4 B17G aircrews with one P51D Escort pilot participated in the mission
All bomber crews were loaded with 10 x 500lb bombs
Mission Altitude was 23,000 ft
Lead Bomber M1 - Yankee Eagle, vCol. Brian “Banjoe Callahan†and Crew
Lead Element M2 - Memphis Belle, vCol. Alan “Alan-a-Dale†Cottrill (aka “tinkerâ€) and Crew
Lead Element M3 - Super Mouse, vCol. Bill “Colorado†Lande and Crew
Lead Element M4 - Little Patches,vCol. Stephen “Seatime†Scott
Fighter Escort D7-H Sweet Sue, vCol. Phil “junkman†Junkins
Operations Officer V. Col Paul “Gypsy Baron†Strogen was manning operations control to follow the formup operation and climb to mission altitude before he was called away to represent the 91st Bomb Group in a Civilian Celebration of the friendly behavior and generosity of the 91st at a local Pub. Somebody had to do it while we were hard at work.
Mission Log
Official reporting time was 1300Z. Although most of the pilots and crews were in position and ready for mission briefing by as early as 11:45Z
Pre-reporting time briefing was given to pilots present at 12:40Z. Since all pilots present at the 12:40 Briefing were present at 1300Z, normally scheduled mission briefing was superseded and the order to start engines was given.
Taxi to position commenced at 1310Z with all crews in takeoff position at 1317Z.
Takeoff procedure, using 10 second interval spacing at 500fpm to 1500 ft. AGL commenced at 1320Z.
After the downwind leg we began a level turn to intercept the course to the BKY VOR and climbed to 2500 ft AGL at 500 fpm. At BKY we turned south to intercept pt 1 on the form up staging area. At point 1, we began a 500 FPM climb to 5000 ft AGL and leveled off. At PT.2 we made a level ½ standard rate turn to intercept Pt. 3. At PT 3 roll out, we began a 500 fpm climb to 7500 ft AGL and leveled off before the Pt 4 turn. At Pt. 4, we performed a level ½ standard rate turn to intercept Pt.1, On roll out at Pt. 1 For the second time heading 181, we began a 500 fpm climb to 10,000 ft. AGL heading to PT. 2 and leveled off. At PT.2 we made a level ½ standard rate turn to intercept Pt. 3. At PT 3 roll out, we began a 500 fpm climb to 12,000ft AGL and leveled off before Pt 4. At Pt. 4, we performed a level ½ standard rate turn to intercept Pt.1, On roll out at Pt. 1 we turned to intercept the CLN VOR 114.55 while climbing at 500 fpm to 18,000 ft. We passed the Claxton VOR at 1349Z. We turned to intercept WP1 hdg 087 and continued our climb to mission altitude of 23,000ft over the English Channel. As we passed over the coast into Holland we had our first flack barrage and Memphis Belle reported damage to engine 1 with no adverse effects. Passed WPT 1 @ 1410Z turned to course 084. Airspeed 194 mph indicated, 244 mph ground speed. At WPT 2. 10:46Z we turned to course 084, maintained altitude and airspeed. At 11:04 we hit another flak barrage that took out engine 3 on the Memphis belle. All other aircraft reported no damage and we continued to WPT. 3 with Memphis Belle doing its best to continue to target at reduced speed but maintaining altitude. Meantime, the fighter escort widened it coverage to ensure Memphis Belle was safe. We reached WPT 3 @ 11:26Z, we turned to course 088 toward the IP. We reached the IP at 11:56Z and began our bomb run to target. Bombs Away at 12:05Z. Multiple bomb hits and fires were observed while we encountered another round of flak. No damage reported. We reached WPT 4 at 12;11Z , turned to course 016 and dialed in NDB 334. We reduced speed to allow Memphis Belle to start an early descent to gain speed and land early. We began our descent at the coast of Poland from 23,000 to 1500ft @ 2000fpm. Descent ended at 12:51. Arrived at the FAU beacon @ 13:07 and executed a left turn to RNWY 29 and executed a break to land maneuver with the remaining 3 bombers and fighter. Order of Break was 3-1-2. Wheels Down @ 13:14 and engine shutdown at 13:30. Total Flight Time 4 hours 54 minutes, Total mission time from takeoff to shut down was 5:00 hours. From Reporting time to Shutdown was 5 hours 20 minutes.
WOP2 Fuel = Total on Takeoff 1940 100%
WOP2 Fuel = Total remaining on landing 542 gal. 15% Tanks Right Main and Left Main.
Suggested load for tip tanks for Mission 164 for WOP2 would be 30 gallons each. Total fuel load 1760 on Takeoff and 362. Remaining or 10% on landing.
Report Respectfully submitted
V.Col, Brian “Banjoe†Callahan
CO. 401st Bomb Squadron
91st Bomb Group (H)
