OPERATION NARRATIVE - 486TH GROUP - BRUSSELS MISSION
8 May 1944

1. None

2. First S.A.V. photos show several bursts on or very near shed in western part of M/Y (MPI). Several other burst appear in area north and west of target. Crews of lead squadron claim very good results.

3. None

4. Meager to moderate and accurate flak encountered in target area. 2 A/C received major and 9 A/C received minor battle damage.

5. Very few clouds in target area. Target was clearly visible.

6. None

7. Excellent fighter support.

INTELLIGENCE REPORT, 486TH GROUP, BRUSSELS MISSION
8 May 1944

A. Enemy Air Opposition

None

B. Observations of Crews

None

C. Crew Reports of Friendly A/C in Distress

None

D. Crew Comments and Suggestions

1. A-14 Oxygen masks freeze up too readily.
2. At least 2000' altitude could be gained on course - too much time spent in circling to reach bombing altitude before leaving English Coast.

HEADQUARTERS
486th Bombardment Group (H)
APO 559

9 May 1944

SUBJECT: Report of Operations Officer - Mission of 8 May 1944, Brussels, Belgium.

TO : Commanding Officer, 486th bombardment Group (H).

1. General Narrative: Take off for the group was at 1600 - 1626 hours as planned. Thirty six aircraft got off and assembled over the field at 2000 ft by 1644 hours. Assembly was quick and good.

The climb to altitude was begun immediately after assembly. The formation few a triangular pattern from Sudbury to Colchester, to Ipswich, to Sudbury, while climbing. Briefed altitude of 23,000 ft. was reached at 1800 hours after climbing at standard rate of climb and airspeed. At 1816, the formation was over Sudbury, arriving at Splasher 7. The formation was 1/2 minute late. As the turn was made to take a heading for Buncher 19, the decision was made to take a heading direct to Orfordness to make up for the time (5 minutes) lost during the turn. The coast line was crossed at 1851 1/4, 4 miles to the right of Orfordness. At this point the 487th group was sighted 10 miles ahead at 11 o'clock. Across the channel, the flown course was a little right of the briefed course so as to be in trail with the 487th at the first turn.

The formation from Sudbury to the English coast was slightly strung out, but after crossing over Orfordness, it tightened up and stayed good throughout.

The enemy coast was crossed at 1915 in trail with the 487th group. The course from this point to the I.P. was flown as briefed. At the I.P., at 1925, the P-47 fighter escort was picked up. Very good coverage was given throughout the remainder of the trip. However, no enemy fighters were observed.

The run from the I.P. to the target was held in good formation. There was moderate flak observed behind the formation.

After the target was crossed, the formation dropped from 23,000 to 22,000 while heading for the rally point. A smooth assembly followed as planned. From this point to the enemy coast, the course was varied slightly at times to avoid flak.

The enemy coast was crossed at 1957 1/2 hours. The English coast was crossed at 2007, 5 miles south of Felixtowe, after a let down of 8000 ft. The formation let down at 500' p/m @ 175 MPH. The leader varied course crossing the channel by about 20° R. From Felixtowe, the flown course to Sudbury was direct. The formation was over the base at 2050. The entire formation was on the ground at 2134.

2. Aircraft Not Attacking: Thirty six aircraft left the base as shown in attached diagram "A." Two aircraft turned back due to mechanical difficulty before reaching the English coast. Aircraft #400 aborted at 1745 and #630 at 1830. Therefore, 34 aircraft were dispatched and are credited with a softie.

After A/C #630 aborted the #3 man (A/C #505) moved up to the lead to take his place. In the low squadron, A/C #693 (#3 ship of the low flight of the low section) moved up to lead when A/C #400 aborted. This formation was flown over the target as shown in attached diagram "B."

In the lead squadron. 11 aircraft dropped their bombs. A/C #838 did not drop due to rack malfunction.

In the high squadron, 9 aircraft got bombs away, A/C #630 aborted as mentioned above. Aircraft #401 (lead aircraft) did not because of an inoperative A-5. Aircraft #573 did not drop because the leader did not drop. He was not in a position to observe the other ship of the formation (see diagram), and was still waiting for the lead ship to drop as the target was crossed.

In the low squadron, 10 aircraft dropped. Aircraft #400 aborted before crossing the English coast. Aircraft #517 did not drop because he thought he was off the target and might hit the city.

3. Summary of Lost Aircraft: There were no aircraft lost in the day's operation.