The online flimsies (Form #15) have a layout similiar to the above. "Num" indicates the aircraft's tail number (last 3-4 digits), the "id" is the call sign, and "hs" is the hardstand number. This plan represents the "diamond" formation used later in the war. The low-low ("Diamond") squadron was not used in the earlier missions. The air commander flew with the lead squadron in plane #1. Some missions included an additional element bringing the squadron strength to 13 ships. Some flimsies are missing and the formation diagrams are used instead. Missions flown with B24's use a "Tail view" format and show the formation as viewed from behind.

This layout does not represent the formation over the target. After the aircraft have assembled as a group, the lead aircraft (#1) assume the leads of the respective squadrons, any unnecessary airborne spares then return to base. The bombers fly enroute to target in the standard box formation. The aircraft designated as #1 are the lead aircraft, and fly at the van of their squadron. His wingmen are #2 and #3. These three aircraft form the lead element. Each squadron is composed of 3 to 4 elements.

Five minutes prior to IP, the lead ship fires two red flares. At this time the low squadron manuevers outside of the high formation. All three squadrons then turn into the IP point in trail formation. The low-low squadron, if present, brings up the rear.

The initial point (IP) point is positioned downwind from the target (as predicted by the weather squadron earlier that day). When the squadron is committed to the run on the target, the lead bombardier guides the formation. All aircraft drop on his cue. Immediately after "bombs away" the pilot resumes control of the aircraft and the formation executes a 1000' dive away from target to pick up speed. At the same time the lead squadron turns toward the rally point (RP). The other squadrons turn inside and assemble on the lead squadron in the pre-IP formation and head home.

On each mission flimsy, air crews colored red indicate an aircraft shot down; blue denotes a forced landing in friendly territory; purple indicates the aircraft aborted; dark gray show low flights; light gray indicates aircraft flying with another group. Other crew data indicate the pilot, the aircraft number, call letters and hardstand number. Aircraft designated K-20/21 were camera ships. Those designated 16MM carried motion picture cameras. Aircraft designated (SJ) were spot jammer ships.

Mission Summaries:

[ Prologue | 001-050 | 051-100 | 101-150 | 151-192 ]

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