randomcanadian - multiple squadrons

[randomcanadian]

Sirs,

Inquiring as to the availability of hardstands for :
Flying Scotsman / 79th Sqdn
Sweet Chariot / 80th Sqdn

With all due respect,

[randomcanadian]

Crew and plane information - 79th Bombardment Squadron
Plane: Express Delivery (B-17F-80BO 42-29988)
Squadron: 79th Bombardment Squadron

Crew Information
Pilot: 1LT John Harvey (1)
Copilot: 2LT Omar Black (1)
Bombardier: 2LT Ian Hall (1)
Navigator: 2LT Beau Singer (1)
Engineer: T/SGT John Early (1)
Radio operator: T/SGT Andrew Hughes (1)
Ball gunner: S/SGT Ralph Reed (1)
Starboard waist gunner: S/SGT Arthur Payne (1)
Port waist gunner: S/SGT Graham Brown (1)
Tail gunner: SGT Gerald Hermann (1)

Ground crew chief: S/SGT Hans Rumsey (1)

Casualties
-None-

Mission Composite Record
Plane: Express Delivery (B-17F-80BO 42-29988)
Squadron: 79th Bombardment Squadron
Pilot: 1st Lieutenant John Harvey

Mission no. 1 (credited): 07.01.1944 - Mostar, Yugoslavia - Airdrome

Awards
-None-

Promotions
-None-

Previous planes

SPOILER: Click to show

Plane: Flying Scotsman (B-17F-90BO 42-30173)
Squadron: 79th Bombardment Squadron

Crew Information
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (15) 3xAM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (15) 3xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (15) [1] DFC 3xAM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (15) 3xAM
Engineer: M/SGT Joe Barber (15) [3] 3xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (15) 3xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (15) [4] 3xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (15) 3xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Raymond Dobbs (15) 3xAM
Tail Gunner: S/SGT Bruce Doyle (15) [2] 3xAM
Ground Crew Chief: T/SGT Joe Epps (16)

Casualties
2LT John Ross (2) [1] PH (navigator) - KIA, 05.04.44

Mission Composite Record
Plane: Flying Scotsman (B-17F-90BO 42-30173)
Squadron: 79th Bombardment Squadron
Pilot: 1st Lieutenant Arthur Abernathy

Mission no.    Date         Target    Type      Bomb%    Pilot                 Copilot        Bombardier     Navigator    Engineer          Radio                 Ball             Stb W           Port W           Tail                Dmg
1                  29.03.44   Bolzano  Rail yd     20         1LT Abernathy   2LT Clyde    2LT Morrison    2LT Ross     M/SGT Barber  S/SGT Hinkley    SGT Klein    SGT Hudson  S/SGT Dobbs  S/SGT Doyle  16
2                  05.04.44   Ploesti    Oil ref.     20                                                                                                                                                                                                                        97
3                  16.04.44   Brasov    Rail yd     30                                                                        2LT Suarez                                                                                                                                0
4                  24.04.44   Ploesti    Rail yd     5                                                                                                                                                                                                                          144
5                  29.04.44   Toulon    Shipping   *                                                                                                                                                                                                                         0
X                  07.05.44   Rg. Em.  Rail yd     DNB      NO CREDIT - MISSION ABORTED                                                                                                                                                                10
6                  13.05.44   Ploesti    Oil ref.     30                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1
7                  16.05.44   Spezia    Rail yd     40                                                                                                                                                                                                                        40
8                  19.05.44   Wien      Airfield     60                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0
9                  22.05.44   P. Marg.  Oil dump  30                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0
10                24.05.44   Munich    Factory    30                                                                                                                                                                                                                        62
11                27.05.44   Mars.      Rail yd     60                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5
12                06.06.44   Caen       Bridge     20                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0
13                10.06.44   Nantes    Airfield     20                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2
14                18.06.44   Hambrg. Oil ref.      30                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11
15                05.07.44   Gilze       Airfield     95                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0

Awards
Mission no. 2: Purple Heart - 2LT Ross (posthumous)
Mission no. 5: Air Medal - whole crew
Mission no. 10: 2nd Air Medal - whole crew
Mission no. 15: 3rd Air Medal - whole crew
Mission no. 15: DFC - 2LT Morrison - for exemplary bomb run

Promotions
Mission no. 10: SGT Dobbs -> S/SGT Dobbs: for meritorious service
Mission no. 15: T/SGT Barber -> M/SGT Barber: for meritorious service
Mission no. 15: SGT Doyle -> S/SGT Doyle: for meritorious service

[randomcanadian]

Crew Information
Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17G-90-BO 43-38501)
Squadron: 80th Bombardment Squadron

Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (13) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (13) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (13) [4] 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (13) [3] 2xAM
Engineer: M/SGT Bradley Smith (13) [5] 2xAM DFC
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (13) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (13) [2] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: S/SGT Woodrow Morton (13) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Douglas Wilson (13) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (13) 2xAM
Ground Crew Chief: S/SGT Ernesto Jackson (13)

Casualties
none

Mission Composite Record
Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17G-90-BO 43-38501)
Squadron: 80th Bombardment Squadron
Pilot: 2nd Lieutenant Andrew Lovett

Mission no.    Date         Target    Type      Bomb%    Pilot             Copilot        Bombardier     Navigator         Engineer          Radio             Ball               Stb W             Port W            Tail               Dmg
1                  16.04.44   Brasov    Rail yd     60          1LT Lovett    2LT Bailey    2LT Castillo     2LT McGuire     M/SGT Smith    SGT Ramirez   SGT Chavez  S/SGT Morton  S/SGT Wilson  SGT Perkins  14
2                  24.04.44   Ploesti    Rail yd     5                                                                                                                                                                                                                            58
3                  29.04.44   Toulon    Shipping  *                                                                                                                                                                                                                            0
4                  07.05.44   Rg. Em.  Rail yd     40                                                                                                                                                                                                                          0
5                  13.05.44   Ploesti    Oil ref.     0                                                                                                                                                                                                                            0
6                  16.05.44   Spezia    Rail yd     30                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8
7                  19.05.44   Wien      Airfield     75                                                                                                                                                                                                                          108
8                  24.05.44   Munich   Factory     5                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2
9                  27.05.44   Mars.     Rail yd      5                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10
10                06.06.44   Caen      Bridge      50                                                                                                                                                                                                                           0
11                10.06.44   Nantes   Airfield      20                                                                                                                                                                                                                          11
12                18.06.44   Hambrg. Oil ref.      0                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1
13                05.07.44   Glize      Airfield      30                                                                                                                                                                                                                          0

Awards
Mission no. 5: Air Medal - whole crew
Mission no. 10: Air Medal, 2nd award - whole crew
Mission no. 13: DFC - M/SGT Smith - For shooting down 5 enemy aircraft (ace)

Promotions
Mission no. 5: 2LT Lovett -> 1LT Lovett: Pilot completing time in grade
Mission no. 10: SGT Morton -> S/SGT Morton
Mission no. 10: SGT Wilson -> S/SGT Wilson: (both of the above) For their good discipline and otherwise good airmanship.
Mission no. 10: T/SGT Smith -> M/Sgt Smith: For his excellent efforts so far in defending the ship from enemy fighters.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 29 March 1944
MISSION NBR. 64
TARGET: Bolzano, Italy - Marshaling Yard

Pre-mission check:
[notes from the narrator are between square brackets and in italics]
1st Lieutenant Abernathy rounded up his crew early in the morning, and began by briefing the group:
-Gentlemen, we’re flying today. Major Tolliver has informed me that, despite our late arrival, he expects us to be ready for the mission. I’ve informed the ground crew we’ve been assigned to, and T/Sgt Epps told me he had already checked up the plane for any fault after we landed this weekend [n.b. 29.03.1944 was a Wednesday], and he’s going to check again as he’s preparing the aircraft. Clyde, care to add anything?
-As you know, me and Lieutenant Abernathy have been good friends since our time back in flying school. We’re all in this together [he says, as he sees Sgt Epps approaching in the background], and you know what is expected of you. Let’s give…
The speech was interrupted by the arrival of Tech. Sergeant Epps:
-1st Lieutenant Abernathy.
-Sergeant Epps, yes, anything to report?
-No, sir, as far as regards the plane, and despite the less-than-ideal landing the other day – you’ll have to improve on that. Major Tolliver is about to start the briefing, and you should go before the other crews ridicule the newest arrivals for being late.
Abernathy then turned around to face his men: You’ve heard the sergeant. Let’s go!

[formatted roughly according to the format of wartime post-mission "Interrogation Forms", with some liberty for practical reasons here]
Mission report
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 29.03.1944

Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (1)
Co-pilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (1)
Navigator: 2LT John Ross (1) [1]
Bombardier:2LT Elgan Morrison (1)
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (1)
Radio Op: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (1)
Ball Gun: SGT Howard Klein (1) [1]
Stb Waist: SGT Frank Hudson (1)
Port Waist: SGT Raymond Dobbs (1)
Tail Gun: SGT Bruce Doyle (1)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Bolzano, Italy – Marshaling Yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of Bombing:
20%

Narrative:
10 e/a encountered over Adriatic – 3 driven off by cover – one hit by T/SGT Barber and apparently driven off without attacking by fire from SGT Dobbs; one Fw190 claimed destroyed by 2LT Morrison (pilot killed), one damaged by SGT Dobbs and didn’t come back for a second attack.

E/a encountered over target, driven off by formation. Light flak, ineffective. Further 4 e/a encountered over Italy after bombing run, 2 driven off by cover. Me109 hit by SGT Klein, pilot seen bailing out. Another Bf110 hit by SGT Klein, hit us, didn’t come back.

2 e/a over Tyrrhenian sea, driven off by cover

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
1 superficial hit, radio knocked out

Miscellaneous comments:
Luckily the bandits present were not very effective. [of the 9 planes which engaged the bomber, only one hit, for minimal effect]

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 16
Bomb run: 20%
Aircraft encountered:
Me109 - 3 encountered, 2 driven off, 1 shot down
Bf110 - 3 encountered, 2 driven off, 1 damaged
Fw190 – 10 encountered, 3 driven off, 1 shot down, 2 damaged
Notes: luckily, a mostly uneventful first mission.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 5 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 65
TARGET: Ploesti Romania - Oil Refineries

Pre-mission check:
-So, this is it, lads. We're going to Ploesti.
-I've heard that last time, it was a particularly deadly mission to be on.
-Don't worry, Lieutenant Ross, last time they were flying there all the way from Africa. Our hop is going to be shorter, and little friends will be there most of the way, as Major Tolliver was saying at the briefing.
-It's the last bit that worries me.
-We'll be in and out of there faster than you think. And you, of all people: you shot down one of them last time!
-That still leaves the flak, and with such a concentration, it will be pure dumb luck if it doesn't get too close for comfort...

Mission report
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 05.04.1944

Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (2)
Co-pilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (2)
Navigator: 2LT John Ross (2) [1] - KIA
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (2)
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (2)
Radio Op: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (2)
Ball Gun: SGT Howard Klein (2) [1]
Stb Waist: SGT Frank Hudson (2)
Port Waist: SGT Raymond Dobbs (2)
Tail Gun: SGT Bruce Doyle (2)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Ploesti, Romania – Oil Refineries

Weather over target:
Good

Result of Bombing:
20%

Narrative:
All quiet on the route towards target. Fighter cover effective and deterred most potential incoming enemy aircraft. Other squadrons hit harder, some planes seen to be dragging behind. Bomb run over target without incident, despite flak peppering the sky all around.

5 e/a engaged on the return trip over eastern Yugoslavia. 2 driven off before engaging. Gunners fired but did not seem to score any hits. One Me-109 attacked from 3 o’clock and inflicted severe damage, killing 2LT Ross, but did not come back for a second pass after being driven away by our cover.

Flight on three engines to base without further incident despite casualty.

Injuries to crew:
2nd Ltn Ross was killed by an attacking Me109 on the return leg.

Damage to aircraft:
Top and tail guns knocked out, Stb engine no. 3 knocked out, various superficial hits over tailplane and other systems.

Miscellaneous comments:
Gunnery drills will have to be conducted to improve performance on future missions.

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 97
Awards: 2LT Ross, PH (posthumous)
Aircraft encountered: (encountered/driven off/shot down/damaged)
Me109: 5/3/0/0
Notes: This looked like it was going to be an entirely uneventful milk run until I rolled walking hits for that one fighter...

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 16 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 66
TARGET: Brasov, Romania - Marshaling Yard

Pre-mission check:
Sgt. Barber took a look around the aircraft as the truck dropped them off after the briefing and preparation had been completed. Sgt. Hudson, who had a front-row view of the damage inflicted last time, opined:
-Sgt. Epps seems to have done a fine job with the Scotsman since last time.
-Most of the damage was rather superficial.
-Still, that fighter had punched a fair few holes around engine number three.
-Sgt. Epps made sure to replace it entirely. Much less likely it will fail, and with our cover with us all the way through, also much less likely that the Fritz will knock it out.
-You never know. We're still flying right into Romania, and Brasov isn't that far from Ploesti.

Mission report
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 16.04.1944

Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (3)
Co-pilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (3)
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (3)
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (3)
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (3)
Radio Op: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (3)
Ball Gun: SGT Howard Klein (3) [1]
Stb Waist: SGT Frank Hudson (3)
Port Waist: SGT Raymond Dobbs (3)
Tail Gun: SGT Bruce Doyle (3)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Brasov, Rumania - Marshalling Yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
30%

Narrative:
Attacked by 3 e/a over Adriatic (with fighter cover nowhere to be seen). Exchanged a few shots but no hits on either side.

All quiet rest of journey to target, although rest of formation was kept busy. Flak light and ineffective. Return journey similar, 1 twin-engine e/a encountered over western Yugoslav coast but driven away by cover.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

Miscellaneous comments:
Other planes in squadron saw heavier action. Peach Fuzz reported heavy casualties, although they did manage to stay in the formation.

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 0
A/C encountered: (encountered/driven off/shot down/damaged)
Me109: 2/0/0/0
Fw190: 1/0/0/0
Bf110: 1/1/0/0
Notes: Can't go much better than this (the average on-target bomb-run is 35% [although the median is 30%], so I've been a bit unlucky on that aspect so far; but besides that...)

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (43-38501, B-17/G)
MISSION DATE: 16 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 66
TARGET: Brasov, Romania - Marshaling Yard

Mission report
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 16.04.44

Crew:
Pilot: 2LT Andrew Lovett (1)
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (1)
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (1)
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (1) [1]
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (1)
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (1)
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (1)
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (1)
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (1)
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (1)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One friendly a/c, probably Queenie (1st Ltn. Durocher), in difficulty over Yugoslavia. Engines smoking. 9 parachutes.

Target attacked:
Brasov, Rumania - Marshalling Yard

Weather over target:
Good, light cloud cover, 3/10

Result of bombing:
60%

Narrative:
All quiet on the way to target. Flak was present on the way in and out, but their aim was quite harmless.

8 e/a encountered on the Romanian-Yugoslav border on the way back in. Fighters took care of some of them, but the first wave pressed their attack and punched a few holes through the aircraft, although none seem to have hit anything critical. Two of the enemy aircraft were claimed damaged and one destroyed by the crew. First, a 109 attacking from 9 o'clock high was hit by Sgt Wilson, seemingly causing enough damage to its right wing to force him to break-off. 2nd Ltn McGuire then shot another incoming 109 from 1:30 o'clock, whose engine erupted in fire, with the plane diving below the clouds, seemingly out of control, without us having been able to observe a parachute. A final aircaft was damaged by Sgt Perkins as he passed behind after a frontal attack. Perkins claims there were multiple holes in his left wing, but the fighter broke off with our escort close behind and didn't come back, so that was the last we saw of him.

In all, the gunners expended about 850 rounds of ammunition.

The remainder of the flight back to base was uneventful, and the bleak weather did not unduly trouble us throughout the approach or the landing.

Injury to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Mostly superficial. Port wing aileron inoperative.

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 14
A/C encountered: (encountered/driven off/shot down/damaged)
Me109: 5/0/1/2
Fw190: 2/1/0/0
Bf110: 1/1/0/0

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 24 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 67
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Marshaling Yard

Pre-mission check:
-Ploesti, again?
-Last time it was...
-Better not talk about how it went last time, else we might end up even worse...

Mission report
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 24.04.1944

Crew
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (4)
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (4)
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (4)
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (4)
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (4) [2]
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (4)
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (4) [2]
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (4)
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (4)
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (4)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
1 aircraft in formation exploded (likely due to bombs detonating) outbound over Yugoslavia. No chutes.

Target attacked:
Ploesti, Rumania - Marshalling Yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
5%

Narrative:
Takeoff and formation assembly without incident.

All quiet on our part until reaching eastern Yugoslavia. 4 e/a attacked, but two were driven off by cover, and another was forced to bail out after suffering hits from our gunners, with T/Sgt. Barber landing what would prove to be a decisive blow.

The rest of the journey to the target was uneventful. Flak was heavy but inaccurate, although it doesn't seem like the Scotsman's bombs landed close to the aiming point.

Flak managed to land a hit on the starboard wing as we were inbound from the target, but didn't hit anything important. Real trouble, however, began when we were set upon by fighters after the bomb run. Two 109s came from behind us, and although our gunners scored hits on them (Sgt Doyle claimed that one of them had engine oil splattered all over his windshield), they still inflicted heavy damage on our plane: the most significant of this were hits to the radio room, which provoked an oxygen fire (which would soon force us out of formation) and a critical hit on engine no. 4 which put it out of action. The 2 bandits came back for a second pass, but their aim was not as true as on the first attempt. Sgt Klein claimed one kill as a puff of black smoke was seen from one of them, before the plane started diving down, apparently in a stall which it did not recover from as long as we could track it.

Further interceptors approached us, but only 2 twin-engined aircraft pressed their attack, although they did not inflict any damage. At this point, S/Sgt Hinkley reported that oxygen in the radio room was getting sparse, and Klein also reported it was getting cold on his end, and we sharply dived to a lower altitude.

The rest of the flight over Rumania and Yugoslavia was uneventful, thanks mostly to our escorts who managed to drive off 2 more twin-engined aircraft which were attempting to make a run at our stricken bird.

A larger group of 5 e/a attempted to jump us as we were approaching the Adriatic coast, but here again, fighter cover proved effective, as 2 of them were driven off. One was damaged enough by Klein that he failed to come back. Another one was distracted by the Mustangs and did not make a second pass. A final one, seemingly oblivious to either the accurate fire encountered so far or the effectiveness of our cover - one could almost think it was some novice, did make a second run at us, but Barber peppered his left wing full of holes, to the point the pilot bailed out, and his plane went into a somewhat entertaining, if uncontrolled, aerobatic display.

The last part of the flight home was uneventful. Landing was made difficult by the fact we had lost control of some flight control surfaces, but ultimately we landed safely and without issue.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Aileron instruments damaged, rubber rafts out of action, radio room oxygen system hit and whole section damaged by subsequent fire. Ball turret heating system inoperative. Rudder and control cables slightly damaged [1 hit each]. Engine no. 4 out of action. Some superficial hits to wings. Estimated repair time: 3 days.

Miscellaneous comments:
Those gunnery drills undertaken since the last Ploesti mission must sure have impressed Major Tolliver, for him to put a crew on their fourth mission at the tail end. Seems like this was not a bad decision, as we shot down or damaged all but 3 of the fighters who pressed their attack home.

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 144
Aircraft encountered: (encountered/driven off/damaged/destroyed)
Me109: 5/2/1/2
Bf110: 4/2/0/0
Fw190: 7/3/2/1
Notes: That was a tense journey back home, although thankfully the little friends were there...

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (43-38501, B-17/G)
MISSION DATE: 24 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 67
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Marshaling Yard

Mission report
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 24.04.1944

Crew: (missions) [claims]
Pilot: 2LT Andrew Lovett (2)
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (2)
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (2)
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (2) [1]
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (2) [1]
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (2)
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (2) [1]
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (2)
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (2)
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (2)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One aircraft seen to be diverting towards Turkey due to fuel leak.

One plane in formation, identity to be confirmed, seen dropping out of formation after target, with multiple engines not running. 10 parachutes.

Tail Crazy ran out of fuel over the Adriatic. Hopefully they were picked up by one of the British patrol boats on duty.

Target attacked:
Ploesti, Rumania - Marshalling Yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
0%

Narrative:
All quiet on the way to target. 7 e/a in multiple waves targeted us as we were preparing for the bomb run. Our gunners gave them lots of firework, and, after inflicting us some mostly superficial damage, a 109 attacking on a second pass from 12 o'clock was shot down by T/Sgt Smith, with the pilot bailing out.

Flak over the target was heavy and accurate, both during and after the bomb run. Our aircraft was hit multiple times, rendering the top turret inoperable, but no truly critical damage was inflicted. However, combined with the smoke which was partially obscuring the target, it does seem to have prevented an accurate bomb drop.

Two waves of enemy fighters (total 5 e/a) came back after the target was bombed, but they seemed rather green and inexperienced, and one further kill was claimed by Sgt Chavez, after the right wing of a twin-engine 110 was seen tearing off, with the pilot successfully bailing out. The only damage suffered was a jammed port waist gun, apparently due to some overeager firing from Sgt Wilson, although this was eventually repaired as we were flying back to base.

No further resistance was encountered on the way back. Landing uneventful.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft: Starboard wing root slightly damaged. Other mostly superficial hits on both wings. Engine no. 1 oil tank self-sealed. Top turret guns rendered inoperable due to combat damage and will need replacement.

AAR SUMMARY
Peckham: 58
Aircraft encountered: (encountered/driven off/damaged/destroyed)
Me109 6/0/3/1
Bf110 2/0/0/1
Fw190 4/0/1/0
Notes: Not exactly a milk run but not dissatisfied with the performance of the gunners (although bombing will have to be improved).

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 29 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 68
TARGET: Toulon, France - Shipping

Mission report
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 29.04.44

Crew:
Pilot: 2LT Andrew Lovett (3)
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (3)
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (3)
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (3) [1]
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (3) [1]
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (3)
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (3) [1]
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (3)
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (3)
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (3)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Toulon, France - Shipping

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
Serious damage to one ship, stuck in port for repairs (10,000 T)

Narrative:
Takeoff without incident and journey to target entirely uneventful.

Two groups of fighters spotted as the harbour was within our sights. One of them didn't attack, the other was mostly scared away by our cover and a few shots from our gunners.

Our bomb run made it so one large freighter was lined up without our sights. Flak was moderate but inaccurate both on the way in and out. 2nd Lt. Castillo says there was serious damage to the ship he targeted, with a big cloud of black smoke. Estimates it was about 10,000 tons.

More fighters were spotted as we were heading back, right after the bomb run and a bit later, but our little friends chased most away again. The last part of the flight from Corsica was again as uneventful as the beginning and landing was as scheduled.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary
Peckham: 0
Ammo expended: 400 rounds
Notes: Congrats to the Red Tails for such effective cover this mission!
Encountered/driven off/damaged/shot down
190: 5/3/0/0
109: 3/2/0/0
110: 1/1/0/0

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 29 April 1944
MISSION NBR. 68
TARGET: Toulon, France - Shipping

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 29.04.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (5) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (5) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (5) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (5) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (5) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (5) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (5) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (5) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (5) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (5) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Toulon, France - Shipping

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
Severe damage to one ship (7,300 T tanker)
Minor damage to one ship (4,600 T tanker)

Narrative:
All quiet on the way in and out.

Medium flak encountered over target, a destroyer was next to the tankers we hit (at least, which we think we hit: one of them had a very obvious oil leak, but the effect on the other was hard to observe - likely a near miss), and it's likely it added its own armament to the volley of fire aimed at us, but all of it was inaccurate and quite ineffective.

Landing without issues.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Notes: "All quiet on the western front", as they'd say...
Aircraft encountered:
none
Awards to crew: Air Medal - (all, completed 5th mission)

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 7 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 69
TARGET: Reggio Emilia, rail yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 07.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (5) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (5) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (5) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (5) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (5) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (5) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (5) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (5) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (5) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (5) AM

Target attacked:
Did not bomb

Narrative:
Prior to takeoff, the plane's interphone system suffered some unexpected malfunction and was rendered inoperative. Such a system being essential for safe conduct of combat operations, field repairs were attempted, but the root cause could not be pinpointed in such a short time. The plane is grounded until further notice, and T/Sgt Epps reports that the whole electrical system will have to be inspected, although hopefully this will be done in time to allow for the next mission. Moreover, it is quite fortunate that it failed before takeoff and not after.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 10 (mechanical failure)
Notes: Bad luck... No credit, mission aborted

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 7 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 69
TARGET: Reggio Emilia, rail yard

Mission report
Squadron: 80th / Tail
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 07.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 2LT Andrew Lovett (4)
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (4)
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (4)
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (4) [1]
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (4) [1]
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (4)
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (4) [1]
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (4)
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (4)
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (4)

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Reggio Emilia, rail yard

Weather over target:
Bad

Result of bombing:
40%

Narrative:
One of the engines stuttered a bit during takeoff, but this seemed to be only a momentary issue and everything went fine afterwards. Formation assembly, however, was somewhat disrupted by weather at lower altitudes, and by the time we found ourselves on our way, Sweet Chariot was in the tail of the formation.

The journey to the target was quiet and interrupted only by a few e/a as we were approaching the IP. Fighter cover managed to drive two of them off; another pair pressed their attacks but did not hit us. Neither did our gunners hit them back.

Some flak was encountered over the target, but their aim was very much put off by the weather, so it seems. A short break in cloud cover allowed for a successful bomb drop, although the exact extant of the damage inflicted could not be fully observed afterwards.

Return to base was mostly quiet, except for a few planes which were not part of our formation or of the fighter cover, observed approaching as the group was making its journey back over the Adriatic. They ultimately did not come close enough for us to have a good look at them. Final approach for landing at Foggia was rough and unpleasant, and we went around for a second go, at which point we touched down safely without incident.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Ammo expended: 150 rounds
Notes: Cloud cover really does provide a lot of cover from the German fighters
Encountered/driven off/damaged
109: 1/1/0
110: 3/1/0

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 13 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 70
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Oil refinery

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 13.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (6) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (6) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (6) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (6) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (6) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (6) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (6) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (6) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (6) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (6) [1] AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane in the formation was hit by flak prior to the target, and we just saw a big explosion. No parachutes.
Two planes seen dropping out from formation after bomb run. Kat-Astrophe in the lead, and another one which we didn't hear anything about on the radio.
The plane in the tail of the formation, Manitowoc II, diverted to Vis due to a fuel tank leak. Hopefully the runway was long enough for them.

Target attacked:
Ploesti, Romania - Oil refinery

Weather over target:
Poor

Result of bombing:
30%

Narrative:
After last week's excitement (or lack thereof), the crew was eager to get back flying. Seems like the repairs were effective, since takeoff went off without the slightest hint of trouble, despite the fact the weather was poor. The journey to the target was very quiet, owing probably to the cloudy skies.

Three bandits approached from the front just before the bomb run. One of them seems to have punched a small superficial hole in the fuselage, but our gunnery must have scared the other two away, as Sgt Doyle in the tail shouted excitedly after hitting the third one as he passed by: a parachute was quickly spotted.

The bomb run itself went off well. Flak missed us, and a break through the clouds as well as a few key features of foothills of the Carpathians (with which the crew has now become accustomed...) helped drop on target.

A few planes were spotted as we were heading back, but they didn't attack us directly, and a later group seem to be too disorganised to mount an effective run, in spite of the general poor fighter cover throughout most of the mission.

The flight back over Yugoslavia and the Adriatic was quiet, and landing at base was fine despite the persistent downpour.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial hit to fuselage

AAR summary:
Peckham: 1 pt
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 2/0/1/0
Bf110 1/0/0/0
Notes: Was worried for a moment when I rolled two waves on the way back from the target, but both of them ended up being chased away by the formation (on top of a "bad Luftwaffe comms" event, so cherry on the cake, really)...

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 13 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 70
TARGET: Ploesti, Romania - Oil refinery

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 13.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (5) AM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (5) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (5) AM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (5) [1] AM
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (5) [1] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (5) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (5) [1] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (5) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (5) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (5) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
Two planes seen falling out of formation as we were over the target.
The Baroness suffered a collision with an enemy fighter on the return trip as we were over Yugoslavia, and subsequently dropped out of the formation.

Target attacked:
Ploesti, oil refinery

Weather over target:
Bad

Result of bombing:
0%

Narrative:
All quiet on our side. A few planes in the formation had to drop out, some of them due to combat damage, but overall we were spared any trouble. Sky was completely covered when we approached the target and we don`t think our blind drop hit anywhere near the target. Landing as smooth as the rest of the flight, despite the weather.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Encounted: 0
Notes: The only moment that luck wasn't on my side was when I had to roll for the bomb run. Otherwise, a textbook milk run.
Awards & promotions: 2LT Lovett has completed 5 missions as pilot and therefore gets promoted to 1LT (roll = automatic). The whole crew gets an Air Medal for completing their fifth mission, as well.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 16 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 71
TARGET: Spezia, Italy - Rail yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 16.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (6) AM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (6) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (6) [1] AM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (6) [2] AM
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (6) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (6) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (6) [1] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (6) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (6) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (6) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane (apparently the new crew) dropped out after the target.
Another seen leaving formation as we were nearing the end of our cruise on the return trip.

Target attacked:
Spezia, Italy - Rail yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
30%

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly were without any issue or distraction. That's about as far as things remained quiet, because no sooner were we cruising over the water than a pair of e/a were seen heading our way: however they rapidly pulled away when they saw our fighter escort.

A further group of e/a approached in our direction as we were progressing over the sea, but only one got past our fighter escort, and that encounter quickly ended in our advantage when the bandit's right wing was cleanly torn off by a burst from Ltn. Castillo: the pilot quickly traded his seat in the uncontrollable plane for a parachute.

The rest of the flight to the target area was uneventful, and bombs were dropped accurately despite the presence of flak. Where things got spicy was on the way out, as several groups of e/a harassed us. The first group was mostly chased away by our cover, and the one e/a that approached close enough to fire off a few short bursts seems to have been rattled by a burst from Sgt. Morton. Another pair of e/a then approached, but again fighters managed to keep one off, and the other didn't return after some hits from Ltn. Castillo.

A final group proved to be the most troublesome, as 5 e/a enagaged us directly, our little friends apparently somewhat overwhelmed and only keeping one of them at bay. Gunnery was again effective as one was chased away by an apparent fuel tank leak; while another had its wing clearly cut off by fire from Sgt. Smith, with the pilot seen bailing out rapidly afterwards. The other two, however, managed to inflict a few hits, although they caused more fear than actual harm. As they came back for a second pass, one of them was hit by accurate shots from Ltn. McGuire, fatally wounding the pilot and sending the plane away from us in a somewhat uncontrolled dive. The last remaining e/a came for a final pass, but ultimately was driven off without further ado: whether this was due to Sgt. Wilson greeting him with a hail of bullets or due to the e/a running out of ammunition remains a question, as it was seen to be rapidly breaking off and evading action with our now quickly returning little friends.

The latter managed to keep us out of any further trouble for the brief trip over the Adriatic, and landing was normal and without incident.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 8
Ammunition expanded: 1300 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Fw190 5/1/0/4
Bf110 1/0/0/1
Me109 8/3/3/2
Notes: Fighter cover was generally effective throughout, although that last wave over the target was starting to feel like trouble until gunners proved to be effective and the attacking fighters proved to be unable to hit any critical system (one hit the now-empty bomb bay, but that was the only even mildly worrisome hit).

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 13 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 71
TARGET: Spezia, Italy - Rail yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 16.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (7) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (7) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (7) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (7) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (7) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (7) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (7) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (7) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (7) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (7) [1] AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
Three planes seen dropping out after bomb run: one identified as Popgun, the other Gollum, couldn't verify the last one.
One further plane (Swamp Angel) left formation afterwards as we were crossing over northern Italy.

Target attacked:
Spezia, Italy - Rail yard

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
40%

Narrative:
Quiet takeoff, but immediately after, as we were climbing out, the upper turret suffered a power failure, which proved to be unrepairable, although T/Sgt Barber still managed to manually traverse it.

The rest of the journey to the target was quiet. As we were approaching it, flak scored a hit on our port wing, leaving a hole in the inboard fuel tank. Despite this, the run was on target; and flak was inaccurate on the way out. A single fighter approached from below afterwards, but didn't hit us, and was clearly distracted by our little friends afterwards.

As we were overflying Italy on the way back, Sgt Dobbs reported his gun was inoperative: the exact reason of this we couldn't figure out immediately, although thankfully we didn't eperience any adverse effect from this as no further enemy fighters engaged us.

By this point, the little fuel leak that had appeared over the target was starting to be troublesome, but there was enough fuel left to land without issue at Fogia with the rest of the squadron.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Port wing inboard fuel tank leak; top turret power failure; port waist gun inoperative

AAR summary:
Peckham: 40
Ammunition expanded: 50 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Bf110 1/0/0/0
Notes: Luck was here and there, with some mechanical failures but a good dice roll on the fuel leak and very little in the way of fighters.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 19 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 72
TARGET: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Airfield

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 19.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (8) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (8) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (8) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (8) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (8) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (8) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (8) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (8) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (8) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (8) [2] AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane seen violently exploding (likely bomb bay detonation) near Hungarian border on way to target. No parachutes observed.
One plane with engine fire and subsequent explosion on the bomb run. 3 parachutes observed.
One plane (Roundtrip Jack) left formation after the target, near Yugoslav border.

Target attacked:
Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Airfield

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
60%

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly without issue in clear weather.

First sign of enemy activity as we were approaching the Hungarian border, but fighters kept most of them at bay, and although we exchanged a few shots with a pair of them, that was it.

Rest of flight to target relatively quiet. A few approached as we were nearing the IP, but fighters were again effective despite being at the extreme end of their range, and the lone attacker which approached close enough lost his nerve after a furious outburst in his direction from Sgt Dobbs.

Flak was ineffective both on the way to and from the target. Clear skies, despite the Jerries trying to generate their own weather, allowed for a successful bomb run, with Lt Morrison reporting that most of our bombs appeared to have hit right on target.

Real trouble came after the target, as we were faced by successive waves of fighters, and with our little friends nowhere to be seen, gunners were very tense. However, we managed to brush off these attackers without damage to our ship. A lone 109 which had foolishly approached from the rear saw one of his wings torn off by fire from Sgt Doyle. No parachute was seen as the plane plummeted in an uncontrollable spiral to the ground. In all the excitement Sgt Hudson reported his gun had jammed, a slight inconvenience which was however quickly fixed when we were over quieter skies.



Things died down rapidly after this. The only further encounter with the enemy was when a single aircraft dove at us from above as we were nearing the coast of the Adriatic, seemingly unnoticed by our little friends, but after missing his shot further approaches were discontinued.

Approach and landing were without issue.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Ammunition expanded: 1450 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 23/0/1/13
Bf110 3/0/0/1
Fw190 3/0/0/0
Notes: A combination of good luck (effective fighter cover, and few enemy planes when the cover was sparse); very good luck (none of them managed a single hit); and a tad bit of bad luck (gunners similarly managed only very few effective volleys), but overall a clear success.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 19 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 72
TARGET: Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Airfield

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 19.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (7) AM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (7) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (7) [2] AM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (7) [2] AM
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (7) [3] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (7) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (7) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (7) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (7) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (7) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane (Miss Jackson County) left formation outbound over the sea, due to an oxygen fire onboard.
One plane seen leaving formation about the same time as us over Austria.

Target attacked:
Wiener Neustadt, Austria - Airfield

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
75%

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial hits throughout, bombardier and radio room heating out, port wing root hit, tail guns hit multiple times and out of action, radio out, port outboard fuel tank leak, blown tires and landing gear damage due to rough landing. Estimated repair time at Vis: 3 days.

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly without incident.

All quiet until well over Yugoslavia, when a few enemy aircraft approached. Little friends chased some away, but a lone attacker got through: he was hit by fire from Sgt Morton, seemingly enough to force his aim off and make him break away. Another wave approached, but none engaged our aircraft. One however passed so close after missing another aircraft that we were really luck he didn't hit us. This inspired confidence in the crew that Lady Luck was on our side.

Another wave approached as we were over Hungary. No little friends in sight. Lt McGuire hit one of the attackers' left wing, and this seemingly was enough to throw him off.

More trouble met us as we were preparing for our bomb run. A first wave of planes went mostly through our cover, and although one was driven off by long bursts from Sgt Morton, and another was hit by Sgt Wilson (although this did not prevent him coming for a second pass), they knocked out the radio and the heat in the nose compartment. After this, a twin-engine aircraft approached: after causing some superficial damage, the pilot was injured by fire from Sgt Smith, and as he passed below us Sgt Chavez hit him again, causing a fuel tank fire which engulfed the plane. This wasn't the end of it, as another twin-engine approached. He knocked our tail guns out, but was knocked out by Lt Castillo as he approached from the other direction, the left wing clearly cut off with no parachute in sight.

Flak on the bomb run missed us, although we didn't miss them at all with our bombs, but as we were leaving the vicinity of the target, a burst hit our port wing. Luckily, no one was injured, although the fuel tank started leaking, which caused concern as we were far even from the emergency airfield at Vis.

Due to the damage to the heating system, we slowly dropped out of formation and descended to warmer air. A few planes approached our stricken bird, but fighter cover was there when it was needed, and on top of that Lt Castillo chased one away with accurate fire.

Problems continued over Yugoslavia, as the fuel situation was getting more and more worrisome. A group of planes approached from all over, and although little friends distracted most of them, one got through and inflicted damage all over the place, although luckily none of it was to any critical system. Another wave approached as were were nearing the coast, but Sgt Smith peppered his right wing full of holes, forcing the pilot to bail out.

Fuel gauges indicated that we were basically running on fumes as we finally came in sight of the Adriatic, and deciding that the short runway at Vis was better than swimming and waiting for the Royal Navy, we headed there with all haste. Due to fuel starvation, one of the engines gave out as we were on final approach. Asymmetric thrust thus made landing on a short runway even more difficult. In the end, we stopped just short of the end, with a few blown tires and some mild damage to the landing gear.

Repairs are likely to take a few more days due to the lack of spare parts on Vis.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 108
Ammunition expanded: 1700 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 5/0/0/4
Bf110 2/0/2/0
Fw190 15/4/1/5
Notes: Fighter cover was there when it was most needed (after the plane had already been damaged by flak), but this didn't prevent the plane taking damage from a fair amount of firepower.
Repair time: 3 days (miss next mission due to being stuck on Vis, albeit barely)

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 22 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 73
TARGET: Porto Marghera, Italy - Oil storage

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 22.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (9) AM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (9) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (9) AM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (9) AM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (9) [2] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (9) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (9) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (9) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Raymond Dobbs (9) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (9) [2] AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
Hi-Lo (squadron tail) lost outbound over Adriatic, gone down in flames. 10 parachutes seen opening. See supplemental Missing Air Crew Report.
The new crew had an engine fire at about the same time and turned back home.
Two more planes dropped out of formation - seemingly both due to heating issues - as we were nearing the coast on the return leg.

Target attacked:
Porto Marghera, Italy - Oil storage

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
30%

Narrative:
Takeoff without incident. Took formation lead as assigned.

Flight to target uneventful. A few enemy fighters spotted as we were approaching the coast, but kept well at bay by our cover.

Flak on bomb run to and after target did not hit us. Bomb run was without too much difficulty and well on target.

Flight back to base all quiet, nothing to report.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Ammunition expanded: 0 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 2/0/0/2
Notes: After the relative excitement of last mission, this is a welcome respite.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Ferryville Freight Train (42-31003, B-17/F)
    (Spare bomber and crew as temporary replacement for the Sweet Chariot)
MISSION DATE: 22 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 73
TARGET: Porto Marghera, Italy - Oil storage

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Ferryville Freight Train / 42-31003
Date: 22.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Ken Cullen (1)
Co-Pilot: 2LT Rafe Corson (2)
Bombardier: 2LT Burt Sutherland (1)
Navigator: 2LT Burt Metcalf (1)
Engineer: S/SGT Ralph Hood (2) [1]
Radio: S/SGT Vic Drace (3)
Ball gun: S/SGT Alberto Marcucchi (6) [1] AM
Port waist gunner: SGT Bud Mosley (5) AM PH
Starboard waist gunner: SGT Fred Mercer (1)
Tail gunner: SGT Cliff McComb (6) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane (Cannonball) left formation outbound over the Adriatic with reported engine and oxygen problems.

Target attacked:
Porto Marghera, Italy - Oil storage

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
0%

Narrative:
Takeoff without incident.

Initial portion of the flight mostly quiet. A pair of fighters seemed to be headed for us as we were approaching the northern end of the Adriatic, but our own fighters got one of them, and the other, approaching from 3 o'clock, was sent spinning off when his right wing was removed by bursts from Sgt Marcucchi. A parachute was clearly observed by both him and Sgt Mercer.

Ingress to the target area was without any disturbance, with the local flak not managing anything but distant bursts. Our bombs however also appear to have hit nowhere close to the aiming point.

The only further significant action on the flight was when a group of four bandits approached us after the bomb run. Little friends dealt with a pair of them; one was shot down by Sgt Hood, with significant damage all over the fuselage forcing the pilot to bail out; and, finally, the other's run at us was disturbed by accurate fire from Sgt Mosley. Needless to say, he didn't come back to bother us.

Return over the Adriatic and landing all quiet.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Awards: SGT Bud Mosley - Air Medal (completed 5th mission)
Peckham: 0
Ammunition expanded: 450 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 5/1/2/3
Fw190 1/0/0/1
Notes: The spare crew acquitted themselves well. Might want to give them a few further goes until the group transfers to England.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 24 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 74
TARGET: Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motoren Werke

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th (lead)
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 24.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (8) AM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (8) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (8) [3] AM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (8) [2] AM
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (8) [4] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (8) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (8) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (8) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (8) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (8) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:

One plane, Reluctant Dragon, turned back before the Alps due to combat damage.
Fort Mackinac shot down over the target.
Miss Jackson County left formation over the Alps.

Target attacked:
Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motoren Werke

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
5%

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial damage to port wing from a flak burst.

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly AOK.

Flight to target all quiet, without incident.

Lots of enemy activity over the target area. Multiple waves of fighters headed towards us, and our little friends, while effective, still couldn't stop about half a dozen of them. However, Sgt Smith shot one bandit which was approaching us from 3 o'clock, cutting through his right wing, the pilot eventually bailing out. Another approaching from straight ahead was seen off with a few holes in his left wing.

Flak over the target was heavy, and a close burst made a few holes through our left wing. Didn't hit anything substantial, but was enough to throw us mostly off target.

Fighter activity resumed after the bomb run, with more planes again making an approach despite the presence of our fighter escort. However, our gunners again made short work of them. This time it was Lt Castillo who shouted in exclamation as he ripped another 109's wing out of the sky. Sgt Smith also got a serious hit an another's rudder, but the fighter in question fled the scene while remaining under control as long as we could observe it.

Things died down rather rapidly after this, and the journey back to base was again quiet for us. Landing without difficulty.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 2
Ammunition expanded: 800 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 11/3/2/3
Fw190 2/1/0/1
Notes: Got a bit of bad luck with escorts so didn't quite work out on that front, but nicely impressed by my gunners, who have now collectively claimed 5 fighters in the last two missions they have flown.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 24 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 74
TARGET: Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motoren Werke

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 24.05.44

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (10) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (10) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (10) 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (10) 2xAM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (10) [3] 2xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (10) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (10) [2] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (10) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Raymond Dobbs (10) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (10) [2] 2xAM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane left the formation in the direction of Switzerland about when we were over the target.
Several others were seen leaving at the same time as us after the Alps had been crossed on the return leg.

Target attacked:
Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motoren Werke

Weather over target:
Good

Result of bombing:
30%

Damage to aircraft:
Waist compartment severely damaged by fire, oxygen system out. Superficial hits to tail and wings.

Narrative:
Takeoff, assembly and flight over Adriatic without incident.

A group of enemy aircraft approached us as we were near the Italian coast, but most were chased away by our escorts, and the one which got close enough was put out of action by Sgt Barber, who sheared off one of his wings. The parachute was observed opening below us shortly thereafter. There was additional activity in the squadron over Italy proper, but nothing got close to us.

Over the Alps and coming on over Munich, we were again not troubled by any fighters. However, as we were making our bomb run, a flak burst impacted the waist of the aircraft, rupturing one of the oxygen supply lines and starting a fire. This was extinguished, with urgency, by Sgt Hudson. Despite the flak and the commotion in the back, we managed to stay on course and on target, our bombs hitting with the rest of the squadron.

Some fighters did have a go at us after the run over the target, but one was chased off by frenzied fire from our gunners, and the others do not appear to have caused any damage.

After this, Sgts. Hudson and Dobbs reported the air was getting hard to breath. Now, since we were approaching the Alps, we didn't have much of a choice to descend to lower altitude, so the men huddled in the radio room. Luckily, there were no German fighters over the Alps again. We left the formation over Italy. A trio of fighters approached our stricken bird, but were kept at bay by the timely appearance of the Red Tails.

The last leg over the Adriatic was quiet. Landing at Foggia was without issue.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 62
Ammunition expanded: 600 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 7/0/1/6
Fw190 5/0/0/2
Notes: Flak turned out to be a greater threat than the fighters, and this despite being forced out of formation.
Awards and promotions:
2nd Air Medal (whole crew) - 10 missions
SGT Dobbs has been promoted to S/SGT after the mission, due in part to his spotless disciplinary record and to his proficiency at the gunnery range (although that has yet to translate into a credited kill in the air).

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Ferryville Freight Train (42-31003, B-17F)
(spare plane with spare crew flying for the 80th squadron)
MISSION DATE: 24 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 74
TARGET: Munich, Germany - Bayerische Allach Motoren Werke

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Ferryville Freight Train / 42-31003
Date: 24.05.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Ken Cullen (1)
Co-Pilot: 2LT Rafe Corson (2)
Bombardier: 2LT Burt Sutherland (1)
Navigator: 2LT Burt Metcalf (1)
Engineer: S/SGT Ralph Hood (2) [1]
Radio: S/SGT Vic Drace (3)
Ball gun: S/SGT Alberto Marcucchi (6) [1] AM
Port waist gunner: SGT Bud Mosley (5) AM PH
Starboard waist gunner: SGT Fred Mercer (1)
Tail gunner: SGT Cliff McComb (6) AM

Result of bombing:
DNB

Narrative:
Shortly after takeoff, the turbo-supercharger on engine no. 1 failed. Without this, the engine could only provide a small amount of power at higher altitudes. With a long mission and a crossing of the Alps in sight, there was no choice but to abort, and the Freight Train thus thundered back onto the airfield a fair bit earlier than anticipated.

The crew, deprived of an opportunity to strike right at the enemy's homeland, are eager to get back flying for the next mission.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Failed turbo-supercharger, engine no. 1 (mechanical)

AAR summary:
Peckham: 10 (mechanical)
Aircraft encountered: none
Notes: ...

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Ferryville Freight Train (42-31003, B-17F)
(spare flying for the 80th squadron)
MISSION DATE: 27 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 75
TARGET: Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Ferryville Freight Train / 42-31003
Date: 27.05.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Ken Cullen (2) PH - KIA
Co-Pilot: 2LT Rafe Corson (3)
Bombardier: 2LT Burt Sutherland (2)
Navigator: 2LT Burt Metcalf (2)
Engineer: S/SGT Ralph Hood (3) [1] PH
Radio: S/SGT Vic Drace (4)
Ball gun: S/SGT Alberto Marcucchi (7) [2] AM
Port waist gunner: SGT Bud Mosley (6) AM PH
Starboard waist gunner: SGT Fred Mercer (2)
Tail gunner: SGT Cliff McComb (7) AM

Target attacked:
Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Result of bombing:
30%

Narrative:
Takeoff was OK and flight to target was entirely uneventful. As we began the bomb run, a flak burst sent some shrapnel in the waist compartment, but this only inflicted superficial damage. Bombs were on-target with the rest of the formation.

No opposition fighters troubled us until we were well within France. However, at that point, with us now out of escort range, a large group of bandits headed our way. Our gunners fired at them, but mostly missed. Despite this, only two of them got a clear hit on us. That was sufficient for one of them to send a shell right into the pilot compartment. Lt Cullen was hit badly. Undeterred, the pair that had hit us came back. Striking again, they hit Sgt Hood in the top turret. He didn't look as bad as Lt Cullen, but was unable to continue in his post.

Things were a bit hectic at this point, and I had to ask Lt Sutherland to lend me a hand to take the place of Lt Cullen. Just as we were done with this, additional fighters attacked us from below. The first was sent tumbling by Sgt Marcucchi, the tail breaking off. The next one was missed by Marcucchi, but missed us as well.

Soon afterwards, we were joined by our little friends from Britain. This was well timed, as fighters again appeared to harass us. Only one of the three planes that approached us made it to us, and he was promptly sent away when Lt Metcalf, still in the front, sent a few shots in his direction, which seemed to be aimed well enough to prevent any further approach.

With two of our crewmembers unable to perform their duties, it was a relief that the rest of the flight was uneventful, and the coast of England appeared none too soon. Landing at Sudbury was without incident, and the medics rapidly approached us after we had come to a stop.

Filed by 2LT Corson

Injuries to crew:
S/SGT Hood suffered a serious wound to the head. Medics have said he has a cracked occipital bone and should be out for about 6 weeks. Estimated date of return to flying duty: July 8th.
1LT Cullen's injury, unfortunately, had been fatal on the spot. Doctors said something about his spine having been shattered as a result of the German fighter's shots.

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial damage to waist section and to both wings. Light damage to pilot compartment.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 18
Ammo expanded: 850 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 5/0/0/1
Bf110 4/1/1/1
Awards:
S/SGT Hood - Purple Heart
1LT Cullen - Purple Heart (posthumous)
Miscellaneous: I rolled one rabbit's foot as a random event - albeit that was a bit too late to save Lt Cullen. May Lady Luck thus offer it's watchful smile upon the next crew who get to fly the Freight Train.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 27 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 75
TARGET: Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 27.05.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (9) AM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (9) AM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (9) [4] AM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (9) [2] AM
Engineer: T/SGT Bradley Smith (9) [4] AM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (9) AM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (9) [2] AM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Woodrow Morton (9) AM
Port Waist Gunner: SGT Douglas Wilson (9) AM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (9) AM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
Two planes from squadron turned back towards Corsica after target due to fuel leak.

Target attacked:
Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Result of bombing:
5%

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly without issue. Flight to target over Corsica without issue.

The first sign of the enemy was over the target, as a group of fighters approached us. Our own little friends made sure most didn't get through, and those that did didn't fare too well either: one was badly shot up by Ltn Castillo in the nose, and the other broke off without even shooting at us after insistent fire from Sgt Wilson.

Flak was all over the place over the target, but missed us by a comfortable distance. Our bombs do not appear to have hit exactly where we intended to, though. Away from the target, flak was virtually non-existent as the enemy appears to have been dumbfounded by our continued flight northwest. This was further confirmed by the relative lack of fighters.

None engaged us directly until we were over Paris, at which point our British friends were on scene. Again, those that did come through them were met with a hail of fire. Ltn Castillo hit one again, and this time, it was enough to bring him down, as the left wing was seen violently breaking off. Another fighter, who'd just fired at us without success, was in turn hit by Sgt Perkins, deterring any further approach.

Now seemingly well informed as to our presence, the Germans sent more planes in our direction as we were approaching the Channel. Again, we came out on top of the exchange, with one twin-engined fighter very much worse for wear after an encounter with bullets from Sgt Chavez's guns.

It was shortly after this point that the supercharger on engine no. 4 decided to fail us. Luckily, we were already at low altitude, within sight of England and of the white cliffs of Dover, and this did not have a significant impact. Landing at Sudbury was without incident.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Mechanical failure of engine no. 4 supercharger.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 10 (mechanical)
Ammo expanded: 500 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 7/2/1/3
Bf110 1/1/0/0
Fw190 1/0/0/1
Notes: Neither the flak nor the German fighters seem to have had any sting. Even the mechanical failure was without consequence (though I hope that, for the time being, the local mechanics can do their job just as well as the ground crews back at Foggia). Ltn Castillo and Sgt Smith are also both within one claim of ace status (and a DFC). Will be interesting seeing which one gets there first...

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 27 May 1944
MISSION NBR. 75
TARGET: Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 27.05.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (11) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (11) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (11) 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (11) 2xAM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (11) [3] 2xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (11) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (11) [3] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (11) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Raymond Dobbs (11) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (11) [2] 2xAM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane turned back before target due to combat damage.
Two planes seen going down over Marseille: one on fire; the other likely bombs exploded.
One plane dropped out of formation over Northern France.

Target attacked:
Marseille, France - Marshalling yard

Result of bombing:
60%

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly without incident.

Action started already before Corsica, but the Red Tails were present and nothing got close enough to worry us personally. Rest of flight to target very quiet.

A lone twin-engine fighter approached us from below as we were preparing for our bomb run, but was shot down by Sgt Klein, his right wing breaking off and the pilot rapidly bailing out. More fighters attempted runs at us but were chased away by our escorts.

Flak was heavy on the way in, and made a little hole in our port wing, but that didn't prevent us hitting the target with our bombs. On the way out, flak posed no threat.

No significant enemy fighter opposition made itself felt until we were near the coast of France, but by that point our little friends from Britain had made their way to us and none even remotely troubled us.

Landed at Sudbury without any issue.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Superficial damage to port wing flaps mechanism.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 5
Ammunition expanded: 50 rounds
Aircraft encountered/damaged/destroyed/driven off
Me109 4/0/0/4
Bf110 5/0/1/4
Fw190 3/0/0/3

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 6 June 1944
MISSION NBR. 76
TARGET: Caen, France - Bridge

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 06.06.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (12) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (12) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (12) [1] 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (12) 2xAM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (12) [3] 2xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (12) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (12) [3] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (12) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Raymond Dobbs (12) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (12) [2] 2xAM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Caen, France - Bridge

Result of bombing:
20%

Narrative:
Takeoff was a bit difficult in the poor weather, but we still pulled it off without issue and happily proceeded to formation assembly without further delay.

As briefed, we didn't encounter a sign of the Germans until we were near to the French coast. A group of five enemy fighters approached, but most were driven off by our little friends, and the remaining one was sent tumbling down to earth by Ltn Morrison, who shredded up his right wing

Flak on target ingress and egress was ineffective, although Ltn Morrison couldn't observe the results of our bomb drop clearly due to intermittent cloud cover. It seems we didn't hit too far from the rest of the squadron; hopefully someone did get that bridge.

Fighters were again sighted as we were leaving the area, but again most were driven away by our escorts and the one that approached was very much worse than us in the exchange, with both Sgts Barber and Hinkley claiming hits on him.

Nothing of further interest happened on the journey back across the Channel or the English mainland. Landed at Sudbury without issue.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Ammunition expanded: 300 rounds
Aircraft encountered/driven off/damaged/destroyed
Me109 2/2/0/0
Fw190 5/2/1/1

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Sweet Chariot (B-17/G, 43-38501)
MISSION DATE: 6 June 1944
MISSION NBR. 76
TARGET: Caen, France - Bridge

Mission report:
Squadron: 80th
A/C No: Sweet Chariot / 43-38501
Date: 06.06.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Andrew Lovett (10) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Kenneth Bailey (10) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Tomas Castillo (10) [4] 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Malcolm McGuire (10) [2] 2xAM
Engineer: M/SGT Bradley Smith (10) [4] 2xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Larry Ramirez (10) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Cedric Chavez (10) [2] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: S/SGT Woodrow Morton (10) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Douglas Wilson (10) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Harold Perkins (10) 2xAM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
none

Target attacked:
Caen, France - Bridge

Result of bombing:
50%

Narrative:
Takeoff and assembly without too much difficulty in spite of the weather.

All quiet to and from target, flak barely registered. Saw a few bandits engaging the group but nothing even came close to bothering us.

As we were overflying the English coast on our return Perkins reported that he was feeling unwell, but said it wasn't anything too bad. We continued onwards and landed at Sudbury with the rest of the group. Doctors say Perkins has just got some mild illness and should be fine by the end of the week.

Injuries to crew:
none; but tail gunner reported sick on return journey

Damage to aircraft:
none

AAR summary:
Peckham: 0
Ammo expanded: 0 rounds
Aircraft encountered: nil.
Awards and promotions:
-Air Medal, 2nd award: whole crew (10 missions)
-Morton and Wilson promoted to S/Sgt for their good discipline and otherwise good airmanship.
-Smith promoted to M/Sgt for his excellent efforts so far in defending the ship from enemy fighters.
Notes: The contest between Ltn Castillo and Sgt Smith for ace status continues for now. Smith has gotten a promotion for his good work.

[randomcanadian]

Plane: Flying Scotsman (42-30173, B-17/F)
MISSION DATE: 10 June 1944
MISSION NBR. 77
TARGET: Nantes / Bouguenais, France - Airfield

Mission report:
Squadron: 79th
A/C No: Flying Scotsman / 42-30173
Date: 10.06.1944

Crew:
Pilot: 1LT Arthur Abernathy (13) 2xAM
Copilot: 2LT Charles Clyde (13) 2xAM
Bombardier: 2LT Elgan Morrison (13) [1] 2xAM
Navigator: 2LT Aldo Suarez (13) 2xAM
Engineer: T/SGT Joe Barber (13) [3] 2xAM
Radio Operator: S/SGT Kenneth Hinkley (13) 2xAM
Ball gunner: SGT Howard Klein (13) [3] 2xAM
Starboard Waist Gunner: SGT Frank Hudson (13) 2xAM
Port Waist Gunner: S/SGT Raymond Dobbs (13) 2xAM
Tail Gunner: SGT Bruce Doyle (13) [2] 2xAM

Immediate news to be telephoned:
One plane, tail number 252 ("Sweaty Betty"), aborted over the Channel due to engine failure.

Target attacked:
Nantes / Bouguenais, France - Airfield

Result of bombing:
20%

Narrative:
Another very quiet mission for the Scotsman.

The only real moment of worry was when flak got a bit too close for comfort over the target, but this only resulted in some superficial damage. Bombs dropped on target but the formation's pattern looked a bit more scattered than we would have liked.

Return flight without incident, landing at Sudbury on time with rest of squadron.

Injuries to crew:
none

Damage to aircraft:
Flak damage to starboard wing near trailing edge; and to tail assembly near the port elevator.

AAR summary:
Peckham: 2
Ammunition expanded: 0 rounds
Aircraft encountered: nil.