A-2 Reporting

Sect. 4^th CBW

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  486^th Bomb Gp.

21     1440       S-2

OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT 486 A, B and C SQUADRON MISSION

MARX AF, 21 MARCH 1945

1.      Leaflets

      None

2.   Bombing Results

A, B and C squadrons bombed the primary target visually.  Assigned MPI was used.  Preliminary examination of SA7’s show that the results of B and C were very good, A good.  Compact pattern south of the MPI on the airfields.  All squadrons obtained scope photos.

3.   Enemy Aircraft

      At 0943 in the target area an U/I E/A came out of the sun at 11 o’clock to attack A squadron aircraft.  E/A started on a pursuit curve out of range (approx 1500 yards) when more than 10 P-51’s jumped the E/A and it broke away.  No shots were fired by the E/A, tail gunner fired a short burst, no hits claimed.

4.   Flak

      Meagre inaccurate tracking flak observed in the target area.

5    Weather

      Target and enemy territory clear with the exception of a slight ground haze.

6.   Observations

      At 0956 hours, 5305N 0716E (23,000) camouflaged A/F, 2 fighters were taking off.  At 1000 hours, 5320N 0656E (20,000) two large ships at anchor.  At 1005 hours, 5304N 0651E (20,000) network of trenches under construction in this area.  At 1006 hours, (20,000) rocket launching sight observed in a clearing in the woods near a canal.  Crew positive of coordinates. 5252N 0622E.  Rocket lauched at the mentioned time.  At 1030 hours, 5255N 0617E patch of woods observed with clearing similar in appearance to runways in southern portion.

7.   Other information

      Smoke screen observed at Wilhelmshaven. Fighter support was good.

O-V-E-R-I-N-G

flimsy