War Diary August 1944

Sheet No. 1    War Diary, 885th Bombardment Squadron (H) (Sp), Blida, Algeria

Month of August, 1944    Prepared by [Signature] NORMAN V. KINSEY, Capt., A.C.

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DAY EVENTS

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1. Eleven aircraft were successful last evening which shows what the crews really can do if they have a decent break in the weather. The new crews are making day test drops this morning coordinating with the OSD representatives. Rate board promotions were published today and as usual, some were disappointed and some elated. Most of the ratings went to the engineering section where some of the enlisted crew chiefs have been Privates First Class. One clerk was assigned from the Fifteenth Air Force Headquarters. Twelve aircraft were dispatched tonight.

2. There were two successes last evening. Two visitors of note are expected this evening--Admiral Granley and the Honorable Hugh Wilson, ex-Ambassador to Germany. Both men are members of the Combined Chiefs of Staff making an inspection tour of the Theater. The nature of the operations, past records,  methods, and results were explained to them. Both seemed vorably impressed by the work of the Squadron. Thirteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

3. The results were 100% last evening--thirteen successes out of the thirteen aircraft dispatched. Two enlisted ground personnel departed for the United States the interior--everyone, including them, feel they are quite fortunate since both have been overseas for over two years. The command sent a cable requesting authority for ten attached air raids personnel to return to the States after one trip to Cairo, none of the flying or ground crew personnel have attended rest camp. Another cable was sent requesting the assigned combat crews be transferred to other organizations where authorization exists. This will relieve the congested condition of the limited Table of Organization for this unit and make provisions for the advancement of certain ground personnel who have otherwise been held back. Thirteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

4. Eleven aircraft were successful last evening and one additional aircraft partially successful. The failures were due to weather, in fact three aircraft were diverted due to base weather. The Intelligence Officer and assistant Operations  Officer were becoming very nervous as 0400 hours approached this morning. At 1600 the last aircraft returned from last night's mission after landing at Philippeville. This particular aircraft caused quite some anxiety for a while since it was unreported for a period of several hours--most of which were after its fuel supply would have run out. Operations have been scrubbed due to base and target area weather.  

5. Today was moving day for most of the Staff Sections located in the Headquarters building. The other unit with which we had been jointly occupying the building moved with a esulting expansion of our sections. For the most part, everyone         seems to be quite satisfied with their new quarters. The olonel's new office is on the second floor in the front in the shape of a half circle, the entire curved portion is composed of windows. It commands an excellent unobstructed cont'd view of the entire airfield. One new enlisted man--M/Sgt. truck driver--reported in to the organization. Authority was received from the Air Force to transfer the assigned combat flying crews. Authority was also granted to send personnel to the rest camp in Rome. All operations were scrubbed before noon because of weather, and the Colonel decreed a half holiday for all personnel.

6. This was a big day as far as personnel changes were concerned. Two enlisted men, ground personnel, reported to the organization from various units of the Air Force; notification was also received that some of the men who have completed         from assignment and detachment and returned to the Zone of the Interior for permanent change of station upon completion of an operational tour of duty. It is our first real mass evacuation of personnel under these conditions. Yesterday both Ain Taya and Palm Beach, the Officers' and Enlisted Men's rest camps respectively, were cleared for use of operational personnel. Only Palm Beach had been used as a rest camp for several days now, but both were fully occupied by all when operations had been scrubbed for the day thus giving opportunity to go to the beaches. In view of the concession of recreational facilities, the command cabled Headquarters USAAF/MTO requesting some  arrangement be made for the re-establishment of a U.S. rest camp in this immediate vicinity, the nearest presently being located in Oran. Notification was received that operational headquarters would be in Bari, Italy, until the Squadron is permanently moving would not interfere with the battle stations normal.  Still no official word has been received that the organization is even supposed to move, only these indications. Thirteen planes are scheduled to fly tonight.

7. Due to very bad weather in the target area, only eight planes were successful last evening. In the administrative line, the machinery for the promotion of a number of the attached second lieutenants was begun. Since they are only on detached service with the unit, the necessary papers must be forwarded to

their parent organization for initiation to Air Force. Official notification was received by radio from the Air Force that the Squadron would move to Maison Blanche. Operations were very bad weather in the target area, but fourteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

8. The weather cleared surprisingly well last evening with the result that thirteen mines were successful. One unusual (for this theater) incident occurred as the aircraft returned. One of the new crews "ran out of runway" with a B-24 cutting a path through the grape vineyard at the end. When the rough ground the nose wheel buckled and the nose was damaged beyond practical repair. However, none of the crew were even scratched. This is the first landing accident in the unit in over two months of operations. It was quasi-officially learned that port-o-chat whiskey was available for sale to all American officers. One man is making an investigation to see requesting further information concerning it. Thirteen aircraft were sent out tonight.

9. Very bad weather was encountered in the target area last night--only three missions were completed. Operations were scrubbed at 1100 hours and all sections closed for the afternoon. Practically everyone went to Algiers or the various beaches. Tonight the squadron almost took over the Officers' club in town. There was a dance in progress and everyone from the newest Flight Officer to the Colonel had an excellent time, in fact, a few absorbed a little too much and had TOO much of a good time.

10. Last evening the colored guards caught an Arab who had cut through the fence at the bomb dumps area. This morning a notification was received from higher headquarters that a message arrived from Air Force stating our share of the "non-alcoholic beverage" had been shipped to the 1st S.A.W.; however, upon calling them they knew nothing of it. Apparently it evaporated enroute. This afternoon orders were cut to send one crew to the Rome Rest Camp--from the reports it is quite a nice place to visit. Twelve aircraft were dispatched this evening.

11. Ten out of the twelve aircraft dispatched last evening were successful. Our first crew to visit the Rome area departed about 0900 hours without incident. The Colonel had a conference with A.T.C. officials at M.B. concerning the pending move. Certain areas were assigned to the various organizations to occupy the base; also, certain operational policies were set forth. Eleven crews were briefed and flew tonight.

12. Nine aircraft were successful last evening. One crew had a little excitement when two enemy night fighters picked them up and followed the aircraft almost to the African coast. Our aircraft was fired upon but no damage done. The combat training for the two new aircrews that arrived was performed upon the incoming personnel. This afternoon a meeting concerning the impending move was held in the Colonel's office for section heads. Not too much was accomplished as not too many details were available with which to intelligently plan the move. However, certain responsibilities were placed and a rough draft of the movement procedure set forth. A cable was received from Air Force giving the S.O.S. of one B-17 and one B-24 crew as 15 August. Eleven crews were briefed and flew tonight.

13.All aircraft returned successfully from last evening's operations. One of the new operations officer was relieved from assignment and transferred to the zone of the interior upon completing an operational tour of duty. The Colonel drove to Maison Blanche this morning to make a thorough personal reconnaissance of the proposed set-up which will be available when the unit moves there in the near future. The colored guard unit of forty men which has been guarding our installation moved to noon today. Their movement was unanimously regretted by all concerned. The guards themselves seemed to like their work and they certainly have done an excellent job. Their departure not only leaves our cont'd protection, but also that our men will have to be used, in addition to their regular sectional duties. They were replaced by seventeen regular M.P's from the M.P. company in Algiers. Another meeting of Section Heads was held in the Colonel's office. The Colonel explained the results of his inspection this morning and tentative area assignments were given to the various sections. Two aircraft were dispatched this evening.

14. Only seven of the aircraft returned with successes from the evening's operations. This morning most of the section heads drove to Maison Blanche to make their own estimate of the situation after having some idea as to what their assignments may be. They Were most favorably impressed--a meeting is to be held ing to be held this evening. In some ways the new set-up will be an improvement and in others, it will not be as satisfactory as the present base, both with respect to operations and living conditions. However, since the movement has been ordered, the unit will move and make the best of it. Eleven aircraft were dispatched this evening.

15. Ten aircraft were successful last evening. The news of the invasion of Southern France was welcomed by everyone. The news broadcasts were listened to more avidly than ever, but as usual, the first reports were rather meagre. The crew which had been in Rome returned with glowing reports of the Ancient City. The Colonel has advised that Rome make additional space in the near future. There was an early scrub at 1045 hours and all personnel released for the afternoon.

16. An aircraft with a multiple purpose was dispatched to "Italy" this morning. Its main purpose was designed to meet two airborne but with a first stop at Naples where were dropped off to attempt to obtain certain vitally needed and unobtainable parts for B-24's. Another passenger was the DCO officer who dropped off at Air Force Headquarters to attend to a number of confidential administrative matters. The last passenger was an officer bombardier who was keeping an eye on the original unit for several days. Two complete new combat crews--one B-17 and one B-24--reported in this afternoon. After their original meeting with the Colonel, they were given their incoming interview. Regular training begins tomorrow. Air Force answered our request to establish a rest camp nearby by saying we should attempt to make arrangements with the British who are now operating the former American camps. No further comment is to be made on that situation. Ten aircraft were dispatched on operational missions tonight.

17. Nine aircraft returned successfully from the evening's operations. Initial signs were carried on with not much to report. The sections are preparing for the move and packing such items as are not immediately needed. Section Heads and Section Chiefs are daily going to Maison Blanche to make plans for their new set-ups. Nine aircraft were dispatched this evening.

18. Aircraft returned with 100% successes from last night's operations. The British Squadron operating from this field has been having bad luck for quite some time. Last night two Sterlings crashed in the vicinity of the base with 50% fatalities. This makes an alarming number of crashes for them within the last month, particularly, with that type of aircraft. Information received from Air Force indicates that eligible personnel who have completed their tour of duty, ground personnel must have at least 24 months continuous service overseas. This makes it rather difficult for some, but this unit certainly will not make its quota through lack of eligible personnel--at present their number is twelve to thirteen, and is growing rapidly as the days pass. Operations were scrubbed at 1200 hours because of weather.

19. Two new combat crews reported today, having been out of the States only about two weeks. The two combat crews who reported 16 August have practically completed their training and will shortly be ready for combat operations. A message was received from Air Force giving the S.O.S. of nine additional few members, ground personnel, with effect 25 August. This makes 27 cables which have been received from the Sections requesting further information on our pending movement. The Squadron is completely ready to move, the only delaying task being the occupancy of our proposed new area by the 96th Air Depot Group. They have been under orders for several days and are awaiting transportation. All operations scrubbed at 1218 hours for weather.

20. The new crew which arrived yesterday were given their usual security lecture by the Intelligence Section, and their training began immediately afterward. The previous hour extended two hours until 1000 in order to give the mechanics more time. At 1200 hours the Colonel called a scrub and everyone was released for the afternoon. As usual, almost all personnel left the base to pursue their own pleasures --swimming, loitering about, etc. Later in the evening the aircraft returned from Italy with all missions accomplished. The crew who visited Rome again spoke highly of it.

21. Further training for the new crews progressed on the ground. Early this morning one of our aircraft took off for Cairo, Egypt, for a period of five days with a two-fold view--partly for the purpose of training the mechanics a move for quite some time. All missions were scrubbed at 1100 hours and all personnel were released. A formation of all personnel was held at 1400 hours in the presentation of Air Medals, Promotions, and Distinguished Flying Crosses. The Command decreed everyone should remain on the base this evening to insure a bit of rest. Some of the more playful members let off their excess energy through the medium of a soapy water fight. It was stopped, however, before it got out of control. The new crews flew navigational training missions tonight over Tunisia.

22. Two combat crews departed for the zone of the interior upon completion of an operational tour of duty. They were flown to Oran in organizational aircraft to then make the long trek back to rehabilitation centers where a thirty day terrain and airfield leads in case of diversion. The command has informed Air Force and M.A.A.F. that upon movement to Maison Blanche, the 77th Service Squadron, who have heretofore given first priority to this unit's work, will give our work third priority. Air Force has concurred with this squadron's view; but apparently nothing can be done about it--we are still on third priority. Late this afternoon four new combat crews arrived. It was quite a problem attempting to get sufficient billets for these combat crews and enlisted men. Previously a number of enlisted men has been living in tents, but these have been struck preparatory to the move. The result has been a crowded barracks and this influx renders it overcrowded. The overflow were billeted in the rear of the supply room. Operations were scrubbed at 1800 hours due to weather.

23. One officer was dispatched to Air Force headquarters this morning carrying requests for return to the Zone of the Interior of certain combat crews who have completed their operational tour of duty. The new crews who reported yesterday were taken through their initial training with a talk from the Colonel, the SOI Section, Operations and Communications for radio operators. Some sections have already begun moving some of their equipment to the new base; however, the mass evacuation begins tomorrow. An excellent meal--steak and french fries for supper tonight. Eleven operational missions were slated for this evening.

24. Eight aircraft returned successful from last evening's missions. Everyone was up earlier than usual this morning for it was movement day for the sections. The first series of trucks left Blida at about 0850 hours. After unloading, the trucks returned for a second trip returning to Blida for the second load. Approximately three to four complete trips were accomplished during the day. The greater portion of all sectional equipment but the motor pool was moved by dusk. Tonight camp contained a tired group of individuals. Everyone completed packing their personal equipment. Twelve aircraft were dispatched tonight.

25. Eleven aircraft returned to base with successes. The ground personnel began moving with personal equipment at 0630 hours, this morning. The armament section remained to turn the aircraft away; three that were needed to remain at the base. The combat crews were awakened at 1030 hours to fly the aircraft to the new base. Their personal equipment was being trucked over. Officers and Enlisted Men's messes moved during the morning, and both served hot meals at noon in the new location. By 1500 hours the movement of personnel and baggage had been completed and all was in readiness to fly. All flight operations, however, operations were scrubbed at 1600 hours due to very bad weather in the target area though not necessary, headquarters said that fly all concerned since there was plenty of strafighting to do.

26. The bulk of the day was spent in getting settled in the new location--both by the sections and by the individual personnel. The new setup has its good points as well as its bad. The Officers' quarters are not nearly as nice, the Enlisted Men's are about the same, the new messes have points pro and con for them, and the new offices, though not quite as nice are sufficiently adequate. The engineering line is merely a graded field which will turn into a vast sea of mud upon the advent of rain and of course there is no hangar, as most concrete hangar we have been spoiled by. The aircraft were scrubbed, but a trip to Cairo returned successfully, arriving this evening with very tired crew. All of them seemed to enjoy their trip immensely. Twelve aircraft have been dispatched tonight.

27. Nine aircraft returned from last night'smisions successful. Sectional duties are smoothing out on a normal routine established. Some of the features of the new home are especially--baths for both officers and enlisted men as well as a very nice and spacious theater. This latter item is a vast improvement over our former base where the theater facilities were originally inadequate and became more so through joint use with the British personnel. One enlisted man, ground personnel, was assigned and joined the organization. Fourteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

28. On return to the base one aircraft ran off the end of the runway smashing the nose and nose wheel, collapsing one landing gear, and damaging one wing. Principal causes were no lights at the end of the runway and incoming fog. Within twenty-four hours two aircraft are put out of commission through land-nothing salvage, no personnel were injured. Of the fourteen aircraft dispatched last evening, ten were successful. The officer courier dispatched to Air Force to obtain orders for returning crews returned successful in his mission. From the looks of the news concerning the advances of our troops in Southern France, the unit will soon be out of business or at least in that particular sector. Thirteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

29. Twelve aircraft were successful last evening--the remaining plane had an early return due to mechanical trouble. The Supply Officer and several enlisted men departed by truck for Oran this morning. With the movement of the 96th Air Depot Group (which was once our supply) away from Blida, the last Ordnance supply and repair unit has been denied us. The personnel are to fill requisitions for practically every section in the Squadron from the organizational supply point. It is to be remembered that this sort of trip is not the exception but to be the rule since all American supply points have now left the Algiers area and are concentrated in the Oran area. The training of the new combat crews is progressing satisfactorily--they seem to be catching on to the knack of it all rapidly. The Squadron is packing for movement to Rome. All four crews on the regular loads a record of forty-three agents are to be carried. Practically everyone was on the line until the last take-off. No more ships were scheduled.

30. Only one aircraft failed last evening--and that was through weather. The Colonel was quite pleased, in fact, he was very complimentary in briefing this evening. The weather took a freak turn on the warm side this morning--to the point of being quite uncomfortable. It seems to be a dry heat that saps all the energy out of a person. It is particularly bad for the flying crews who must sleep during the daylight hours. Eleven aircraft were dispatched this evening.

31. Due to bad weather, three aircraft failed to complete their missions last evening. The engineering crew quit work at noon as the tools and aircraft themselves were too hot to touch during the afternoon sun. The weapons are bearing up all right; they give promise of being able to take care of themselves in hot weather. During the afternoon while prowling around some of our aircraft last night, last night the temperature was up so far hardly anyone got a decent night's sleep and today is merely a continuation--it's really terrific. An aircraft with crew departed for Bari and Rome this morning. The Intelligence Officer was also sent to Air Force Headquarters, presumably to attend to certain official matters as the last crew spent their holiday in the Ancient City. Eight officers and enlisted men--combat crew members--departed for Oran for trans-shipment to the Zone of Interior. Later in the afternoon one complete new combat crew complete with aircraft reported to the organization. The plane is to replace the one recently salvaged after it smashed from lack of runway. Thirteen aircraft were dispatched this evening.

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