PLEASE SUPPORT THE 15AF.ORG PROJECT! [MORE]
HISTORICAL OUTLINE
November 1944 was an outstanding month in the operational successes achieved. The Squadron had become thoroughly accustomed to the base at Brindisi and the arrival of the ground echelon enabled the sections to return to normal operating schedules. Previous to this, the strength of each component had necessarily been curtailed by the division of personnel for the move. With full strength again, the Squadron settled down to do a "good job of work". Weather remained as a limiting factor, for operations could be conducted on only sixteen (16) occasions. Ninety operations were flown at night and fourteen (14) in daylight. In several instances, flights were attempted under most difficult weather conditions. Despite this adverse element, one hundred and seventy-five (175) sorties were flown of which one hundred and forty-seven (147) were successful. Over five hundred thousand (500,000) pounds of supplies were dropped during the month. Eighty-four percent (84%) of the missions succeeded in delivering their loads. This corresponds to statistics of pre-base operation days of the Squadron during the month of August when eighty-five (85%) percent of the missions were successful. Under such adverse flying conditions, it is a record of remarkable achievement.
Gradual progress was being made by Russian and Partisan Forces in the Balkans during the month of November. Landings on the Dalmatian Coast had been made by the Allies, in the previous month, from which penetrations to Central Yugoslavia could be made. Russian Armies had exerted pressure from the East that had interdicted all routes into Macedonia, East of the Morava River. Substantial German Air Marshal Tito's lines to the East. The Partisan Forces moving in from the Dalmatian Coast to the Germans were making a gradual withdrawal through the key road junctions of Central Yugoslavia by the general axis of Skoplje, Novi Pazar, Sarajevo, Brod, and Zagreb. During the month a substantial German Force was cut off at Scutari as the progress of Units that had been withdrawn from Tirana, were checked at the Northern Albanian stronghold, by the demolition of bridges in their rear. This German Force attempted to take through Yugoslav and Albanian roads up the Western Slopes of the Albanian Alps through Djakovica, East of the mountain ranges. The 885th Squadron assisted in supplying the Partisans who were manoeuvring on this East Pocket. In Northern Yugoslavia, Partisans were active well to the German Rear. The Squadron flew supplies to targets in the foot-hills of the Austrian Alps and to the valley of the Drava River. The aircraft encountered rather more opposition from medium ground flak, covering all lines of the German retreat, than had been the case in previous operations.
In Northern Italy, the Germans were continuing their vigorous patrols against Partisan Areas. Weather had made it difficult for either the 885th Squadron or the 205 Group to supply Northern Italian Targets. During November, Alexander's Eight Army that the Squadron had been supplying continuously, when base had grown up there throughout Africa and Italy was left unsupplied. When a decision was placed on the Ligurian Alps and the Eastern slopes of the Maritime Alps, over the Apennines and the Ligurian Front, priority was given to targets in the more active Balkan Area.
Among some of the more notable flights of the month were three (3) operations to Italian Targets. On the morning of 13 November, a daylight mission in full strength was scheduled to Northwestern Italy. This was the first daylight mission that the Squadron had attempted in Northwestern Italy. Before briefing, careful thought was given to the wisdom of attempting such a flight during daylight. Several considerations led to an affirmative answer. The targets were to be "Aidsworth" and "Detach", north of Savona and La Spezia, respectively. Analysis of enemy fighter operations indicated that these ground were showing the normal drop-off German patrols, based in North Central and Northeastern Italy. Added protection against attack was given to the operation by sweeps that were to be made by Desert Air Force intruders. Allied fighters in the area were to be on "Q" channel with the same code call as the 885th Squadron. Flak was to be avoided by routing planes out over the Ligurian Sea to cross the Italian Coast at an entry point near Cape Mele for "Aidsworth" and Sestri Levante for "Detach". Because of bad weather at this time, the flights were to proceed up the Adriatic, cross Italy from Pesaro to Leghorn. The flight was scheduled for 0415 hours but was postponed, because of weather, until 1030 hours.
Due to rain, icing, and turbulence in low cumulous cloud, the mission was largely unsuccessful. In an attempt to maintain visual recognition of the crews, Lieutenant Maloney tried to climb through in formation. Those that flew over the Ligurian Sea, ran into solid cloud and extreme turbulence from "the deck" to over 15,000 feet altitude. All except Lieutenants Diehl, Cordes, Stone and Heath, were forced back. Those four aircraft, that continued, made D. Z. turns over the water and penetrated to the coast where they found improved weather conditions enabling them to pinpoint the house line and reach their target. There were two successes on each target. Loran navigation was not used on these flights. The successes were a tribute to the fine navigation and intrepid flying of the four crews who dropped.
Despite the heaviest opposition from anti-aircraft fire, the Squadron achieved a complete success on 17 November at 1400 hours, on a return to Northwestern Italy. After a briefing at 0730 hours, fourteen (14) aircraft made an early take off. The Pilots had been directed to fly directly across the Front Lines over the Fifth Army Sector. The flight was made in isolated elements of four (4) formations of three (3) and one (1) formation of two (2), with a prolonged interval separating the elements. At Pievasalese, enemy flak subjected the planes to severe fire. Six of the aircraft were damaged by flak giving 35% damaged aircraft and three crew members of the crews were injured. A large fragment burst through Lieutenant Diehl's plane, narrowly missing the Pilot. Lieutenant Cordes diverted and made his target entry from the Ligurian Sea. All aircraft reached "Detach" where they made accurate drops at a low elevation above the ground. Three Nav-Chits, all successful, noted the target was well-received. T-17 out over the Ligurian Sea. Flak had punctured the left tire of Lieutenant Maloney's plane B-17 No. 689. Lieutenant Maloney made a skillful landing on his one good wheel with very little damage to the aircraft.
The remaining flight to Northwestern Italy was flown on the night of 22 November by Lieutenant Sexton. Because of adverse weather conditions and a severe cross-wind at landings, all other missions were scrubbed for that night. In response to an urgent demand, however, Lieutenant Stone took off from Brindisi at 1745 hours, for the target Abram. He flew through a frontal weather area on his way up the West Coast of Italy but encountered clear weather in the target area where he completed his drop. On returning to base the cross-wind had increased to such an extent that he was unable to land. Lieutenant Stone made one pass at the field before diverting to Grottaglie.
Missions to Balkan Targets were marked with notable success throughout November with the exception of the regrettable loss of Lieutenant Robinson's aircraft and crew. This loss is reported in a later section of the Squadron History. On 18 November, thirteen (13) planes took off for Balkan targets. The results were excellent, with no operational losses or opposition. Clear weather conditions prevailed. Numerous enemy troop and rail positions were radioed back to base by the planes. Immediate action was taken in phoning to 334 Wing to alert ground attack planes. Lieutenant Smallwood, of the Combat Camera Unit, was making motion picture shots of the operations from Lieutenant Gordon's aircraft. Dummy paratroop targets at "Oakhold". To provide a close-up of the reception committees and the containers on the ground, Lieutenant Cordes made an extra circuit, after his drop, passing over the dropping zone at extremely low elevation. His "pass" was greeted by enthusiastic waves from the "committees" and Lieutenant Smallwood reported excellent photographs. Unfortunately these photographs had to be sent to Washington for processing and cannot be used in this Squadron History.
During November there were eight (8) days on which complete success was achieved by all aircraft that took off. This was better than had ever before been achieved by the Squadron. The most prolonged successful run was from 17 November through 20 November. Fifty five (55) missions were flown during these four days without a failure.
Among the missions flown during November were two flown on 5 November by Colonel Mac Closkey. They are of interest because he flew two in the same day from Brindisi to Central Albania. In his morning mission, he found the target "Ellis" covered by cloud and it was only by searching for a considerable time through turbulent weather, that he was able to find an opening and drop on target. His plane was loaded immediately upon his return to base and he took off on his second mission in the afternoon. The second mission was also successful and was the Colonel's fifteenth. It was his thirteenth consecutive success and completed a record of flights from Brindisi to the Balkans without a failure. Prior to taking command of the 885th, Colonel Mac Closkey had engaged in a number of flights from Allied bases in Africa to French targets in a Halifux aircraft. He has, consequently, been one of the first American Pilots to take part in dropping operations. While completing most of his missions from Africa to France, the Colonel had at the same time carried on the organization, administration and operation of the 885th Bombardment Squadron, doing a full day's work on the ground after having returned from a night mission. Regardless of the hours spent in flying on the previous night, Colonel Mac Closkey never missed an early morning meeting to lay on targets for the Squadron. His record of successful flights, remarkable in itself, is the more outstanding when accompanied by the performance of a full time administrative and tactical command.
In addition to the credit which Colonel Mac Closkey, the Pilots and the crews so richly deserve for the excellent results achieved during the month, one should not overlook the part played in this success by the Engineering Section, if the nose mechanics and servicing crew (175) servicing, during November there was only one failure because of mechanical difficulty. During the entire course of operations from Brindisi, there have been only three (3) instances in which mechanical failures prevented the completion of a mission.
The record of successes during November, despite frequently adverse weather, is outstanding. Though operations could not be conducted on a scale commensurate with that of last August, the percentage of successes (84%) was fully in keeping with the best performance of the Squadron and is one in which all may justly take pride.
In the field of sport, the Squadron's November effort was spirited, but less successful. Lieutenant Dogger organised an 885th Bombardment Squadron touch-football team to challenge the fast flying eleven of the 1st Aircraft Assembly Squadron. The game was advertised in the respective orderly rooms as the "Yird Bowl Classic and was played on the morning of Thanksgiving Day in the midst of enthusiasm for those unfortunates not able to play. Captain Ellison of the S-2 Section represented the 885th in the officiating while Lieutenant Roy P. Choquette and M/Sergeant Edmund P. Kloss were the linesmen of the Fighting First Aircrafters. The setting was fully in keeping with the best practices of the great American Saturday afternoon game. The alternating muddy personal drill masks and masonry of the Dispersal, and a dicast of the rule for foreign visitors, reggar fans all. Lieutenant Rose installed a loud speaker P. A. system though it wouldn't stand up under the heavy bombardment of Captain Pal (Mad Hazing) Wood. A "College Band" appeared in the stands but careful examination disclosed that it was a local R.A.F. dance orchestra. Cheering sections were organised by both sides wherever two or three were gathered together. The Fighter Assembly aggregation were uniformed in O. D.'s with a white undershirt worn outside and Corporal Harman's men of the 885th were distinguished by the color of O. D.
The line up was as follows . . .
885th Bomb. Sq.
|
No. |
Player |
Position |
|
5 |
Downer |
Left End |
|
7 |
Burke |
Left Tackle |
|
9 |
Mallett |
Left Guard |
|
11 |
Pavlack |
Center |
|
10 |
Baratta |
Right Guard |
|
No. |
Player |
Position |
|
8 |
Leeutin |
Right Tackle |
|
6 |
Wilbourne |
Right End |
|
1 |
Gold |
Quarterback |
|
3 |
Morrison |
Left Halfback |
|
4 |
Burton |
Right Halfback |
|
2 |
Herman |
Fullback |
1st A/C Assy. Sq.
|
No. |
Player |
Position |
|
68 |
Dominick |
Left End |
|
88 |
Piccolo |
Left Tackle |
|
66 |
Millovich |
Left Guard |
|
58 |
Clarke |
Center |
|
44 |
Parker |
Right Guard |
|
82 |
O'Brien |
Right Tackle |
|
86 |
Carminets |
Right End |
|
41 |
Slisko |
Quarterback |
|
77 |
Cosenzo |
Left Halfback |
|
33 |
Lewis |
Right Halfback |
|
48 |
Luchan |
Fullback |
Substitutes 885th Bomb. Sqdn.
Quensler . . . . . Malloy . . . . . . . Isso
Substitutes 1st A/C Assy. Sq.
Sweeney . . . Kay . . Vlasra . . Weaver . . . Motkys Pearson . . . Andersen . . Snyder . . Laroche
The game itself see-sawed back and forth during three (3) twelve (12) minute periods with spectacular gains first by one team then by the other, neither having the necessary power to drive across the goal line. In the final frame, the Aircraft Assembly backs intercepted a flat pass and tore down the left flank until stopped near the goal line by the ham-handed touch of a Bomber Squadron back. Two running plays were contained by the determined defense of the 885th ground personnel but a low level strafing attack in the form of a stab pass netted a touchdown on the third try. The sure-footed toe, of a O. I. boot, raised the converting kick with range and altitude but lacking an azimuth and the try failed, leaving the score at 6 - 0 at which the game ended a few minutes later.
The Thanksgiving feast was a great credit to the Sergeants of both the Enlisted Men's and Officer's Messes. Turkey couldn't have been better and the cooks outdid all expectations by providing all the fixings including both pumpkin and mince pie, and ice cream.
With the departure of Major McCready for the B-29 Pool, Major Tull became Executive Officer of the Squadron, giving up his duties as Communications Officer. Lieutenant Rose succeeded him as Communications Officer.
On 2 November, Lieutenant Colonel Frazier, of Fifteenth Air Force, visited the Squadron on an Administrative Inspection. He swept through the sections thoroughly within the time allotted to him. The 885th had grown up since formerly in Africa and little was left unsupplied. The reception by both officers from Fifteenth Air Force is pointed out departures from Fifteenth Air Force procedure and offered commendation where commendation was due. Lieutenant Colonel Frazier is to be complimented on his helpful approach and his tactful presentation. He will be a welcome visitor when he returns.
Major Cox, of 2677 Hq. Reg., visited the Brindisi headquarters in mid-November. With him were two American Captains whom the 885th had dropped into France in the early summer. Major Cox had conducted the training of the American O. G.'s that had gone into France and had gone in himself. He called to thank Colonel Mac Closkey for the splendid support that the 885th had given to the American Units beyond the lines. One of the officers with Major Cox had been caught in the Vosges when the Germans brought two Divisions up to stamp out resistance there. By the utmost energy, this Intelligence Officer had been one of the few to get through the German Lines. After forced marches, he and two companions were able to reach an agency through which an urgent message could be sent for necessary supplies. In response to this message, the 885th immediately dispatched a plane which dropped to the hard-pressed agents. This Captain added his commendation to that of Major Cox on the excellence of the Squadron's dropping in France.
Lieutenant General Eaker, Air Vice Marshal Elliot and their aids visited the Squadron on 18 November. As General Eaker stepped out of his shining C-53, the first 885th plane, on the day's mission, roared down the run-way for its take off. The General commented on the promptness and dispatch of the planes as they turned the corner of the alert line for immediate take off. Escorted by Colonel Mac Closkey, General Eaker made a personal visit to each of the sections and inspected the barracks area. General Eaker's party then went to 334 Wing where Colonel Mac Closkey and Captain Van Tull joined them at luncheon.
On 27 November, Major Lidden and Captain Worley came on an inspection tour of the Engineering and Technical Sections. Their work was principally on the "line". They made a fine impression in their suggestions and comments. Those that came into personal contact with these two inspectors will testify to their ready help. Major Lidden proved himself to be a raconteur of rare talents and many was the tale that was told, after supper, of the old Air Corps before the war back in the States. As was the case with Lieutenant Colonel Frazier, these two inspectors will be most cordially received whenever they return.
On 14 November 1944, the Squadron held its first formation in Italy. Because of the move from North Africa and the separation of the echelons, there had not been an opportunity to present medals since the middle of September. Consequently, there were a great many Air Medals to award. The formation was held in the area between the Officer's and the Enlisted Men's Messes.
AWARDS were made as noted on the following pages . . .
Just before Major McCready's departure, Orders came through awarding him a Bronze Star. This was too late for a presentation at a Squadron Formation but the Orders were presented him, by Colonel Mac Closkey, on the day of his departure.
Do you have WWII memorabilia that you are not sure what to do with it? The children don't want it? Then let us help you preserve this history by donating these items to the Army Air Corps Library and Museum. We are accepting donations in the form of uniforms, medals, ribbons, patches, photos, memorabilia, papers, gear and equipment. We also accept monetary donations to support our operations and long term plans. This website is part of the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, and as a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, your qualifying donations are tax deductible.
Read about how we need your support and use donations
Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms and gear of the 15th Air Force in World War II as well as other units and commands. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material.
Are you an AAC, AAF or USAF Veteran, family member, historian or WW2 enthusiast? We Need YOU! Contact us today to see how you can help the Army Air Corps Library and Museum, a Texas Not-For-Profit Corporation. We need your help! We are looking for volunteers that can help us with the following tasks. Typing and Transcriptionists: One of our big projects is extracting data from the thousands of documents we have and putting this data into a database where we can display the information on a website such as this one.
