Annex 2: Operation Frantic Three

HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE

APO 520                               U S ARMY                                                            D-WLB-ser

11 July 1944

ANNEX NO. 2

INTELLIGENCE ANNEX

Fifteenth Air Force Plan for Operation “FRANTIC THREE”

 

SECURITY

1.  All existing regulations and instructions relative to safeguarding Top Secret information will be strictly adhered to and prompt disciplinary action will be taken on all violations.  All copies of this plan and its annexes, including Standard Operating Procedure, Eastern Base Command, will be collected and returned to the Top Secret Controller, Headquarters, Fifteenth Air Force, immediately after the departure of the Task Force.
2. Wing Commanders will hold to an absolute minimum the number of persons to whom is disclosed the destination and purpose of this operation prior to the date of its execution.  Wing Commanders will prepare a list of personnel authorized to have knowledge of the operation.  This list will include names of such clerical personnel as are required to work on the operation.  All personnel on the list will be instructed that the operation will not be discussed except by classified personnel and then only in the line of duty and in a secure place.  Attached hereto for your information is a copy of security instructions relative this operation which was issued to staff officers of Headquarters, Fifteenth Air Force.
3. No personnel in the Groups involved will be told the destination or purpose of “FRANTIC 3” more than 15 hours before take-off time except Group Commanders.  Group Commanders will alert all necessary personnel for a shuttle mission to an unknown destination three days prior to take-off in order that necessary preparations may be made.  No personnel other than Group Commanders will be informed of the ultimate purpose of operation “FRANTIC 3” until arrival at Russian bases.  This point is essential in order that the enemy may not gain from interrogation of personnel forced down on enemy territory any information which would enable him to redispose his defenses on the East and oppose our Task Force.  All personnel involved may be told at this time the approximate duration of their absence from home bases.  15 hours prior to take-off time Group Commanders may inform key Operations and Intelligence Staff Officers of the destination of this shuttle mission.  All staff personnel who are to be informed at this time will be very carefully briefed on the importance of security and the exact security restrictions which are imposed.  The number of personnel included in this category will be held to the absolute minimum and will be carefully selected.  Destination of the shuttle mission will not be disclosed to any other personnel until the pre-mission briefing, held on the morning of the operation.  This point must be rigidly observed, otherwise a last minute postponement would almost certainly result in leakage of information.

        Immediately upon arrival at Russian bases, Group Commanders will assemble all their personnel and will brief them carefully on the local base regulations governing security, conduct and other Standard Operating Procedures.  The ultimate purpose of Operation “FRANTIC 3” will be disclosed at this time.  If properly presented, this will provide the necessary incentive for all personnel to carry out instructions willingly and intelligently.

TARGETS

1. Attack Plan enroute – See Annex No. 1.
2. From Russian Bases:  It is planned to make two attacks from Russian Bases in order to extend our operations against “Pointblank” targets and at the same time reduce the G. A. F. capabilities to attack the Russian Army and Air Force in the Lwow-Kowel sector.  Objectives are (1) Strafing of A/C on Mielec A/D and dive bombing of the Heinkel 111 and 177 A/C Assembly Plant, Workshops, and A/D installations and (2) Strafing of A/C and dive bombing of installations on Lwow A/D or any other A/D which local intelligence may indicate as the most profitable target.
   1. For details of Mielec A/D refer to Annex No. 1, Plan A.
   2. Lwow A/D – This A/D is situated near the present front line and latest intelligence available at Russian bases will determine advisability of attack, location of aircraft on the ground, and other necessary target material.
3. On Return from Russia – Plan is to continue counter air force operations in eastern Roumania in conjunction with the rest of the Fifteenth Air Force.  Target material to be provided at Russian Bases.

DEFENSES

                All current ground and air defense information available will be supplied at Italian bases before departure.  This information will be supplemented by any information available to the Russians and the USAAF Eastern Staff.

REPORTS

                Reporting of operations to be in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure on Fifteenth Air Force forms.  Senior Fifteenth Air Force Intelligence Officer will make necessary arrangements and decisions for all reporting in either signal or written form.

ESCAPE AND EVASION

1. Route Out:  Northern tip of Albania – Southern Yugoslavia – Bulgaria – Eastern Roumania – Ukrainian Russia.
2. General Information
   1. Before all take-offs each crew member should satisfy himself that he has on his person all necessary emergency equipment including:

1. Escape kit and purse.
2. Stout shoes (G.I. with extra socks recommended)
3. Knife, matches, First Aid pouch, toothbrush, soap.
4. Identification card printed in Russian, English and phonetics which will be provided to all personnel prior to departure.
   2. General procedure for bail-out or crash-landing anywhere in enemy occupied territory:
      1. Navigator will orientate entire crew at time of bail-out or crash-landing.
      2. After destroying aircraft and secret equipment, promptly leave scene of landing, go into hills or rough country and hide for several hours before trying to contact anyone.
      3. Chute makes valuable barter item or warm bedding – hide it where you can find it or take it with you.
      4. Distribute contents of kit and purse among pockets.
      5. Avoid railroads, cities and main highways.
      6. Seek assistance from simple folk or peasants; stay away from prosperous types and police.
3. Countries Enroute
   1. Albania – Brief on Escape Bulletin 13 dated 2 September 1943.
   2. Yugoslavia – Brief on Paragraph I Escape Bulletin 29 dated 23 April 1944.
   3. Bulgaria - Brief on Paragraph IV Escape Bulletin 29 dated 23 April 1944.
   4. Roumania - Brief on Paragraph I Escape Bulletin 32 dated 25 May 1944.
4. Russia
   1. Be familiar with the latest information on the geographic location of the Russian front.
   2. Carry the identification card furnished you in a safe pocket.  Be certain it is on you when you leave your ship.  Memorize the phrases printed thereon.
   3. IF DOWN IN THE ZONE OF OPERATIONS OF THE RED ARMY:

Refrain from actions which will arouse suspicion of the Red Army Troops.

Don’t attempt concealment

Do not bear arms in your hands

Raise your hands on the approach of Red Army Troops

Indicate your identification card.

4. 4. IF DOWN IN THE REAR OF RED ARMY OPERATIONS ON TERRITORY OF USSR –      Peasants, Soviet authorities or Militia members will probably be encountered.
      1. Actions should be generally as set forth in Paragraph 3 above.
   5. IF DOWN IN RUSSIAN TERRITORY TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED BY THE ENEMY:
      1. Follow basic Escape and Evasion procedure.
      2. Orient yourself in relation to location of Red Army Troops.  General direction of travel should be Easterly.
      3. Seek help from peasants as suggested in 2 above.
      4. Seek help from the many Partisan organizations operating who will assist you to safety.
      5. In all cases safeguard your identification card for proof to Soviet authorities that you are a bona fide American airman.
5. Escape Bulletin No. 34, dealing with Hungary, has been issued recently and should be examined before departure from Home Base.

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