HEADQUARTERS 885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H) (SPECIAL) A.P.O. 520
1 August 1944.
SUBJECT: Historical Records.
TO : Commanding General, Fifteenth Air Force, A.P.O. 520, U. S. Army. (Attention: Historian).
- Unit history of the 885th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (Special) for the period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944.
a. The present designation of the unit is 885TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (HEAVY) (SPECIAL), FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE.
b. Changes in Organization.
(1) Effective 11 July 1944, 1st Lt. WILLARD H. GALLOWAY, O-559514, appointed Squadron Supply Officer vice 1st Lt. RICHARD D. ALLEN, O-562072, who was relieved from assignment and transferred on rotation to Personnel Center #2, N.A.B., for trans-shipment to U.S.
(2) Captain HERBERT E. BIRKS, 0-402171, CHAPLAIN, relieved from detached service with this organization and from assignment to 305 Wing. Assigned to 31st Fighter Group.
c. Strength, commissioned and enlisted, for month of July, 1944.
(1) 1 July 1944 - 78 officers (49 attached), 321 en- listed men (42 attached). (2) 15 July 1944 - 78 officers, 320 enlisted men. (3) 31 July 1944 - 82 officers (57 attached), 341 enlisted men (79 attached).
d. Stations. (1) Blida, Algeria.
(a) Date of arrival - 12 April 1944.
e. Operations.
(1) During the month of July we operated thirteen (13) days out of a possible thirty-one (31). On one of these operational days only two (2) aircraft were used and two (2) another day when only two (2) aircraft were sent out. Out of 137 attempts, all sorties were completed and were 76% successful.
f. AWARDS, on a sortie basis, of Air Medals and/or Oak Leaf Clusters were made to all members of the combat crews.
g. Enclosed is the war diary of this unit for the period 1 July 1944 to 31 July 1944.
For the Commanding Officer:
NORMAN V. KINSEY,
Captain, Air Corps,
Adjutant.
1 Incl: Incl #1 - War Diary for month of July, 1944.
Sheet No. 1 War Diary, 885th Bombardment Squadron (H), Blida, Algeria
Month of July, 1944 Prepared by NORMAN V. KINSEY NORMAN V. KINSEY, Jr., Captain, A.C.
Day Events
- A number of Air Medals and Clusters had been awarded on orders, so a formation was called for their presentation this afternoon. About thirty minutes before the proposed presentation, Captain Bradford returned from Maison Blanche saying he was unable to obtain the medals and clusters so the formation was called off. Late in the afternoon all operations were scrubbed due to weather.
- Due to the inactivity of the flying crews, calisthenics were again held for the officers this morning. They don't particularly like it, but it's good for them—otherwise, some would not even be up till the noon meal. Three new enlisted men reported to the Administrative section and we welcomed them. Many personnel requisitions might possibly be filled. All operations were scrubbed again. The enlisted men had beer tonight.
- This turned out to be a scorcher and as it happened, it wasn't too bad. There was an early scrub so all the personnel who could be released were sent to the beach and Algiers. Both officers and enlisted men enjoy and appreciate the chance to get away once in a while. One of the Sergeants, a combat crew member, left for Bari to get orders to return to the U.S. for himself and several more of the original B-17 crew members.
- Today was Uncle Sam's birthday and in his honor, the Colonel called an early scrub. It was decreed that sections would be reduced to an absolute minimum and all transportation possible released. The result was a dead squadron area while its members were out celebrating.
- There was another scrub due to weather, but only a few personnel were al- lowed to freely leave the base—the sections remained on full-duty status.
- Calisthenics is still being held for the officers at 0830 hours on mornings after a scrub. Now there is the option of P.T., baseball or volleyball so the officers don't complain about it too much. At 1400 hours this afternoon the formation for the presentation of Air Medals scheduled on the first of the month was held. No representative from the Public Relations office could be obtained, so one of the sergeants from the B-2 section took pictures of the presentations. One First Lieutenant co-pilot reported into the organization.
- Nine out of fourteen missions were successful last evening. However, many of the staff flew with the result that the squadron activities were slowed down somewhat during the morning. Two enlisted men reported in and were given a security lecture by the Intelligence Officer. As each new member joins the organization, whether he be cook or pilot, he is given a lecture by the Intelligence Section. This is to assure that each person understands the type of work and the importance of its secrecy rather than letting wild rumors circulate and possibly be told to outsiders.
- The sergeant who was sent to Bari to obtain orders to return to the U.S. returned with everything in order. Operations were scrubbed due to bad weather at the base. It is rather unpleasant flying blind when less than a minute over an ETA will carry the ship into a mountain. The usual bus runs were made to Algiers and Palm Beach.
- Early this morning the four enlisted men left for Naples for return to the U.S. They are about the last of the remaining B-17 crews. In the target area the operations were scrubbed because of weather in the target area. The trucks were again sent to the beach and Algiers. A memorandum was published to all Section Heads saying to make preparations to move if necessary. Practically all the American troops in the area seem to be alerted to move or are moving. Our future is still quite uncertain.
- Since the weather has been bad and it was desired to fly the ships, there was formation flying this morning. For most of the crews, it is the first in quite some time and they seemed to rather enjoy it. Three more of the enlisted men--combat crew--departed for the U.S. today. Another early scrub with an opportunity to swim or go to Algiers.
- Capt Dick Allen, the Supply Officer, left today under rotation for the U.S. He is the first officer of the organization to be rotated since the initiation of the rotation policy almost a year ago. After supper, coca-colas and ice cream were available to the Enlisted Men in their dayroom. No one was at all unhappy over that. Fourteen aircraft were scheduled to take-off this evening. One returned early because of mechanical difficulties.
- The results of last night's activities were rather poor--bad weather in the target area. At 0900 hours all personnel who had received Air Medals and clusters at the last formation had their pictures taken by one of our campus photographers. Somehow, that picture guild is going to keep the base Pictorial Service with their connections out of it. Our chow is at a low ebb again--another one of those cycles ofbair and good food. Some of the newer boys do most of the fussing; if they could have only been here a year and a half ago, they would have had something to complain about. The Colonel is still trying to get authorization for our flight sections and release the flying crews from their Detached Service with no apparent success. Full scale operations flown tonight.
- Of the twelve ships dispatched last evening, nine returned successful. Two new crews were requested of Fifteenth Air Force, since in seven more operational nights, one of the present crews will finish an operational tour. The specialized training required of the crews necessitates they arrive in time to receive this training before present crews are replaced. The command is very desirous that no loss in operational effort occur through lack of flying personnel.
- Seven thousand odd air sirens sounded last evening. The command prepared the necessary paper to transmit to the officers' organizations for promotion purposes. Since all combat troops are detached service with this organization, it cannot initiate such recommendations. After action papers are compiled and forwarded to their organizations for their action. For the most part the parent organizations are quite cooperative. Between the present base and Algiers is an enlisted men's rest camp called Palm Beach. It consists of a very nice hotel, a beautiful beach, plenty of cold beer, and in the evenings a sufficient quantity of American WAC's and French girls to make the place an interesting diversion from one's normal duties at the Army. Today arrangements were made to send a cadre of eight enlisted men of the squadron every three days. Operations were scrubbed this evening due to weather. The engineering section is working midnight long on engine changes as it seems all the ships are due at the same time....the hangar has eleven engines in it at one time.
- Although there was a scrub last night, there were no formal calisthenics this morning. However, the officers are out playing baseball, volley ball, etc. to keep in shape. The weather is warming up more and more until it is likely to be like real summertime. More information arrived on Soldier Voting. This subject seems to be quite a thing with the Army--it is strenuously emphasized that it is purely voluntary, but maximum effort is to be exercised to attain one's privilege to have the opportunity to vote. Fourteen planes were dispatched tonight.
- One armorer-gunner reported in this morning from the 301st Bomb Group. The usual Sunday services were held in the Base Chapel by Chaplain Klebe with a fair attendance. The mess had ice cream and cake for dinner today--almost all we could eat. Eleven planes were dispatched tonight.
- Nine out of the eleven planes were successful last evening. Information was received that the platoon of the 788th M.P. Bn, which is specifically guarding our planes and other vital installations may be withdrawn in the near future. The command is and will do everything possible to retain this unit for many reasons. For one, they are more efficient than the organizational personnel since that is their primary duty and all their training has been to that end. Secondly, it relieves the organizational personnel of the tedious and often laborious task of guard duty. Thirteen planes dispatched tonight.
- Ten planes were successful last evening. Last night Algiers had an air alert. The barrage was so heavy it could be seen from our field. This afternoon another signal was sent to the Fifteenth Air Force again requesting certain personnel originally requested well over a month ago. The requisitioned personnel arrived in large quantities immediately after the first request, but by strange twist of fate were reassigned. The enlisted men had ice cream again tonight--shows delicacy is being served at frequent intervals. Twelve ships were dispatched this evening.
- Eight planes were successful last evening. The field had another alert last night as an unidentified plane was reported off the coast. There was an early scrub today. All the sections closed for business, most of the personnel left for Algiers, the various beaches, and rest camp for a little gaiety. Luckily, however, a security detachment remained for the Armament Shack almost burned down at about 1530. It was located in a building with the Base Engineers and in some manner a fire started in their portion. Most of the damage caused to the armament equipment was by the water, from the base fire trucks.
- Another intruder was reported last evening; however, as yet no damage has been done. As a result, the squadron's planes have been more widely disbursed--just as a precaution. One enlisted man reported into the organization from this division. Another early scrub because of weather and again most of the personnel were released. A number of the Communications Section remained to move the section from one portion of the hangar, which now contains that as well as Technical Supply, Engineering, the Personal Equipment Section, and the Prop and Instrument shops.
- Another early weather scrub before dinner. However, a number of the crews are flying on test hops, etc. this morning. After dinner only the crews were released; the sections are functioning at full strength. Authority for the first trip to Cairo was received from Fifteenth Air Force today. If that chance continues, it will give the crews something to look forward to. Rumors are rather meagre concerning the probable move of the guard detachment, but at least we still have them.
- The weather remains too bad for full scale operations; however, one aircraft is scheduled for an urgent mission. Rumors are flying thick and fast concerning the eminent collapse of Germany in the very near future. Although most of the officers and men know most of it is rumor, it still bolsters the morale.
- The weather was every bit as bad as expected last evening, but the one mission which was dispatched was successful. The new crew departed to Cairo after much dickering with practically everyone. Quite a few wished them to purchase souvenirs for them, which added still further to their baggage. The command received a cable which indirectly informed the organization would move to Maison Blanche within the near future. This is the first indication of any change in our present status.
- A contingent of personnel arrived from 15th AirForce to take up several matters with the command. The Air Force Personal Equipment Officer had a representative from the R.A.F. to give a lecture to all combat crews on ditching and dinghy drill. There were also the Air Force Soldier Voting Officer and an Air Force Radar specialist to discuss new developments in those lines with the respective Squadron staff officers. A query was sent to Fifteenth Air Force requesting further information on the suggested move to Maison Blanche as this move is looked upon with disfavor by the squadron for many reasons--tactical and otherwise. Operations were again scrubbed.
- The weather warmed up considerably today. Even though it was only 92°, most thought it worse. Information was received that two new combat crews were to arrive on the twenty-seventh. These crews are rather urgently needed to arrive by the possible release date at the end the present combat crews operational tour. To prevent a loss in operational efficiency the new crews should complete their specialized training before the presently operational crews are rendered inoperational. Eleven aircraft were dispatched this evening.
- Nine aircraft were successful last evening. All the crews were briefed for operations this evening, but there was a scrub at 1500 hours because of weather.
- The necessary paper work was begun to return the two combat crews who have completed their operational tour of duty. This afternoon the two new crews arrived from Italy. Both were recently from the States and to notice their reactions upon arrival was rather amusing since this is the first contingent that mature we have received. They were soon bedded down and eagerly asking questions concerning the work, flying conditions, etc. Operational missions were scrubbed again this evening.
- The new crews began their indoctrination and training course by seeing the Commanding Officer, the Intelligence Officer, the Operations Officer, etc. Word was received from the Air Force that M/Sgt. Line and T/Sgt. Link were awarded for rotation. This purportedly is supposed to be 1% of one percent which gives us two end-of-enlistment personnel per month. However, this is the first month we have been allotted two persons. Naturally, these men were elatated over the prospect. Operations were scrubbed last evening, but no one was allowed to leave until after a neo-hygiene and malaria control film were shown at 1530 hours. The new crews flew practice missions after dark this evening.
- A new cryptographic security officer was assigned and joined today. He is to run the radio station and crypt section which will be a welcome relief to the Communications Officer. Further indication was received to the effect that the squadron will probably move to Maison Blanche in the near future, but it still fails to meet with the approval of the command. The crews at least go fairly advanced plans, but only over the experience. From their reports it looks as if more applications will be submitted. Due to weather only two operations were scheduled for this evening. There are further training missions for the new crews.
- Both missions flown last evening were successful. From their reports the weather is clearing, however, missions were scheduled at 1900 based on later reports. The Intelligence Officer and Asst. Operations Officer departed for Fifteenth Air Force in the P-38 (C-3 was "Flying Usedcar"). They are to obtain orders for the return of certain personnel, expedite promotions, and work on certain recommendations for awards.
- One enlisted man reported--Communications man. The necessary personnel are arriving slowly and not too surely. The enlisted day room has been sort of on the basement of this building up to the movement of a unit which formerly occupied the room as such. Being the last of the month, pay call was held at 1300 hours. This time several "birds" were killed with the stone--pay, the Soldier Voting Applications were distributed, and the Medics held their "short arm" inspection. Shortly after the noon meal, the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer went to Maison Blanche to survey the situation with a view to the proposed movement. It looks like the unit will be there by the 15th of next month. Twelve ships were dispatched this evening.
