Me 163, a single-engined aircraft. These three have been in production since summer of 1944, and others have been projected.

Under this plan four priority airfields will be attacked, namely REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING, LECHFELD, LEIPHEIM and NEUBURG. All of these A/D's are active. LECHFELD, LEIPHEIM and NEUBURG showed on latest reconnaissance 20, 22, 12(partial cover), respectively.

ENEMY SITUATION

a. FLAK

(1) REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING A/D: Refer to Map 42271, 20 Dec 44, as amended by Report 42472, 14 Jan 45. The airdrome lies in the southeast sector of the defenses of REGENSBURG. Moderate to intense accurate flak may be expected.

(2) LANDAU A/F: The latest Report 42300, 22 Dec 44, shows this area to be defended only by light guns.

(3) CAMPOFORMIDO A/F: Refer to Map 32233, 14 Dec 44, as amended by Report 35534, 22 Jan 45. The A/D lies southeast of the city of UDINE. The two defending batteries lie 1½ and 3 miles from the A/D. Scant to moderate accurate flak may be expected.

b. ENEMY AIRCRAFT: In the MUNICH area the G/F is capable of an effort of 15-20 SEF which may be directed against our forces. It is possible that a few Me 262's may be airborne but it is anticipated they will be directed against recce aircraft and not against bombers. The enemy has capabilities to transfer an effective force of fighters in defense of these vital counterair targets. In such event, the G/F controller will likely direct the fighters against the most northern targets which include REGENSBURG and NEUBURG. This effort is estimated at 40-50 SEF. The capabilities of a few FW 190's of the Fascist Air Force to attack stragglers remains.

c. SIGNIFICANCE OF TARGETS

(1) REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING: The A/D is located approximately 5 miles SE of REGENSBURG and adjacent to the OBERTRUABLING Messerschmitt A/C factory. The original area was of irregular shape with dimensions of 1100 yards x 1400 yards, with sufficient open area to the SW, S and E to afford expansion. Cover of 27 December 1944 confirms this expansion. It appeared that construction had started which would make possible a 2200 yard runway. It is known that jet-propelled aircraft require a longer runway than standard fighter aircraft. Formerly the importance of OBERTRUABLING rested on the production of Me 109 and other Messerschmitt aircraft. It also in effect took the place evacuated since Munich air force attacks in February and July 1944. The two attacks in February were highly successful and almost totally destroyed the installations, except a large hangar and an "L" shaped building, both of which are actively in use. OBERTRUABLING is one of the newer sites of assembly of Me 262's and on 6 February, 46 Me 262's were present, the largest number ever seen on any one A/D. Later cover of 14 February showed 36, but this was only a partial coverage. Successful execution of this Wing's objectives will destroy buildings containing jigs and other necessary machinery and will destroy as many as possible of the completed aircraft on the A/D.

(2) LANDAU: This airdrome, selected as the first alternate, is located 32 miles SE of REGENSBURG and 3 3/4 miles from the town of LANDAU. The field is rectangular in shape with dimensions of 1050 yards x 1050 yards. Adequate servicing facilities are present, including three hangars, fuel depot and a few miscellaneous buildings. The field possesses night landing facilities. Latest coverage of the field showed 82 single-engined aircraft and 2 twin-engined aircraft present.

(3) UDINE/CAMPOFORMIDO: The A/D lies 4 miles to the SW of UDINE. The field is wedge-shaped with a 1450 yard runway. Dispersal area running NW/SE has been under preparation. Adequate servicing facilities are present. The A/D constitutes one of the most important bases in NE ITALY and as such is a profitable second alternate target.

FRIENDLY SITUATION

a. Coordination of attack is as follows: 5th Bombardment Wing attacks LECHFELD A/D installations. 47th Bombardment Wing attacks LEIPHEIM A/D installations. 49th Bombardment Wing attacks NEUBURG A/D installations. 304th Bombardment Wing attacks REGENSBURG/OBERTRUABLING A/D Installations.

b. Details on the friendly fighter situation are in the Operations Order.

c. It is imperative that Intelligence Briefing Officers grant adequate time in stress of the importance of this plan. The scope of this counterair attack has had no equal since this constitutes the first coordinated attempt to destroy four major jet-propelled aircraft bases with parked aircraft. Careful consideration will be given to the coordinated attacks of both bombardment units and fighter escort. In the event this plan is not executed, it is recognized that the strategy involved may be directed in the future. Consequently the most rigid security procedure must be enforced. It is easily seen that much of the success of the attack rests on surprise as well as coordination. Any leakage of information no matter how meager or innocent could endanger the present or future planned operation. The latter paragraph will be read to all combat crews at briefing.

d. POW camps are located at SPITTAL (464705-133002) and at STEINBURG (465800-124410).

BY COMMAND OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ACHESON:

JAMES D. BOOK, Major, AC, Asst A-2.

55BW Intelligence Annex No. 77, 15 Feb 45

Intelligence Annex 15 Feb 1945

Veteran Roster

DONATE

VOLUNTEERING