HEADQUARTERS 486TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H) APO #559 9 January 1945
1. General Narrative: Ten (10) a/c plus two (2) PFF a/c scheduled to fly as lead squadron of the 4th "A" Group. In addition, a chaff force consisting of two (2) a/c plus one (1) PFF a/c were scheduled to fly with the lead squadron of the 4th "A" Group. Take-off was as scheduled from 0616 to 0701 hours. Darkness prevented the squadron from forming quickly and after climb to assembly altitude (22,500'), the squadron completed forming at 0913 hours. At this time, the high and low squadrons fell into position and SPL #11, the first point of the wing assembly line was crossed on time (0913 hours). Proceeding on to SPL #9, interference from another group caused the group to deviate from course and cutting inside SPL #9 the group headed for CP #1. The maneuver caused the group to arrive at CP #1 four (4) minutes late. B this time the remaining groups were in position on the 4th "A" Group, all in order except the 4th "C" Group which was out of position in the formation.
Climb to altitude was begun as CP #1 (English coast) was departed at 0934 hours. Crossing the French coast at a point five (5) miles northeast of briefed point of entry (altitude 24,600') at 0952 hours the group proceeded to CP #3 following a course in about three (3) miles south of briefed. Arriving at a point four (4) miles north of CP #3 at 1046 hours, the group proceeded on course to the Pre-IP. Here the group fanned out in squadron formation and taking proper interval turned on the IP making a PFF run on the target. The chaff dispensing ac were ordered ahead of the main force at the IP and preceded the Group over the target. Bombs were dropped on the lead's release at 1115 1/2 hours.
After bombs away, the group turned to a selected rally point losing 1,000' altitude between the target and RP. Good rally was effected and the group proceeded on route out following a near briefed course.
Let down to minimum altitude was as briefed, beginning after CP #4 was passed. The French coast was departed south of briefed point of departure at 13,600' altitude at 1328 hours. Taking a direct route to base after departing the French coast let down as continued over the channel and the English coast was crossed at 1358 hours (altitude 1,300'). Normal landings were effected at base from 1438 to 1456 hours.
Formation for the group as a whole was good on today's mission on route in. The formation on route out loosened up somewhat due to the weather. Meager to moderate tracking type flak was encountered in the target area. No enemy a/c were encountered and fighter support was good.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking: Ten (10) a/c plus (2) PFF a/c were dispatched. A/C #010 failed to attack because bomb bay doors were not fully open (personnel error). All other a/c attended the secondary (PFF) target on the lead's release. In addition to the above, two (2) chaff a/c plus one (1) PFF (chaff) a/c were dispatched. These three (3) a/c carried out the purpose of their mission.
3. Lost Aircraft: None.
486th "B" Squadron
1. General Narrative: Eleven (11) a/c plus one (1) PFF a/c were scheduled to fly as the high squadron of the 4th "A" Group. Take-off was as scheduled from 0620 to 0714 hours. By 0934 hours the squadrons had formed and was in position on the group lead. Following the lead squadron on route in the high squadron took interval behind the lead at the Pre-IP and turning on the IP bombed the secondary PFF target. Bombs were away at 1117 hours.
A good rally was affected at a selected RP and the lead was followed enroute out. Normal landings were effected at base from 1440 to 1501 hours. For a general narrative of the mission as flown refer to the above report on the 486th "A" Squadron.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking: Twelve (12) a/c plus one (1) PFF a/c were dispatched. Spare a/c #998 returned early. A/C #983 failed to attack because of engine failure and returned to bombs to base. All other a/c attacked the secondary (PFF) target.
3. Lost Aircraft: None.
486th "C" Squadron
1. General Narrative: Eleven (11) a/c plus one (1) PFF a/c were scheduled to fly as the low squadron of the 486th "A" Group. Take-off was as scheduled from 0619 to 0652 hours. By 0905 hours, the squadron had formed and was in position on the lead squadron. The lead was followed on route in. Taking squadron interval at the Pre-IP, the squadron turned on the IP and bombed the secondary PFF target. Bombs were away at 117 hours.
A good rally was effected after bombs away at the selected RP and group lead followed on route out. Normal landings were made at base from 1456 to 1522 hours. For a general narrative of the mission as flown refer to the above report of the 486th "A" Squadron.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking: Thirteen (13) a/c plus one (1) PFF a/c were dispatched. Spare a/c #194 and 952 returned bombs to base. A/C #163 aborted because of engine failure and jettisoned bombs SE of Southwold. All other a/c attacked the secondary (PFF) target.
3. Lost Aircraft: None.
486th - 385th Composite Squadron 4th "B" Group ("C" Squadron)
1. General Narrative: Six (6) a/c were scheduled to fly with the low squadron of the 4th "B" Group. Take off was as scheduled from 0703 to 0720 hours. Climbing to assembly altitude, the 385th group was picked up and by 0850 hours the section had formed and was in position on the lead. The lead followed on route in, position in the bomber stream being maintained. Turning off the IP in squadron formation bombs were dropped on the secondary target at 1122 hours on the squadron lead's release.
A good rally was effected after bombs away and the lead followed on route out. Leaving the main 385th Group at Dover, the section proceeded directly to base where normal landings were affected from 1427 to 1430 hours.
2. Aircraft Not Attacking: Six (6) a/c were dispatched. A/C #867 aborted because of engine failure and returned bombs to base. All other a/c attacked the secondary (PFF) target, M/Y - Frankfurt, Germany.
3. Lost Aircraft: A/C #007 was lost after target - cause unknown.
RICHARD B. UHLE, Major, Air Corps, Operations Officer.
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