Mission 168

55th Bomb Wing Mission Summary No. 168, 16 Feb 45

General Summary. On 16 Feb 45, 150 B-24 a/c of 153 a/c scheduled of the 55th Bombardment Wing took off from CERIGNOLA to attack the REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D. This mission was a part of a coordinated attack against two jet-propelled a/c fields currently very active. There were 137 effective sorties and 13 non-effective sorties. Group assemblies were accomplished by CERTO. Wing rendezvous was made by LORAN. P-38 and P-51 escort were joined by TF 1122 at 4405N-1455E and were last seen in the target area at approximately 1315A. Flak encountered ranged from SPARSE to MAH which was very accurate was encountered at 4830N-1322E. Nine a/c were seen and one group had a single encounter. 140 a/c were over the target from 1315-1318A. From 6,600' to 24,700', 137 B-24's dropped 272.1 tons of bombs. Three bombardment groups carried frags and one group carried 500 lb RDX M1 bombs. Results: 460th Bomb Group. Strike photos show a bomb pattern starting short, progressing across part of landing field and postholdng the area, and entering smoke-covered factory area. Smoke from previous bombing prevents accurate damage assessment. 464th and 465th Bomb Groups. Frag strikes of these two groups could not be separated. Combined pattern fell approximately 3,000' West of the airfield, starting short and extending Northward past the field end installations to the river. Principal damage appears to be among four separate small groups of buildings in the area to the East and Northeast of the airdrome. 485th Bomb Group. One frag pattern starts short and extends across Eastern end of landing area entering the smoke covered factory area at Southwest corner. A second pattern is seen to fall across Western end of landing area and to extend into open area to the North of landing area and West of installations. Smoke from fires and previous bombing prevents any statement on the number of a/c present, destroyed, or damaged. Weather: 10/10 stratocumulus clouds at 4000' from base to NE of the Spur. Clouds broke from there to the North ADRIATIC. The Alps were clear except for valley stratus. North of 48N there was 2-3/10 low cumulus tops 6,000' extending to the target. 134 a/c landed at home base from 1544-1630A. Three a/c were lost, two of which were hit by flak over Northern ITALY.

460th Bomb Group. On 16 Feb 45 at 0934A, 39 of 40 scheduled a/c were dispatched to bomb the REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D in Germany. Three a/c returned early. One a/c unable to join our group due to weather, joined the 464th Bomb Group over the Spur and bombed the REGENSBURG A/D with this formation. At 1300A one ton of 500 lb RDX bombs was released on the target at 23,500', axis of 215°. On route to the target this a/c jettisoned one ton of bombs at 4820N-1320E in order to lighten a/c which was pulling too much power and using too much gasoline. 35 a/c were over the primary target at 24,700'. On a heading of 325°, 33 a/c released 64.5 tons of 500 lb RDX M1 bombs. Bomb run was made visually although smoke from previous bombings made it impossible to sight on the briefed IP1. The Group experienced MAH flak for two to three minutes over the target. Black and white bursts were observed. The Group avoided the MAH flak at 4825N-1315E. An effective smoke screen was noted at SALZBURG, concealing the Northern portion of the city by artificial smoke. Five a/c were seen in the target area. At 1315A, 1 ME-210 was sighted at 10 o'clock level at 600 yards. This a/c was chased by a P-51 and closed on our lead a/c to 200 yards where it broke off without firing and passed about 100' below the bomber formation. Due to the presence of the P-51, our gunners did not fire. The P-51 was seen to destroy the ME-210 shortly after. The ME-210 was a bluish-gray color with a yellow tail and three yellow stripes around the fuselage. British markings on the wings. At the same time, 1 black plane (ME-109) was observed low at 600 yards and did not attack. Three FW-190s at 1320A, one of which was OD colored, 1 ME-109, with five white bands around its fuselage near the tail. The other two were black with yellow tails and green, red and yellow stripes on the fuselage. Conflicting reports were received as to whether they were ME-109's or Spitfires. The crew that believes them to be Spitfires reports British markings on the wings. 34 a/c returned to base with a mean landing time of 1540A. One a/c landed at a friendly field.
464th Bomb Group. On 16 Feb 45, 42 scheduled a/c took off at 0930A to bomb the REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D. There were 8 early returns. 34 a/c dropped 72.06 tons of frags clustered from 24,000' at 1317A on an axis of 335° with a right rally. Recapitulation: 34 a/c dropped on target 72.06 tons 1 a/c dropped on target of opportunity 2.15 tons 6 a/c jettisoned 7.70 tons 5 a/c returned to base 10.80 tons Total 92.71 tons Flak encountered at target was S-MAH, most bursts breaking several hundred yards to the left of course. S flak was observed at TARVISIO (4600N-1335E), confirming previous crew report. SH flak was observed at DOGNA (4627N-1315E), likewise confirming previous crew report. MAH was reported at 4629N-1343E, a probable rail battery. LAH was reported at 4640N-1023E. 33 a/c made return landings, commencing at 1615A.
465th Bomb Group. On 16 Feb 45 at 0851A, 33 a/c of 35 scheduled took off to attack the REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D, GERMANY. There were no early returns. No enemy a/c were seen or encountered. MAH flak was encountered at PALMANOVA DTG (4551N-1327E). It is believed to have been rail flak as it did not appear to definitely come from TARVISIO or DOGNA, the only sizeable towns. Flak at the target was MAH. 33 a/c went over target at 1315A at 25,600', dropping 70.06 tons of 120 lb frags clustered. 2 a/c jettisoned 20 clusters 5 minutes off the target because of a special malfunction. Bombs were dropped visually using C-1 automatic pilot. One a/c was lost near the target; crash right on target just north of STRAUBING. It is believed that this a/c errated beneath another plane in its formation which was jettisoning its bombs and that it was struck by falling bombs.
485th Bomb Group. On 16 Feb 45 at 0908A, 36 a/c took off to bomb the REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D in GERMANY. There was one early return. 35 a/c were over the target at 1316A (target time 1250A), dropping 63.3 tons of 100 lb clustered fragmentation bombs from 23,000' and from a heading of 335°. Six of these a/c jettisoned .7 tons of bombs in AUSTRO after rallying from the target because of rack malfunctions. Recapitulation: 1 early return a/c jettisoned 1.5 tons 35 sortie a/c dropped on PT 63.3 tons 6 sortie a/c jettisoned .7 ton Total 65.5 tons No a/a were encountered. One crew reported seeing 2 ME-163's over the target, flying low and leaving intermittent contrails. On return, 2 FW-190's were seen in North Yugoslavia. Flak at target was MAH with the formation being engaged for approximately 2 minutes. Enroute flak was observed on the leading group at 4630N-1322E. On return the formation deviated around this area only to encounter SIH flak a few miles to the West at approximately 4630N-1320E at 1415A. The bursts appeared in groups of four, with no more than two four-gun batteries firing. The formation was at 17,000'.
32 a/c landed without incident, mean landing time 1644A.

BOMBING AND NAVIGATION ANALYSIS

Bombing Analysis. a. 465th Bomb Group. This group was flying the lead of the Wing formation. A visual run was made. Bombardier was able to identify the target area as soon as the turn over the IP had been made. Some difficulty was encountered in picking up the assigned aiming point as the target area was covered with smoke from previous bombing. The aiming point was identified in time for a smooth bomb run. Leading the exposed MPI through smoke using prescribed re-smooth run without any interference. This group used a live aircraft Frag for the most effective use of the fragmentation bomb load. Two malfunctions were reported and 20 clusters were dropped off the target area. One aircraft had to jettison 13 clusters approximately five minutes, as they had a shackle malfunction and the bombs hung. The other aircraft had to release 6 clusters manually after they failed to release either electrically or mechanically. The auto-pilot was used by the leaders of the first and second attack units while the third attack unit made a PDI run. b. 464th Bomb Group. This group flew second in the Wing formation. There was a slight haze in the target area as well as the smoke from previous bombing but the lead bombardier was able to pick up the target area as soon as the turn over the IP was completed. The target was identified in the sight and a normal visual bomb run was started. Two minutes before the bombs away the bombardier saw a box of the 465th Bomb Group under under the 464th. The formation was then turned to the right enough to prevent the dropping of bombs on the lower group. The second attack unit leader didn't have any trouble and made a smooth visual run. The leader of the third attack unit had no trouble with his sightings but due to a mechanical malfunction one half of his bombs were released 5 minutes early. The rest of his box did not drop on this early release but waited until the correct release. There were eight malfunctions in this group. One malfunction was due to the bomb-bay doors, three to rack toggle electrical system, and the other four were frozen, on mechanical battery. Thirty-six frag clusters were reported dropped off the target area. c. 460th Bomb Group. This group was flying third in the Wing formation. The turn onto the bomb run was accomplished at the assigned time and the lead bombardier was able to pick up the target in his sight and start a normal visual run. No interference was encountered and the run was smooth. One malfunction was reported. The electrical system in this aircraft failed to release the bombs over the target and they were salvoed by the bombardier. A ground check failed to show any trouble. Photos indicate that the target area was well covered with bombs. d. 460th Bomb Group. This group was flying last in the Wing formation and was the only group carrying RDX bombs. The target area was identified by the lead bombardier in plenty of time for a smooth run. Some trouble was encountered in picking up the assigned MPI due to all the smoke in the target area from previous bombings. Bombardier managed to pick up the assigned MPI before the bomb release line was reached. The leaders of the second and third attack units also reported a little trouble in picking up the MPI. Two bombs were salvoed in the target area but the malfunctions were not explained. Each attack unit made a separate run with the lead bombardier using the auto-pilot. e. Summary: Bomb strike photos show the frags of the 464th and 465th considerably to the right of the target area. The 465th photos show the bursts starting in the assigned MPI and spreading into the smoke. The photos of the 460th indicate a fair concentration on the A/D but short of the briefed MPI. The briefed MPI is smoke covered but it is believed that many bombs hit in the area covered reason for the bombs of the 464th being so far to the right may be due to the overrunning of the 465th which necessitated a turn to the right.
Navigation Analysis. a. A line rendezvous was scheduled between BARI and VALONA. A thick layer of low clouds made group assembly very difficult. The 465th Group passed over BARI on schedule and on course at 0644A and at 3,200', beneath the overcast, followed by the 464th Group. The 485th Group, approaching the Wing rendezvous area, found itself on a collision course with the other two groups and was forced to make a 360° turn. It soon fell into Wing formation. The 460th assembled above the undercast and departed five miles to the West of VALONA at 1011A. They flew an interception course and fell in behind the 485th at 1030A. During the Rendezvous the 464th fell considerably behind the other two groups and later was trailing the 460th. b. During the entire route out the Wing formation was complicated by the scattered formation of the 464th Wing which was very much behind schedule. The 485th Group passed over the town of UJJI at 1122A at an altitude of 11,500', followed by the 465th at 1125A and 14,000', the 460th at 1127, and 16,000', and the group proceeded from the keypoint to IDRIA. The route out was followed closely as all groups proceeded from the keypoint to IDRIA. The Wing finally grew into position between IDRIA and FIUME, with all groups continuing to position. The 485th held the IP, the 464th and 465th held the center line, the 460th railed slightly to the left. HUMU, PUNTA DINERO, UJJI holding a position 4607N-1410E, and the keypoint, UJJI now rallying the area May and returned to base by the reciprocal of the route out after passing over ZAGREB CI. The 465th and 460th rallied as briefed to ROGATENBERG and passing to the East of GRAZ WEST. Below IDRIA the 465th was about fifteen miles to the East of course and returned to base by way of the keypoint. c. The poor cloud and visibility conditions at the base made rendezvous most difficult and were primarily responsible for the poor Wing formation during the mission. Over the ADRIATIC the clouds dispersed and conditions were generally clear to the target area. The route back was clear until in the vicinity of the Spur. The Alpine reported flak in a position 4630N-1322E. On the route back the 465th encountered MAH flak near a position 4625N-1315E. d. All groups were able to turn visually at the initial point and make visual bomb runs. The 464th Group was forced to give way to the right to avoid dropping bombs on the 465th Group. Bomb run data is as follows:

GROUP MPI TGT TIME PING ALT 465th 336 degrees 1315A 22,600 feet 464th 332 degrees 1317A 24,000 feet 465th 336 degrees 1317A 22,600 feet 460th 333 degrees 1318A 23,400 feet

e. 465th Group - Log good - navigation good.

464th Group - Log very good - navigation good.

465th Group - Log satisfactory - navigation satisfactory.

460th Group - Log satisfactory - navigation good.

f. The results of this mission were quite gratifying and the navigation for the most part was good. Pilots were possible targets. The turnout most of the route and the groups kept well on course. The unfortunate incident experienced by the 485th Group stressed the importance for navigators to keep themselves well informed as to their position, even when they are flying to pull out of enemy territory. The group was only a few miles off course, but that small distance was enough for them to lose two aircraft to a known flak position.

3. Pathfinder Analysis. a. 460th Group. Bombing was entirely visual and most of the navigation was accomplished by visual means. The mickey operator gave invaluable assistance to the dead reckoning navigator during rendezvous as this group rendezvoused over a solid undercast. The mickey operator continued flying fixes until the Wing rendezvous was accomplished 30 miles north of the Spur. The route was clear after this area was left and PFF fixes were given as a check on the pilotage and to avoid known flak areas. The turn on the initial point and bombing was done by visual methods. On the return route, while still about 40 miles north of the Spur, the group let down to get under the low clouds, but haze was extensive and the PFF operator directed the pilot around the Spur and into the coast near TRIESTE. The nose navigator was able to use pilotage from BARLETTA to base. The set in the lead aircraft worked excellently. The lead mickey operator fixes to the entire group every thirty minutes. The mickey operator in the second and third attack units assisted the dead reckoning navigator with fixes about every ten minutes. b. 464th Group. Pathfinder was used as a navigational aid on this mission. Adverse weather conditions were encountered in the lower end of the ADRIATIC, and the mickey operator was of great help to the dead reckoning navigator, giving him fixes about every nine minutes. The undercast disappeared in Northern ITALY and visibility was good to the target. However, the mickey operator continued to give the dead reckoning navigator fixes so the DR navigator check his pilotage points; also to avoid known route flak locations. The mickey operator picked up the target in his scope at a distance of 50 miles. The turn off the IP and the bombing run were done by visual methods. Inclement weather was again met in the ADRIATIC Sea on the return route and the pathfinder navigator helped bring the formation back to base. All eight of the pathfinder operators reported excellent results from the MEX equipment. c. 465th Group. Pathfinder equipment was used mainly for navigational purposes and to avoid known flak areas on this mission inasmuch as the weather permitted visual means of pilotage of the route to and from the target. The turn over the IP and the run on the target were all accomplished visually. The weather at the lower edge of the ADRIATIC Sea and during the rendezvous was adverse, and the mickey operator was of invaluable aid to the dead reckoning navigator in keeping him informed of his position at all times. Fixes were given to the DR navigator about every 10 minutes to assist him in checking his pilotage points and to help him plan his course to avoid known flak areas along the route. Although the bomb run was visual, the mickey operator followed the bombardier through on his scope during the bomb run. The course and rate looked good in the scope. No malfunctions were reported. d. 485th Group. The lead a/c of this group is MIA so no analysis can be given of the lead ship in this group. However, the rest of the PFF a/c report ideal weather conditions were encountered from the Northern part of the ADRIATIC Sea to and from the target area and over the target itself. It is to be presumed then that the turn on the IP and the bomb run itself were by visual methods. Approximately 20 fixes were given by each mickey operator to the individual dead reckoning navigator. All the sets worked well throughout the entire mission with the exception of one a/c. The mickey operator in this a/c reported that he could not get his PFF to looking, so he had to turn his targets manually. Coordination between all the crew was reported to be excellent.

FIGHTER ESCORT

14th Fighter Group

Mission and Target: To intercept rear Group 55th Wing at PULA at 1225A at 24,000' and provide general escort to vicinity of IP DINGGOLFING then descend to deck and strafe REGENSBURG/OBERTRAUBLING A/D between 5 and 10 minutes after last Group has bombed. Recommended axis 330° using DINGGOLFING as checkpoint. A/C and Chronology: 42 P-38s took off at 0937 of which "A" mechanical returned early from vicinity of IP. 42 P-38s made r/v with the bombers at 1124, 40 P-38s left the bombers at IP at 1310A, 40 P-38s went across the target A/D at 1330A. R/V, Formation and Assault: 42 P-38s made r/v with the bombers at UJJI 4440-1430 at 1124A at 15500 to 15500', South of briefed r/v.

Bombers called once they were 14 minutes late and bombed 22 minutes late. 42 P-38s continued escort to the IP DINGGOLFING 4837-1230 where at 1310A they left the bombers as briefed at 22-25,000'. 1 P-38 returned early from this point. 41 P-38s spiralled down from 22-25,000' to 1-5000' in the vicinity of the IP. During the descent 1 P-38 caught fire at 8,000' and crashed at 4839N-1233E. 40 P-38s stayed at 5000' as top cover all on a heading of 325°, landing IP at 1320A. 8 a/c strafing on way to target. On arriving at target area target could not be recognized because of dust and smoke from previous bombing, and smoke from generators. No strafing was possible although 18 a/c of squadron believe they flew across NE corner of the A/D. Even the 15 a/c as top cover could see nothing in the target area. The fighters continued to the North beyond the target and strafed, 17 a/c in the REGENSBURG area, 8 in the RODING/CHAM area, 7 in the PASSAU area, and 1 on the way home south of VILLAFRATER LAKE.

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