Narrative - Official Air Force Mission Description
Mission 715: 1,243 bombers and 282 fighters, along with Ninth AF and Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, are dispatched to attack tactical targets E of Aachen, Germany in support of the US First and Ninth Armies offensive; 1 fighter is lost:
1. 486 of 495 B-17s hit transportation targets in the Duren area; 1 B-17 is damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 1 airman is WIA. Escort is 151 of 159 P-51s; 1 is damaged beyond repair.
2. 490 of 501 B-17s and 228 of 243 B-24s hit transportation targets in the Eschweiler area; 2 B-17s are damaged beyond repair and 8 damaged; 2 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 6 MIA. Escort is 98 of 107 P-51s; 1 is lost (pilot MIA) and 3 damaged beyond repair.
4 of 4 B-17s fly a screening force mission.
16 of 16 P-51s fly a scouting force mission. | Source: THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by Carter / Mueller, the Office of Air Force History, |
Mission Reports
390th Bomb Group Mission Link | source: Louis Hensgens 390 Bomb Group http://www.louishensgens.com/ | 303BG Mission Report - Target: Ground Troop Support at Weisweiler, Germany. Crews Dispatched: 51 (358BS - 13, 359th - 12, 360th - 13, 427th - 13). Length of Mission: 6 hours, 40 minutes. Bomb Load: 30 x 260 lb M81 Fragmentation bombs. Bombing Altitudes: 22,400, 21,400 & 20,600 ft. Ammo Fired: 1,310 rounds. Fortresses from the 303rd BG(H) hit the enemy near the front lines as they flew support for ground troops at Weisweiler, near Metz. Only meager to moderate and inaccurate flak and no enemy fighters were observed during this uneventful mission. Very good area support was provided by P-51s. No aircraft returned early. Thirty-nine aircraft of the 41st CBW-B Group dropped 1,151 260-lb. M81 fragmentation bombs from 22,400, 21,400 and 20,600 feet. Twelve aircraft of the 41st CBW-D low Squadron dropped 112 fragmentation bombs, as did four 303rd BG(H) aircraft loaned to other Groups. Visibility in the target area was hindered by 7/10 to 10/10 low clouds with tops at 12,000 to 15,000 feet and heavy ground haze. The lead Squadron, making its second bomb run after its GEE-H equipment malfunctioned, bombed on another Group, believed to have been the 457BG. Bombs hit about one mile over the target. The high Squadron bombed visually on its third bomb run. Bombs hit about 4,300 feet east of the MPI. The low Squadrons of the 41st CBS "B" and "D" Groups bombed with GEE-H equipment and results were believed good. The Group shifted to Tilstock for landing due to weather. Thirty-one returning aircraft were diverted to RAF Satellite Station Sleep. 2Lt. C.J. Gates was the 28th B-17 to land in #43-38878 358BS. He overshot the runway as the right aircraft tire blew when braking action was applied. This created an obstruction at the end of the runway. 1Lt. George C. Newton was the 30th B-17 to land in #42-97281 Queenie 427BS. He landed long and failed in a Ground Loop attempt. The right wing hit the left wing of the parked B-17 #43-38878. More info on this mission at the 303BG website | source: 303rd Bomb Group web page http://www.303rdbg.com/ | 306BG Mission Report | source: 306th Bombardment Group website www.306bg.org/ | 34th BG Mission Report - Mission #90 Duren area. Command Pilot: LeBAILLY. 36 planes dispatched. 36 planes dropped 114 tons on the primary target. 36 Credit Sorties. This was a tactical mission coordinated with the ground troops. Station 156 closed in on return, forced to land at RAF base in North England (Hutton). Stayed there 2 days, flew back at treetop level.
| source: 34th Bomb Group Mission List compiled by Gary L. Ferrell http://valortovictory.tripod.com | 351BG Mission Report - 37 aircraft were sent on this mission. | source: 351st Bomb Group web page http://www.351st.org/ken.harbour | 384BG Mission Report - 384th BG Mission Number 226. The 384th BG provided all aircraft and personnel for the lead, high, and low squadrons of the 41st Bomb Wing "A" Group, and the lead suadron of the 41st Bomb Wing "D" Group. In addition, two aircraft were loaned to other groups. The mission was to attack enemy ground positions ahead of allied forces. Primary Target: Tactical - Artillery Positions - Eschweiler, Germany. Target Attacked : Primary (PFF) 56 aircraft assigned to this mission: Completed Mission - 50. Failed To Return - 1. Scrubbed - 3. Returned To Base - 1. Ground Spare, Unused - 1. 48 a/c land away because of weather, mostly at Straford. 44-6512 Springsted, Donald George - Failed to Return Hot camera ship; MIA; aircraft received a direct flak burst in #3 engine from 'inaccurate' flak over target, setting it afire at 1205 hrs; six chutes observed; aircraft crash landed at Tongres, Bel, with injured pilot and engineer, and dead co-pilot; MACR 10448 | source: 384th Bomb Group web page http://384thBombGroup.com/ | 388BG Mission Report - Preliminary to a massed attack in the Aachen Area, (Gen. Hodges) the 8th, 9th and RAF attacked tactical targets. The 8th Air Force put up over 1200 a/c alone. The 388th put up three Group composing the 45th "A" Combat Wing. The high element of the high Group was furnished by the 452nd BG. 34 A/C from the 388th were airborne between 0720 and 0814 hours. 2 of our a/c returned early due to mechanical troubles. Formations were effected without difficulty and the briefed route to the Target was followed. The Target was German troop concentration (anti personnel bombs). Bombing was accomplished by Micro-H and visual means in Group formation. Because of technical trouble, the deputy lead made the bomb run. Bombs were away at 1130 hours from 23,000 feet. Strike photos show very good results, and a letter from General Hodges later confirmed this. There was meager but accurate flak in the Target area. No a/c were lost but 3 received major flak damage, and 7 minor flak damage. Weather conditions at the base made of our returning a/c land at different bases. | source: 388th Bomb Group web page http://www.388bg.info | 392nd Bomb Group Mission Report | source: 392nd Bomb Group web page http://www.b24.net/missions/ | 401BG / 613BS Mission Report - The knocking out of enemy gun positions about 3 miles from our front line near Eschweiler was the assignment for November 16th. Major de Jonckheere led the 401st the 94th "C" Group with Lt. W.B. Anderson, Lead Navigator and Captain D.W. Fesmire, Lead Bombardier. Precautionary measures to insure bombing clear of our positions were again set up and included panels, balloon barrage, flak barrage, continental bunchers and localizer beams: Because of 9/10 10/10ths coverage over the target bombing was by Gee-H. Although the bombfall was unobserved, from all indications they fell within the assigned area. Flak was nil and no fighters were encountered. Crews from the 613th were: 43-38160 Tausig, 43-37706 Annis, 42-31591 Douglas, 44-6313 Budd, 42-102947 Steele, 44-6113 Scheller, 42-38267 Cox, 44-6104, Hopley, 42-97947 ( 612th Ship ) Cushman. | source: 613th Bombardment Squadron History | 401BG / 614BS Mission Report - Another tactical target, and again the Squadron received a nice commendation for a job well done. The gun positions were 3 miles from the American front lines. The 614th furnished 9 aircraft for the High Section of each of the three Boxes in the 94th "C" CBW, but the Squadron actually flew in the "B" positions. Bombing was through 6/10th's to 10/10th's cloud by Gee-H. There W3S no battle damage to the Squadron's aircraft. The Gee-H aircraft, No. 125, was supplied by Molesworth. The Group was led by Major Eric de Jonckheere and consisted of 39 aircraft. 614th crewson the mission were: 42-97602 Mays, 43-38738 Spuhler, 42-38565 St. Aubyn, 44-6508 Sisson, 43-38677 Moran, 42-97478 Babcock, 42-38330 Crozier, 43-38646 Fondren, 44-6464 Richardson. | source: 614th Bombardment Squadron History www.401bg.org | 401BG / 615BS Mission Report - A period of very bad weather set in after the mission on 9th November which finally came to an end on 16th November when 39 crews were briefed for this mission at 0500 hrs, even then the take-off visibility was down to a dangerous 500 yards. The take-off of operational aircraft was completed by 0838 hrs and half an hour later the visibility became so low that the airfield was closed down.The weather did not improve a great deal and although five returning ships managed to land back at Deenethorpe the others were diverted to five other bases as follows: 5 at Deenethorpe; 6 at Carnaby; 1 at Kimbolton; 3 at Barkeston Heath; 4 at Bottesford; 23 at Ossington. The target was gun and enemy emplacements near the German town of Eschweiler, three miles inside the front line boundaries. Bombing was done by means of Gee-H because of 6/10 to 10/10th's cloud cover over the target area. Results were unobserved, but believed to be good. The 401st furnished the 94th "C" Group, led by Major E.T. de Jonckheere, flying with Capt. Tom Cushman. The High and Low Squadron Leaders were furnished by the 615th Squadron - led by 1st Lt. B.C. Konze and 1st Lt. N.J. Kochel. This turned out to be the second "milk run" in a row with no sign of the Luftwaffe and very little flak. A few ground rockets were seen in the target area. The eleven crews of the 615th on this mission were: 43-38077 Haskett, 43-38779 Djernes, 43-38810 Calloway, 42-31485 McKay, 42-31730 Sombart, 43-38425 Udy, 43-38458 Hansen, 44-8258 Kochel, 43-37551 Maloney, 42-97664 Maire, 44-6152 Konze. | source: 615th Bombardment Squadron History www.401bg.org | 401BG / 612BS Mission Report - Six days elapsed before the 401st contingent returned to harass the Hun. Surprisingly this was another tactical mission flown in support or rather to initiate an all-out drive on the part of the Ninth Army around the Aachen area. The next day we learned that this the prelude to the Allies all-out offensive on the whole Western Front. The date was November 16th and the target was gun and enemy emplacements near the German town of Eschweiler. Thirty-six of our aircraft were dispatched in Group formation flying as the 94th CBW "C" Group. Unfortunately the usual undercast was found on reaching the I.P. area and the formation had to resort to the Gee-H method of bombing which was planned for that day because of clouds. The run was satisfactory and although the Gee-H Operator's interphone went out on the bomb run they managed to drop the bombs satisfactorily and avoid hitting any of the friendly troops. Subsequent reports show that not one Allied soldier was harmed by friendly bombs on that eventful day. The only form of opposition for this second "Milk-run" in succession was meagre and inaccurate Flak from the target area which caused no battle damage or wounds to the personnel. All aircraft returned safely. Flying as Deputy Group Leader was Captain Goodman with Lt. Harlan, flying the specialized Gee-H aircraft from Molesworth. Taking over on the bomb run they accomplished a fine job with the able assistance of Lt. Malone as Lead Navigator and Captain Hutson as This was Lt. Malone's 30th and last mission on this combat tour. Eight other 612th erews with Lt. Lawrence flying as Deputy Lead completed this mission in the Low Squadron. Crews: | source: 612th Bombardment Squadron History | 401BG / 612BS Mission Report - Six days elapsed before the 401st contingent returned to harass the Hun. Surprisingly this was another tactical mission flown in support or rather to initiate an all-out drive on the part of the Ninth Army around the Aachen area. The next day we learned that this the prelude to the Allies all-out offensive on the whole Western Front. The date was November 16th and the target was gun and enemy emplacements near the German town of Eschweiler. Thirty-six of our aircraft were dispatched in Group formation flying as the 94th CBW "C" Group. Unfortunately the usual undercast was found on reaching the I.P. area and the formation had to resort to the Gee-H method of bombing which was planned for that day because of clouds. The run was satisfactory and although the Gee-H Operator's interphone went out on the bomb run they managed to drop the bombs satisfactorily and avoid hitting any of the friendly troops. Subsequent reports show that not one Allied soldier was harmed by friendly bombs on that eventful day. The only form of opposition for this second "Milk-run" in succession was meagre and inaccurate Flak from the target area which caused no battle damage or wounds to the personnel. All aircraft returned safely. Flying as Deputy Group Leader was Captain Goodman with Lt. Harlan, flying the specialized Gee-H aircraft from Molesworth. Taking over on the bomb run they accomplished a fine job with the able assistance of Lt. Malone as Lead Navigator and Captain Hutson as This was Lt. Malone's 30th and last mission on this combat tour. Eight other 612th erews with Lt. Lawrence flying as Deputy Lead completed this mission in the Low Squadron. Crews: | source: 612th Bombardment Squadron History | 44BG Mission Report - 34 aircraft of the 44th BG were scheduled to take off on a Tactical mission to Eschweiler in support of our advancing ground troops. However, the weather was very bad and during the take off the ceiling continued to become lower and lower until the field closed in. Eleven A/C did take off up to this point, 7 of them 67th, one each for the 66th and 506, two from the 68th. So they went on to take their position, second Group in the Wing, and leading Wing in the Division. The two 68th ships provided leads for the 491st and for the 44th; one 506 aircraft piloted by Capt. Kimball with Col. Merrill remained with the 44th; and one 66th A/C provided lead for the 392nd. The target was bombed with 32 x 260 frags, with excellent results. Flak was moderate and inaccurate and fighter support was good. All aircraft were diverted upon return from the closed Shipdham field to open bases in England. There were no casualties. Lt. Kleiderer's aircraft was one of the 67th's that were first off. Sgt. Chaffin adds: We bombed ground troops and installations a short distance northwest of Aachen. The big push by our ground forces started right after we finished bombing - and the place was captured soon after. When we returned we had to land at an R.A.F. base about 40 minutes from London. This place was awful - the chow was terrible and we had to sleep on biscuits on the floor of the recreation hall. We stayed there until Sat. evening, the 18th." | source: 44th Bomb Group web page http://www.8thairforce.com/44thbg | 457th Bomb Group Mission Link | source: 457 Bomb Group http://www.457thbombgroup.org | 467th Bomb Group Mission report | source: 467th Bomb Group web page http://www.467bg.com/ | 486th Bomb Group Flimsy report | source: 486th Bomb Group web page http://www.486th.org/ | 91st BG / 324th BS Mission Report - Target: Ground support in Aachen area. This was a ground support job and the target was an area between Aachen and Eschweiler. Results were unknown, as bombing was done on PFF with a back bearing from Aachen. | source: 91st BG / 324th BS Mission Report http://www.91stbombgroup.com/ |
Non-Combat Accident Reports
Aircraft: AT-23B (#41-35840). Organization: 62FS / 56FG of Boxted, Essex. Pilot: Moore, Russell C. Notes: taxiing accident. Location: Boxted, Essex England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 2 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#42-97281). Organization: 427BS / 303BG of Molesworth, Huntingdonshire. Pilot: Newton, George C. Notes: landing accident. Location: RAF Sleap England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#42-97941). Organization: 545BS / 384BG of Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire. Pilot: Hunt, John H Jr. Notes: landing accident. Location: Stratford England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#43-38528). Organization: 750FS / 457BG of Glatton, Huntingdonshire. Pilot: Salo, Ero E. Notes: landing accident. Location: Tatten Hill England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#43-38588). Organization: 546BS / 384BG of Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire. Pilot: Milton, Theodore R. Notes: landing accident. Location: Toussus-le-Noble/A-46 France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#43-38721). Organization: 545BS / 384BG of Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire. Pilot: Green, Loren L. Notes: landing accident. Location: Stratford England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-17G (#43-38878). Organization: 359BS / 303BG of Molesworth, Huntingdonshire. Pilot: Gates, Cecil J. Notes: landing accident. Location: RAF Sleap England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-24H (#42-94970). Organization: 330BS / 93BG of . Pilot: King, Donovan F. Notes: taxiing accident. Location: RAF Hartford Bridge England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 2 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: B-24J (#42-50505). Organization: 330BS / 93BG of . Pilot: . Notes: unknown. Location: RAF Hartford Bridge England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47C (#41-6190). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Phaneuf, R E. Notes: crash belly landing out of gas due to weather. Location: Tracy Lamont France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47C (#41-6215). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Monteith, Don R. Notes: crash belly landing out of gas due to weather. Location: Laray France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47C (#41-6387). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Lamb, Huie H Jr. Notes: landing accident. Location: Creil/A-81C France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47C (#41-6415). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Sawall, Warren J. Notes: landing accident. Location: Creil/A-81C France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#42-22524). Organization: 511FS / 405FG of St. Dizier, France. Pilot: Echeverria, James V. Notes: crashed belly landing. Location: St Dizier/A-64 France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#42-22537). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Peterson, James S. Notes: crash belly landing out of gas due to weather. Location: Senlis France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#42-75117). Organization: / OTRU of Atcham, Shropshire. Pilot: Bigelow, Marvin C. Notes: landing accident. Location: Creil/A-81C France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#42-7878). Organization: / 495FTG of . Pilot: Emory, Frank N. Notes: unknown. Location: Creil (A-81C) France. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#44-19742). Organization: 61FS / 56FG of Boxted, Essex. Pilot: Gerow, Arthur H. Notes: mid air collision. Location: Germany. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-47D (#44-19964). Organization: 83FS / 78FG of Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Pilot: Kirk, John A III. Notes: landing accident. Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51C7 (#42-103600). Organization: 503FS / 339FG of Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. Pilot: Hill, Ralph S Jr. Notes: take off accident. Location: Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51D (#44-15584). Organization: / BADA of Warton, Lancashire. Pilot: McMahan, Wendell L. Notes: landing accident. Location: Warton, Lancashire England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51D10 (#44-14298). Organization: 343FS / 55FG of Wormingford, Essex. Pilot: Courtney, John (NMI). Notes: landing accident. Location: RAF Manston 9 England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 3 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51D10 (#44-14549). Organization: 364FS / 357FG of Leiston, Suffolk. Pilot: Wiser, Robert E. Notes: killed in a crash. Location: Norwich/ 5mi SW England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51D5 (#44-13357). Organization: 374FS / 361FG of Little Walden, Essex. Pilot: Cook, Alfred B. Notes: killed in a crash. Location: Kelshall England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ | Aircraft: P-51D5 (#44-14004). Organization: 503FS / 339FG of Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. Pilot: Haidle, Elmer E. Notes: take off accident. Location: Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire England. Damage (0-5 increasing damage): 4 source: Aviation Archaeology http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/ |
Mission Stats (Targets, Aircraft, Casualties, etc.)
Mission "8th AF 715" Tactical targets near Aachen November 16, 1944Primary source for mission statistics: Mighty Eighth War Diary by Roger A. Freeman |   | Aircraft Sent | Aircraft Effective | Bomb Tonnage | Enemy Aircraft X-P-D | Enemy Aircraft (on gnd) X-P-D | USAAF Aircraft X-E-D | USAAF Personnel KIA-WIA-MIA | Notes | 1243 | 1208 | 4120.4 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-3-16 | 1-4-6 | 384BG aircraft crashes Belgium 486BG aircraft forced to land continent |   | Mission Targets Click blue links for maps, photos and other documents. This will open a new tab in your browser | | asdfasdfasdf Aircraft Groups Click blue links for info on the group. This will open a new tab in your browser.
| | Aircraft Losses Click blue links for info on the MIA aircraft (if known). This will open a new tab in your browser. | | |
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| Aircraft Sent | Aircraft Effective | Bomb Tonnage | Enemy Aircraft X-P-D | Enemy Aircraft (on gnd) X-P-D | USAAF Aircraft X-E-D | USAAF Personnel KIA-WIA-MIA | Notes | 282 | 265 | 0.0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 1-4-0 | 1-1-1 | 339FG crash-lands France 361FG crashes take-off |   | Mission Targets Click blue links for maps, photos and other documents. This will open a new tab in your browser | | asdfasdfasdf Aircraft Groups Click blue links for info on the group. This will open a new tab in your browser.
| 1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION | 20FG |
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| Aircraft Losses Click blue links for info on the MIA aircraft (if known). This will open a new tab in your browser. | | |
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| Aircraft Sent | Aircraft Effective | Bomb Tonnage | Enemy Aircraft X-P-D | Enemy Aircraft (on gnd) X-P-D | USAAF Aircraft X-E-D | USAAF Personnel KIA-WIA-MIA | Notes | 52 | 52 | 0.0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | |   | Mission Targets Click blue links for maps, photos and other documents. This will open a new tab in your browser | CONTINENT / UK Reconnaissance | weather | 5 A/C | | GERMANY Reconnaissance | photo | 14 A/C | | Communications | Red Stocking | 1 A/C | | Air Sea Rescue | | 16 A/C | | Communications | radio-relay | 13 A/C | | AZORES/ATLANTIC/UK Reconnaissance | weather | 3 A/C | |
| asdfasdfasdf Aircraft Groups Click blue links for info on the group. This will open a new tab in your browser.
| 1ST BOMBARDMENT DIVISION | 25BG |
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| Aircraft Losses Click blue links for info on the MIA aircraft (if known). This will open a new tab in your browser. | | |
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