Airborne Operations in Holland

8th AF USAAF Fighter Operations on 17th September 1944.

1. SOUTH FORCE (432 C-47’S PLUS 70 C-47’S WITH GLIDERS) AIRBORNE OPERATIONS IN HOLLAND.

SUMMARY OF SUPPORT.

352A and B – L/F Nieuport 1140. Escorted in area and out Ostand 1445. 361 Group – arrived Hasselt 1143, patrolled 1143, patrolled area Hasselt, Roermond, Venlo, Wesel and W/D 1450. 357A and B – arrived area 1155 and patrolled until 1440. 55A – B – patrolled assigned area from 1230 until 1450.

E/A OPPOSITION: 376 Sqdn. Of the 361 Group was bounced by 15 ME 109’s at 1345 hours vicinity Geldern 20 miles S.W. Wesel, E/A sourried back into overcast, 1 destroyed.

FLAK: Intense, light, and inaccurate at Roermond and on R.R. line W. to Weert. Intense, light, accurate flak between Eindhoven and Helmond. OBSERVATIONS: 20 plus tanks and trucks heading cast vicinity of VD- 1508. Huge stacks supplies wooded area RA-1139; some appeared to be bombs. 70 plus oil cars in M/Y Rouver VK-8499. 10 barrage balloons Wesel 4,000 ft. at 1400. 50 truck convoy seen going N. 10 miles N. Hasselt heading toward Eindhoven, 1300 from 10,000 ft. Rocket contrail observed 1200 10 miles S. of Rotterdam starting at 14,000 ft. and going up to aperox. 50,000 ft. at 70 degree angle 10 miles N. of Rotterdam headed for English Coast. 15-20 heavy trucks moving at high speed S.E. on road near Liesel, QE-6920.

GROUND STRAFING: 1-0-3 locos, 4-0-1 tanks, 6-0-1 trucks, 2-0-0 half tracks, 0-0-6 88 mm. guns, 35 German soldiers killed.

2. NORTH FORCE (358 PAF A/C, 143 C-47’s) AIRBORNE OPERATIONS IN HOLLAND. SUMMARY OF SUPPORT.

4th Group – in area Harderijk 1145. Patrolled assigned route, out Overflakke 1510. 356 Group – in area 1217 to 1335. 479A Group – arrived area 1230. Patrolled until 1430. 479B Group – atrolled assigned are 1230 to 1435. 364A Group – arrived Nijmegen 1230. Left area 1435. 78th Group – L/F Schouwen Island 1207. Out Schouwen 1405. 353 Group – in Hook of Holland 1215. Out N. of the Hague 1405. 56th Group – arrived Amersfoort 1220, departed same area 1320.

E/A OPPOSITION: 4th Group flying at 11,000 ft. were bounced by 16 FW 190’s at 1345 hours, in Bocholt area resulting in claims of 6-0-0 for loss of 2.

FLAK: Red flak from Wesel, 10,000 ft. Meager, heavy flak, inaccurate from Dordrecht, 10,000 ft. Hertogenbosch QZ-3347, light, moderate, inaccurate. N.S. of Nijmegen gun explacements and 12 pill boxes in field – light, intense, accurate. Arnhem, QZ-7578 - light, moderate, accurate. Field at QZ-7360 gun emplacements in field – light, intense, accurate. QE-6254 – light, moderate, inaccurate. QE-7057 – heavy, intense, accurate. QD-3444 – light meager, inaccurate. Intense 20 mm, flak in field at QE-8343. 6 to 8, 20 mm. flak positions at QE- 5876. Rows of 40 mm. flak positions at QE-7477. Bridge at Zaltbommel, QE-2981, heavily defended. Flak in M/Y at Amersfoort – 30 flak cars. Light, intense, accrate at Arnheim, E. Doorn, Waal river. Amersfoort QE-3998, extremely intense, very accurate, light. QE-4394 near Bavoort, meager, inaccurate, light. QE-4689, intense, accurate, light on deck producing the unusual effect of a sudden cluster of 40/60 “ sparks” around a/c. Lagebirk area QE-3999, intense accurate, light from many 20 mm. positions.

1 OBSERVATIONS: 35 balloons in barrage over Wesel Flying from 2/7,000 ft. 30 plus barges in Rheine W. of Wesel, seen at 1400 from 10,000 ft. 20 small boats at Harderwijk, 1200 hours, 10,000 ft. buildings in circle on edge of woods near Wesserwalde, filed west of buildings with two lanes running across each other N- S, E-S. At 1200 just off Westhoofd a possible rocked observed at Utrecht. Spiralling columns of white smoke resembling a target marker in reserve seen first at 3,000 ft. up to 15,000 ft. where it disappeared headed W. It appeared as if white smoke was a propulsion charge and not a contrail at it stopped before reaching contrail level. Oil tank farm S.W. of Rotterdam. 25 plus ships 5150N. - 0140E. headed N.W. 1215 alt. 8,000 ft. Ammo dump well camouflaged red and green protected by intense light flak, 2500 ft. at 1430, QE-615025 on Amersfoort 1 to 50,000 map. 40 to 60 trucks in woods QE-670780 same map 1215 alt. 2000. Tankers burning Zevenaar QE-860705. M/Y at Goch seen on fire. Black smoke to 6,000 ft. 20 plus trucks, including 15 with Red Crossas on them going S.E. at high speed, 1300 at QE-9961. M/G and flak emplacements around DZ of southern force was not knocked out prior to landing. Rocket seen going straight up from vicinity of Rotterdam, 1200. Accent was rapid. Contrails seen up to 25,000 ft. when los to view. Contrails persisted about 5 minuts. A/D at Arnheim unoccupied with exception of a couple of flak positions which refused to fire on our a/c. Road traffic N. of Apeldoorn, QZ-7903, unusually heavy travelling north. Much sea activity off Walcheren Island. A dirt L/G observed at QE-7367, running N.E. and S.W. approx. 3,000 ft. long. No a/c seen.

GROUND STRAFING AND BOMBING: 3-0-0 autos, 107-0-29 flak installations, 2- 0-4 locos, 0-0-2 bridged, 0-0-1 flak barge, 1-0-5 barges, 0-0-12 barroks, 23-0-36 R.R. cars, 14-0-8 trucks, 75-0-27 oil and goods wagons, 6 German soldiers killed.

3. 3RD FORCE (3RD DIV., 440 A/C) TARGETS: FLAK POSITIONS IN HOLLAND. 4TH FORCE (1ST DIV., 426 A/C)

SUMMARY OF SUPPORT.

355 Group – arrived area 0820, vectered to near Brussels, left area 1135. 359 Group – arrived patrol area 0930, withdrew 1145. 339 Group – L/F in S. of Hague, patrolled designated area until 1130.

E/A OPPOSITION: Nil.

FLAK: Heavy, moderate and accurate at 2/4,000 ft. at Aachen. Heavy, moderate and inaccurate at Wesel.

OBSERVATIONS: 25 bargos at Flushing, one seen coming out of Breskens. Four oscariships (corvettes) laying off Flushing. Much rail traffics in Zwolle Enschede area. 3 Large oil fires at Eindhoven, large fire west side of town. 8/10 large barges stationary at Amsterdam. Much shipping activity area Ostend/Walcheren Island, reported to Colgate at 1140 on withdrawal. Twenty T/E dummy a/c disporsed in woods S.W. of A/F located at 5209-0709E. Dalfsen barrages, approx. 50 each, 2/4,0 ft., Wesel and Hamm. 1130 hours, large convoy of trucks moving east on Zuid Beveland at Goes – from 10,000 ft. 10 miles duo W. of Arnhem there were observed 5 sites pointing in the direction of 250 degrees – there were thought to the launching sites by the observers. GROUND STRAFING: 0-0-1 loco.

4. 20th Group non-operational return from Italy. Left Italy 0850, arrived home base 1420.

5. POINTS OF INTEREST.

2 1. Weak opposition by 30 plus S/E e/a to airborne operation. 6. BOMBER REPORT.

8 combat wings (876 B-17’s) were dispatched to attack flak batteries and installations in Holland in support of Allied operations. 122 assigned targets. 821 a/c dropped 3139 tons fragmentation G.P. bombs on 117 assigned targets and one A/F at 0931-1125 hours from 8800-22,000 ft, leaflets dropped on Arnheim. Claims: nil. Losses; 2 B-17’s to flak. a. Area Support, South Force. 1 (A) 352nd A Fighter Group, Lt. Col. Edwards leading (B) 38 P-51’s up 1100 down 1548 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) thru (G) nil (H) 4-0-1 tanks, 2-0-0 halftracks, 6-0-1 tracks, 0-0-2 88 and guns, 35-0-0 German soldiers. (I) L/F in Nieport 1140, 5,000 ft. Remained in assigned area until last of airborne force cross in. Escorted excellent formation to DZ and LZ area. In this area C-47’s were being attacked by heavy and light flak from mobile gun positions and tanks. Group straf these positions knocking them out with above results. P-51’s, 38’s and 47’s were observed during escort. Left force at L/F out Ostend 1445, 5,000 ft. 11 C-47’s crashed and burning vicinity of Eindhoven VE-4316. 5 C-47’s crashed and burning vicinity of Herenthals VJ-9890.

2. (A) 352nd B Fighter Group, Capt. Bennett leading (B) 15 P-51’s up 1100 down 1546 (C) nil (D) F.O.536 (E) 1 lost (F) nil (G) Lt. Sykes, landed N.E. Brussels, believed O.K. (H) nil. (I) L/F in Nieuport 1140, 5,000 ft. Gave top cover support to 352nd A Group. In assigned area, and on escort around DZ and LZ areas. L/F out Ostend, 1445, 5,000 ft. Lt. Sykes seen to land in field north of Brussels 1420, believed O.K. No observations.

3. (A) 361st Fighter Group, Lt. Col. Hopkins leading (B) 43 P-51’s up 1039 down 1554 (C) 5 (D) F.O.576 (E) 1 lost (F) 3 Cat. A (G) Lt. Glover, 376 Sqdn. Missing (E) 1-0-0 S/E nir. 0-0-4 88 mm. flak guns, 1-0-3 locos. 1 ME 109 dost. By Lt. Byer, 376 Sqdn. (I) arrived Hasselt 1143, 11,000 ft. Patrolled area Hasselt, Roermond, Venlo, Wesel and W/D 1450. 1345, 15 ME 109’s bounced 376 Sqdn. Diving out of overcast vicinity Geldern 20 mi. S.W. Wesel. Group turned to engage but e/a scurried back into overcast and could not be found again. 1 dest. 1400-1430 374th Sqdn. strafed and damaged 4 unaccupied 88 mm. guns on flat cars in M/Y at RA-1242, Xanten; shot up small factory at QE-9843 Udem; dest. 1 loco pulling 8 passenger car train at QA-1641 and strafed supply dump wooded area RA-1139. 376 Sqdn. strafed and damaged loco pulling 60 plus goods wagons QE-9928 1330; damaged 2 locos, 1 heading W. at QE-8657 and 1 stationary at QE-8645. Lt. Glover last seen under attack in above combat.

4. (A) 357A Fighter Group, Capt. England leading (B) 27 P-51’s up 1124 down 1535 (C) 1 (D) F.O.576 (E) thru (H) nil (I) L/F Walcheren 1150, 15,000 ft. Arrived area 1155 and patrolled 1,000 to 2,500 ft. until 1440 after last force had withdrawn. L/F out Walcheren 1500 at 10,000 ft. No e/a seen. 3 C-47’s seen to belly in and 6 to crash as result of intense small arma fire and intense accurate light flak at QE-1501. 6 other C-47’s reported crashed in same area. Only 3 chutes observed. 1 C-47 towing glider crashed after releasing glider in same area. No chutes observed.

5 (A) 357th B Fighter Group, Lt. Yeagor leading (B) 28 P-51’s up 1118 down 1530 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) nil (F) 1 Cat. E (G) thru (H) nil (I) L/F in Walcheren 1155 at 16,000 ft. Patrolled area from 25,000 to 5,000 ft. 1150 to 1440. L/F out, after all forces had withdrawn, Walcheren 1500 at 1,000 ft.

6 (A) 55th A Fighter Group, Lt. Col. McGinn leading (B) 24 P-51’s up 1129 down 1650 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) thru (H) nil (I) patrolled assigned area at 2500 ft. from 1230 until 1450 withdrawing to coast with last of big friends. Investigated unsuccessfully report of bandits near Arnheim. No e/a sighted.

3 7. (A) 55th B Fighter Group, Capt. Brown leading (B) 24 P-51’s up 1136 down 1645 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 1 lost (F) nil (G) 1st Lt. Porter, 343 Sqdn. bailed out in Channel, picked up by ASR (H) nil (I) patrolled assigned area at 5,000 ft. from 1230 until 1450 with all big friends out of the area. Bandits reported near Arnheim investigated but none were found. No e/a sighted. b. Area Support, North Force.

1. (A) 479th B Fighter Group, Capt. Sykes leading (B) 19 P-51’s up 1135 down 1530 (C) 3 (D) F.O.676 (E) 1 lost (F) nil (G) Capt. Sykos, 436 Sqdn. missing (H) nil (I) patrolled assigned area 1230 to 1435. Capt. Sykos bellied in at QE-508 seen to walk away. Capt. Coursey took over sqdn.

2. (A) 479th A Fighter Group. Maj. Jeffrey leading (B) 36 P-38’s up 1130 down 1510 (C) 2 (D) F.O.576 (E) nil (F) 1 Cat. A (G) nil (H) 1-0-0 staff car (I) arrived area 1230 patrolled until 1430. 1 staff car dest. Holton QV-1010. 436 Sqdn. left area 1330 due to misunderstanding caused by sqdn. leaders radio failing. 3 gliders in water 6 miles S. of Orfordness, small boats in area. Troop dropping appeared excellent.

3 (A) 364th A Fighter Group, Lt. Col. Necco leading (B) 24 P-51’s up 1127 down 1550 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 1 lost (F) 1 Cat. A (G) Lt. Drysdalo, 385 Sqdn. missing (H) nil (I) arrived Nijmegen, 1230 at 4,000 ft. Patrolled area from 3-5,000 ft. Left area 1446, 4,000 ft. Lt. Drysdalos plane hit by flak at Nijmegen, bailed out S.W. Zeeland and ran to woods. Many friendly a/c seen. No e/a seen. 4-C-47’s seen to go down, 3 burned, 1 bellied in. 2 Stirlings seen to crash S. of Reichswald forest. Civilians seen to crowd around paratroopes as they land.

4. (A) 364th B Fighter Group, Capt. Phillips leading (B) 25 F-51’s up 1147 down 1550 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 1 lost (F) nil (G) lt. Johnsen, J 383 Sqdn. missing (H) 0-0-2 flak installations (I) arrived Nijmegen 1230, 2,000 ft. Patrolled from 1500-3000, left area 1436, 2,000 ft. One flight strafed 2 flak installations N. of Emmerich. Claim 0-0-2. Lt. Johnson last heard from over R/T saying he was O.K. No e/a seen. 5 C-47’s seen to go down in flames, 4 chutes, 1 glider landed in flames.

5. (A) 4th Fighter Group, Capt. Glover leading (B) 46 F-51’s up 1030 down 1545 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 2 lost (F) nil (G) lt. Vozzy and Lt. Polske missing (H) 6-0-0 S/E in air. 3 FW 190’s dest. by Lt. Linos, 2 FW 190’s dest. by Lt. Davis, 1 FW 190 dest. by Capt. Norley, all 335 Sqdn. (I) crossed in enemy coast at 1130, 10,500 ft., Noordwijk-ann-Zee, started patrol at Harderwijk, 1145, same altitude. Completed three trips over assigned area, out Overflakke, 12,000 ft., 1510. At 1345 hours, in the Bocholt area, 2 sections from 335 Sqdn. and 2 section from 336 Sqdn. flying at 11,000 ft. were bounced by 15 black nosed FW 190’s from above and behind. Combat took place from bouncing height to the deck. In the combat area an u/i a/c was seen spinning down with a P-51 following in a steep dive and another P-51 was seen to go down in flames, 1 chute seen. Glider in water 20 miles off Schouwen Island, 1515 hours, circled by C-47, P-47 and a Spitfire. Launch coming from English Coast. 6. (A) 356th Fighter Group, Lt. Col. Tukey leading (B) 49 P-47’s up 1122 down 1455 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 3 lost (F) 1 Cat. B, 3 Cat. AC, 6 Cat. A (G) Lt. Fletcher and F/O Tucker, 300 Sqdn. and Lt. Broxton, 359 Sqdn. missing (H) 4 pill-box gun positions silenced, 7 heavy flak explacements, 29 light flak and 12 M/G positions silenced. (I) L/F in 1204 Noordwal 5500 ft. L/F out 1410 Overflakkee 3,000 ft. In area 1217-1323. Strafed and bombed flak emplacements. No e/a seen. R/T okay. Lt. Fletcher hit by 20 mm. flak bellied in at QZ-6472, believed to be O.K. F/O Tucker last seen N.W. of Nijmegen said he had been hit by flak. Lt. Broxton crashed in vicinity of Groesbeek, hit by flak. 10 x 260 lb. Fragmentation bombs dropped. 7. (A) 78th Fighter Group, Maj. Myere leading (B) 50 P-47’s up 1113 down 1506 (C) nil (D) F.O.576 (E) 2 lost (F) 8 Cat. A, 1 Cat. AC, 1 Cat. unknown (G) Lt. Hart, 82 Sqdn. picked up by ASR. F/O Warren, 82 Sqdn, believed landed Brussels. (H) 1-0-0 S/E ground. 1-0-2 barges, 8-0-6 multiple flak positions, 0-0-barracks. (I) L/F in Schouwen Island 1207, 10,000 ft. L/F out Schouwen 1405, 3,000 ft. Method of attack; flight went down to 2,000-

4 2,300 ft. to draw flak and then dive-bombed and strafed the positions. Frags proved much more offective thans strafing. 10-18 minutes after attack began Jerry gunners, with exception of unlocated 88 battery S. of Nijmegen, stopped firing completely. Group, after unsuccesful furhter search for ground fire, returned to coast and picked up C-47’s with gliders, flew along side and followed them down as they cut loose and landed, with intention of neutralizing any ground fire they drew. No flights report any firing on gliders or tugs. Several flights went with C-47’s with paratroops, which were hit by 88 battery whoses position could not be located. 10-12 C-47’s knocked down. 47 a/c attacked dropping 93 x 260 lb. Frags, inst. Fuse. Total weight: 24,180 lbs. 2 bombs jettisoned, 5 brought back. 4 a/c dropped 8 x 260 lb. at QE-4221, on multiple light flak positions, QE-4221, with excellent results. 4 direct hits silenced positions. 4 a/c dropped 7 x 260 lb. at QE-1733, on 3-4 20 mms. at bridge with excellent results. 3 Hits silenced positions. 4 a/c dropped 8 x 260 lb. at QE-2331, getting 4 hits wich silenced ligth guns. 1 a/c dropped 2 x 260 lb. on Gilze Rijen. A/D with poor results. 2 a/c dropped 4 x 260 1H. QE-0631, 1 light flak positions, near-missed. 8 a/c dropped 16 x 260 lb. at QD-8641 on large concentration of light flak at southj end of road and rail bridge across estuary of Rhine R. with good results. 2 direct hits on positions. 4 a/c dropped 8x 260 lb. at QD-8363, on several barges, one with flak. 2 direct hits, one on flak barge. 4 a/c dropped 8 x 260 lb. at QE- 2960, on position with 4 x 40 mm. guns. Poor results. 8 a/c dropped 16 x 260 lb. at QE-1953, on light flak position on either ond of bridge. 2 direct hits, several near misses produced excellent results. Positions also strafed, 4 a/c dropped 8 x 260 lb. at QE-3726, on heavy gun battery. Excellent results. Large explosion followed. Position strafed and left silent. 4 a/c dropped 8 x 260 lb. at QE-0745, on multiple light gun position with excellent results. 2 hits in position and several near misses. 1 a/c strafed and dest. 1 Me 109 on Gilze Rijen A/D. Also damaged 2 barracks. 2 a/c strafed light flak positions at QE-1208 and QE-0708 with good results. 1 a/c strafed light flak position at QE-2960. Did not silence guns. Most positions dive bombed were strafed during dive. Ground fire lasted roughly 15 minutes, apparently ceasing when realised what our targets were. 5 C- 47’s bellied in S.W. of Nijmegen, and 1 crashed same area. 3 C-47’s went down S. Nijmegen. 1 C-47 ditched mid-channel by ASR launch. 2 or 3 down E. Dordrecht. No road, rail or barge concentrations. 8. (A) 353rd Ftr Gp, Lt Col Gallup leading (B) 50 P-47’s up 1131, down 1521 (C) nil (D) F.O. 576 (E) 1 P-47 (F) 3 Cat AC, 5 Cat A (G) Lt Greene (MIA) 351st Sqdn (H) 31-0-18 Flak Positions, 2-0-0 Locos, 5-0-11 RR Cars, 6-0-0 Trucks, 75-0-25 Oil and Goods Cars, 6-0-0 Soldiers, 1-0-0 Factory, 0-0-3 Bargos, 0-0-2 Bridges (I) Landfall in Hook of Holland 1215 hrs, 8,000 ft. Landfall out north of The Hague 1405 hrs, 8,000 ft. 48 a/c dropped 80 x 260 lb frag bombs and 14 x 260 RDX bombs (8.8 tons frags, 1.8 tone RDX). Bombing results: 17 a/c attacked flak positions between QE 7577 and QE 5575, 1233 hrs. 31 x 260 frags, claims of 9-0-0 flak positions, 6-0-0 soldiers by bombing and strafing. 2 a/c attacked M/Y at Zevenaar, QE 8671, approx, 150-200 oil and goods cars here, 4 x 260 frags, and 2 igniter fused belly tanks dropped, claimss of 75-0-25 cars by bombing and strafing. 2 a/c attacked 4 light gun positions at QE7876 at 1230 hrs, 4 x 260 frags destroying same. 2 a/c attacked 1 heavy and 9 light flak positions at QE 6568 at 1234 hrs 4 x 260 frags destroying heavy position and damaging all 9 light. 3 a/c attacked buildings with camouflaged netting believed concealing motor vehicles alongside these bldgs at QE 6868 at 1240 hrs, 6 x 260 frags with results unobserved. 2 a/c attacked 4 light gun positions at QE 5882 at 1240 hrs 4 x 260 frags destroying position. 2 a/c attacked a light flak position at QE 6084 at 1245 hrs 4 x 260 frags resulting in one direct hit knocking out position. 1 a/c attacked a gun position at QE 6282 at 1250 hrs 2 x 260 frags destroying position. 1 a/c attacked factory at QE 6077 at 1300 hrs 2 x 260 frags direct hits destroying factory. 2 a/c attacked flak positions at QE 5876 at 1240 hrs 4 x 260 frags scoring 1 hit. 1 a/c attacked M/Y at QE 8691 at 1250 hrs 2 x 260 frags, no hits observed. 2 a/c attacked flak positions at QE 6591 at 1250 hrs 3 x 260 frags, no hits observed. 2 a/c attacked RR passenger car and small bridge at QE 5386 at 1300 hrs, 3 x 260 frags scoring 1 hit on car and 1 on bridge. 4 a/c attacked bridge at QE 9081 at 1315 hrs 8 x 260 RDX resulting in 5 hits 3 a/c attacked RR tracks at QE 6770 at 1310 hrs, 6 x 260 RDX with 3 hits. 1 a/c attacked flak positions at QE 7367 at 1310 hrs,

5 2 x 260 frags with unobserved results. Strafing Results: at QE 6893, light gun positions strafed. At QE 9081 1-0-0 flak position, 0-0-3 barges. at QE 7367, 1-0-0 flak position. QE 5876, 2-0-0 flak positions. QE 7477, 3-0-0 flak positions. QE 6591, 1-0-0 flak positions. QE 5776, 3-0-0 trucks. QE 2493, 1-0-0 Loco. QE 6770, 4-0-11 RR passenger cars. QE 8393, 1-0-0 Truck. QE 7094, 2-0-0 Trucks. No e/a seen. Three gliders down 15 miles off Dutch coast at Voorne with one man floating in Mea West. Air/Sea vector to him. 1 P-51 seen bellied in at QE 7472. at 1340 excellent results of 2 Mosquitoes bombing bridge in wooded area just W. of Arnhem. C-47’s and gliders and other air-borne troops had very little difficulty from flak or enemy action, landing apparently quite successful. Flak: 8 bursts of heavy flak from Hook of Holland. 6 to 8 20 MM flak positions at QE 5876. Rows of 40 MM flak positions at QE 7477. 4 red bursts of heavy flak at QD 5076, 7,500 ft. Intense light, accurate flak throughout the ontire area. Bridge at Zaltbommel, QE 2961 heavily defended. 9. (A) 56th Fighter Group, Lt. Col. Schilling, leading (B) 52 P-47’s up 1119 down 1425 (C) 4 (D) F.O.576 (E) 1 lbat (F) 9 Cat. A, B Cat. AC; 3 Cat. E (G) Lt. Albright, Jr. 63rd missing, Lt. Westman, 63rd Sqdn. wounded, Lt. McMahan, 62nd Sqdn. slightly wounded (H) 20-0-3 flak positions, 0-0-1 flak barge, 18-0-13 goods cars, 0-0-12 flat cars, 0-0-4 locos, 8-0-8 trucks, 2- 0-0 autos, 0-0-1 gun cornor, 0-0-10 barracks (I) arrived Amersfoort 1220, 7,000/12,000 ft. Departed same area 1320, 2,000/8,000 ft. Bombing: flak in M/Y Amersfoort, 30 flak cars, 20 additional gun positions, 200 goods cars, 8 locos, 34 A/C 63 x 260 frags, plus 21 external gas tanks. 5 flak positions, 16 goods dest., 6 fires in M/Y. Divebombing 2000/4000 and 8000/20000, 50/60 degrees angle, smoke to 6,000 ft. Runway Soesterberg A/D, 2 x 260 lb., results unobserved. 30 gun flak emplacement, QE-3899 3 a/c, 6 x 250 frags. 3000/800, 40/50 degree; excellent results, 5 direct hits believed 7 guns dest. 8 plus 20 mm. flak positions near Leersum, QE 4382. 3 a/c 2000/400 40 degrees , results good, 2 hits.2 trucks,1 gun carrier, QE- 4689, Scherpenzeel damaged 2 of our a/c hit by flak. 14 bombs jottisoned. Strafing; M/Y at Amersfoort, one small building fired 4 light flak positions dest. Flak emplacement, QE 3889, results unobserved. 20 mm flak positions, QE-4382, results unobserved. 1 truck moving N.E. at QE-3224 dest. 1 car going W. at QE-4197 dest. 8 locos facing E. at QE-3688 dam. 12 plus flat cars loaded with trucks Ede, 6 trucks dest., 6 dam., 12 flat cars dam. 1 truck, 1 auto dest. And 10 goods cars dam. 5 miles N. of Rotterdam. 10-12 passenger and freight train Maarsbergen, QE-4087, 3 cars dam. Heavy flak position, QE-3699, flak position left burning by strafing and two ignited belly tanks. Flak installations Soesterberg A/D, resulst unknown. Light flak position Middelbuurt, QE-5082, excellent results. Flak tower, QE-3897. Flak tower S.W. Amersfoort. 10-12 barracks camouflaged Schutterhoeflaan QE-3796, target surrounded by light flak and small arms defense. Flak barge, QE-4489. c. Area Support, 3rd and 4th Forces.

1. (A) 355th Fighter Group, Maj. Sluga leading (B) 49 P-51’s up 0714 down 1226 (C) 2 (D) F.O.575 (E) thru (G) nil (H) 0-0-1 loco (I) arrived area, 0820, 17/21,000 ft. Vectared to area near Brussels, nothing observed. Patrolled uneventfully. Left area, 1135, 12/17,000 ft. Loco dest. Four empty passenger coaches, 1 flat car loaded with two trucks and four empty flats as it moved east into Dorston, 1055.

2. (A) 359th Fighter Group, Maj. Irving leading (B) 53 P-51’s up 0825 down 1306 (C) 8 (D) F.O.575 (E) 1 lost (F) nil (G) Lt. Burt, 360 Sqdn. missing (H) nil (I) arrived patrol area 0930, 16.000 ft. Withdrew 1145 after bombers had left. W/F 1800-1230 Blankenberge, Ostend 14,000 ft. Observed bombing troughout area, unable to identify specific targots.

3. (A) 339th Fighter Group, Maj. Propst leading (B) 51 P-51’s up 0740 down 1236 (C) 8 (D) F.O.575 (E) thru (H) nil (I) L/F in S. of the Hague 0920 hours, 20,000 ft. Patrolled designated area until 1130 hours where L/F was made out Walcheren Island 1140 hours, 22,000 ft. Group was vectered on three occations by MEW but encountered nor observed anything. 1 ME 110 was observed in the distance flying E. at 27,000 ft. in vicinity of Utrecht at 1105 hours, this a/c not attacked. d. Non-Operational Return from Italy – 20th Group.

6 1. (A) 20th Fighter Group, Col. Rau leading (B) 59 P-51’s up Italy 0850 down home base 1420 (C) 1 (D) non-operational return from Italy (last log of Frantic Mssion) (E) nil (F) 1 P-51 crash-landed 40 mi. S.W. Paris, pilot unhurt, cause unknown (G) Lt. Jummerole, 77th Sqdn. bellied in, unhurt, S.W. Paris (I) Group left Italy 0850, arrived home base 1420, via Rome, Marseilles, Paris, and London. Four of our pilots are in Italy, two in Russia, all safe.

By Command of Brigadier General GRISWOLD:

LAURENCE K. CALLAHAN, Colonel, G.S.C., Asst. C/S, A-2.

THE FOREGOING IS SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR RECORD PURPOSES.

7 8th AF USAAF Fighter Operations on 18th September 1944.

FROM OIAJX 0500A –O– TO: USLIST 8FC STATIONS – OIPNT (COPC) – UGO –OP–INFO: OICOA WGI – ADGB – AEAF (INTUR AT: OPS 7) – ADV HQ IX AIR FORCE – ADV HQ IX T.A.C. BT

SEND IN CLEAR – J AM E S –

HQ VIII FI COMD 18 SEPT 44 0600 BST F.O. 578

1. B. (I) TO FOLLOW:

2. THIS COMD SUPPORTS SECOND FORCE AND 1ST ALLIED AIRBORNE ARMY. ZERO HR AND DATE: 1545 B.S.T. 18 SEPT 1944.

3. A. 1ST ALLIED AIRBORNE ARMY SUPPORT. (I) 356 GP (P-47’S) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS AT 5148 – 0558E. GP WILL ARRIVE IN AREA 1330 HOUSXXXXX 1330 HOURS.

(2) 405 GP (P-47’S) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS AT BEST (5132 – 0528E) GP WILL ARRIVE IN AREA AT 1330 HOURS.

(3) 56 GP (P-47’S) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE IN AREA BOUNDED BY 5113 – 0500E – 0530E TO 5130 – 0530E TO 5130 – 0500E. GP WILL ARRIVE IN AREA AT 1330 HRS.

(4) 353 GP (P-47’S) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE IN AREA BOUNDED BY 5130 – 0500E to 5130 – 0540E TO 5150 – 0540E TO 5150 – 0500E. GP WILL ARRIVE IN AREA AT 1330 HRS.

(5) 352 A AND B GPS (P-51’S) IN AREA 5100 – 0450E to 5110 – 0530E TO 5130 – 0530E TO 5130 – 0450E. GP WILL ARRIVE IN AREA AT 1315 HRS AND REMAIN UNTIL REAR OF SECOND FORCE PASSES OUT OF AREA OR TO LIMIT OF ENDURANCE.

(6) 364 A AND B GPS (P-51’S) IN AREA 5130 – 0540E TO 5130 – 0510E TO 5150 – 0510E TO 5150 – 0540E. GP WILL ARRIVE AREA 1330 HRS. AND REMAIN UNTIL REAR OF SECOND FORCE PASSES OUT OF AREA OR TO LIMIT OF ENDURANCE.

(7) 55 A AND B GPS (P-51’S) IN AREA 5150 – 0500E TO 5130 – 0540E TO 5150 – 0540E TO 5150 – 0500E. GP WILL ARRIVE AREA 1330 HRS. AND REMAIN UNTIL REAR OF SECOND FORCE PASSES OUT OF AREA OR TO LIMIT OF ENDURANCE

(8) 339 GP (P-51’S) WILL PATROL AREA FROM WESEL (5139 – 0637E) TO VENLO (5122 – 0611E) TO ROERMOND (5122 – 0559E) TO HASSELT (5056 – 0520E). GP WILL ARRIVE AREA 1315 HRS. AND REMAIN TO LIMIT OF ENDURANCE. GP WILL OPERATE UNDER M.E.W. CONTROL GREYFRIARS.

(9) 359 GP (P-51’S) WILL PATROL AREA FROM 05220 - 0535E TO DEVENTER (5215 – 0510E) TO EINTERSWIJK (XXXXXX TO WINTERSWIJK (5158 – 0542E) TO WESEL (5139 – 0637E). GP WILL OPERATE UNDER M.E.W. CONTROL GREYFRIARS.

B. SECOND FORCE SUPPORT. (1) 479 GP (2 SQDNS P-38’S AND 1 SQDN P-51’) FROM 5109 – 0243E ON FORCE DROPPING ON TARGET AT 5132 – 0527E. (2) 20 GP (P-51’S) FROM 5109 – 0243E ON FORCE DROPPING ON TARGET AT 5146 – 0557E.

(3) 78 A GP (P-47’S) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE FROM 5106 – 0458E TO 5136 – 0530E TO 5106 – 0458E IF ENDURANCE PERMITS. ARRIVING AT 5106 – 0458E AT ZERO MINUS 5.

8 (4) 78 B GP (P-47) WILL BOMB AND STRAFE FLAK POSITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE FROM 5105 – 0458E TO 5138 – 0518E TO 5106-0438E IF ENDURANCE PERMITS. ARRIVING AT 5106 – 0458E AT ZERO MINUS 12.

X. (1) P-47 GPS WILL BOMB AND STRAFE ONLY REPEAT ONLY THOSE FLAK POSITIONS THAT FIRE AT ALLIED SHIPS. DUE TO THE LACK OF INFORMATION OF THE LOCATION OF FRIENDLY TROOPS P-47 GPS WILL USE EXTREME CARE REPEAT EXTREME CARE IN BOMBING FLAK POSITIONS. GPS WILL BE WORKING IN BACK OF THE BOMB LINE AND IN ASSAULT AREAS. ATTACKS WIL BE MADE AT GP LEADERS DISCRETION.

(2) ALL ESCORT AND PATROL WILL BE TO LIMIT OF ENDURANCE UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

(3) GPS WILL MAINTAIN LISTENING WATCH ON ‘’C’’ CHANNEL. (4) ENEMY OPPOSITION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR IN ASSAULT AREA. GPS WILL DEPLOY THEIR FORCE TO GIVE MAXIMUM SUPPORT TO THIS EFFORT. (5) ‘’A’’ GROUPS WILL FLY AT 2,500 FT. AND ‘’B’’ GROUPS AT 5,000 Ft. OR BELOW THE CLOUD LEVEL. 4. NIL.

5. A. CONTROL NORMAL FOR ALL GPS EXCEPT 339 AND 359 WHICH WILL OPERATE UNDER M.E.W. CONTROL GREYFRIARS AS SET FORTH IN S.O.I. 25-3.

B. FIGHTER – BOMBER INTERCOM 2ND FORCE (2ND DIV) BOMBERS: C.W. C/S TARGET A/C ––------–––------–––------14A VINEGROVE TWO ONE 5146-0557E 108 14B VINEGROVE TWO TWO 5136-0530E 13 20 VINEGROVE TWO THREE 5132-0527E 131 FIGHTERS/ GP C/S –––------479 BALANCE TWO ONE 20 BALANCE TWO ONE ALL FIGHTER ON AREA SUPPORT C/S BALANCE. GROUND STATION C/S COLGATE.

9 A/C seen To go down 1 1 2

Boms Expended 6.7 tons 100 frags. Nil 6.7 tons 100 frags. 2.5 tons 250 G.P. 2.5 tons 250 G.P. 1.2 tons 100 Phos. 1.2 tons 100 Phos. 10.4 tons total 10.4 tons total

Misc. Ground Targets: 7-0-0 Locos, 20-0-34 RR Cars, 0-0-3 Flak Cars, 85-0- 19 Trucks, 5-0-1 Armored Vehicles, 1-0-0 Trailer, 10-0-0 Other Vehicles, 39-0-16 Flak Positions, 5-0-4 Buildings, 1-0-0 Bridge, 1-0-0 Radar.Stn, 0- 0-1 Barge, 7 German soldiers killed. (X) Possible duplication as compiled from individual group sightings.

1. Parachute Landing in Holland (126 Paratroop A/C, 900 A/C towing Gliders)

SUMMARY OF SUPPORT: 339th Ftr Gp patrolled assigned area 1315 to 1600. 357th Ftr Gp rectered around Eindhoven from about 1300 to 1530. 55th Ftr Gp patrolled assigned area 1315 to 1625. 359th Ftr Gp patrolled area from 1320 to 1705 364th Ftr Gp patrolled area vic. Nijmegen 1320 to 1630. 406th Ftr Gp (F/B and Rocket Sqdn) (IX FC) supported vic. Eindhoven about 1320 to 1430. 35tth Ftr Gp bombed and strafed assigned area 1320 to 1420. 352nd Ftr GP patrolled vic. Nijmegen 1320 to 1635. 353rd Ftr GP bombed and strafed assigned area about 1340 to 1420.

E/A OPPOSITION:

357th Ftr Gp, 1505, N Maastricht attacked 60 ME 109s and FW 190s, 16,000 ft. to deck claiming 26-0-1, no losses. 359th Ftr Gp, 1500, vic. Duren, 10,000, bounced by 35 Fw 190s resulting claims of 1-0-0 with 2 probable losses; single ME 109 dest. SE Munster, 10,000 ft, 1515; one of 6 ME 109s dest. 1520, vic. of Dusseldorf.

FLAK:

Intense, light and heavy – vic. Arnheim. Intense heavy – near Gladbeck. 1 12-gun battery – SE Nijmegen, QE 6073 Light, moderate, accurate – Rotterdam, Reichswald Forest, Dordrecht Heavy, meager, accurate – Nijmegen, vic. Wesel and Viersen. Light, moderate, inaccurate – QE 6758, QE 5078. Heavy, moderate, inaccurate – QE 9056, QE 5078 Heavy, meager, inaccutate – QE 1163 Light intense, accurate – Forest W of Tilburg, QE 3971, QE 4269. Light and Heavy – Barges in mouth of Waal River.

OBSERVATIONS: 40 plus barrage balloons W of Wessel, RA 0549, approx. 4,000 ft. 2 barges and 1 larger vessel sighted in inlet just E of Walcheren Is. At 1630 hrs. Larger vessel was burning and dense black smoke was seen. White smoke rocket vic. of Hasselt from 8,000 to 30,000 ft. climbing very fast at 70 degrees. Gp leader and pilots believe this a marker rocket for E/A. Barrage balloons observed near Gladbeck. Oil tank train seen heading SE toward Gladbeck 1600 from 7,000 ft. Convoy of 75 plus trucks on highway S of Utrecht, heading E at 1530 from 7,000 ft. 6 tanks going N thru Elst, QE 7071, no markings and covered with leaves, not attacked. Truck convoy 1 mile long going NE from Venlo, 1415. Ferry seen operating over Meuser, SE of Nijmegen. 50 truck convoy marked mostly with red and green crosses going SW from hospital unit at Kaldenkirchen, QE 9204, 1430. 75 plus barrage balloons along river S of Nijmegen, QE 7062, observed from 15,000 ft., 1330. Corkscrew vaper trail at almost vertical from 15,000 ft. to approx. 30,000 ft., base at vic. of 10 miles W of Cologne, 1430. 10/12 tanks

10 dispersed in woods at QE 3241. 3 large vans, one with large white strips on top, moving N towards Zaltbommel, QE 2959. Gun boat in dock at QD 6745 seen firing heavy flak. GROUND STR.FING: 41-0-9 Trucks, 33-0-4 Flak Positions, 5-0-1 Armored Vehicles, 4-0-0 Other Vehicles, 0-0-20 RR Cars, 5-0-4 Bldgs, 1-0-0 Bridge, 1-0-0 Trailer, 1-0-0 Radar Stn, 0-0-1 Barge, 7 German solders killed.

2. 2nd Force (2nd Div., 14 A & B, 20th CW’s) SUPPLY MISSION. SUMMARY OF SUPPORT;

20th Ftr Gp escorted Schouwen Is. 1545 tgt. to Schouwen, 1705. 479th Ftr Gp escorted W Schouwen Is., 1440, thru tgt, out mid-channel, 1735. 78th Ftr Gp bombed and strafed area about 1545 to 1700. 56th Ftr Gp bombed and strafed Turnhout area 1550 to 1620/1700.

E/A OPPOSITION; Nil

FLAK: Light, meager and accurate – qE 3235, hospital at qE 0348. Light intense, accurate – A/C at rA 2342, N side Schouwen, S side Over– Light, meager, inaccurate – qD 8655. flakkee and Rotterdam. Heavy, intense, accurate – Rotterdam Light, moderate, inaccurate – N Helmond, SW Eindhoven Heavy, moderate, accurate – Tilburg Light, moderate, accurate – NW Schijndel, qE 3841, N Herrenberg, qE 9669. Heavy, moderate, accurate – Boxmeer.

OBSERVATIONS:

Truck convoy 60 behicles moving S at 1700 at qD 8655. Convoy of 10-12 trucks and 10-12 horse drawn vehicles stopped but headed N at qE 2855. 1 DO 217 seen on Gilze Rijen A/D. 15-20 barges with red, white and blue stripes painted on them seen in canal at qE 2553.

GROUND STRAFING; 7-0-0 Locos, 20-0-14 RR Cars, 44-0-10 Trucks, 6-0-0 Other Vehicles, 6-0-12 Flak Positions, 0-0-3 Flak Cars.

3. Bomber Report – Supply Mission.

Three combat wings (252 B-24s) dispatched to drop supplies to First Airborne Army in Holland. 246 a/c dropped 782 tons in three assigned areas from 200-500 ft. with good to excellent results, at 1615-1630 hrs. Flak: Moderate to intense, accurate light flak and smell arms fire. Battle damage: 136 minor, 18 major. I/A oppositions: Nil. Claims: Nil. Losses: 16 B-24s (four to AA, seven to unknown cause, five crash-landed).

4. Points of Interest – Heavy effort considerably increased over yesterday, estimated as 100 plus sorties, 1500, in area Duren to Maastricht. a. Support to Parachute Landing in Holland.

1. (A) 339th Ftr Gp, Major Aitken leading (B) 48 P-51s up 1140, down 1710 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) thru (H) Nil (I) Landfall in The Hague, 1240 hrs, 8,000 ft. Patrolled assigned area uneventfully from 1315 hrs to 1600 hrs from 6,000 to 2,000 ft. Vectored several times uneventfully by M.E.W. Control. Landfall out Walcheren, 1630 hrs, 10,000 ft. Observations: Visibility poor due to dense haze and cloud banks, 1,500 ft. Flak was light, meagre, inaccurate throughout patrol area.

2. (A) 357th Ftr Gp, Major Gates leading (B) 52 P-51s up 1224, down 1635. (C) 2 (D) F.O. 578 M.E.W. (E) 2 Lost (F) 3 Cat A – E/A (G) Capt Seitzinger and Lt Sandroy, both 364th Sqdn MIA (H) 26-0-1 s/o air. 1 ME 109 ea. dest.

11 air by Lt Perry, Major Gates, Capt F. C. Smith, Lt Mace, Lt Egeland, Lt Tomplin, Lt Blanchard, all of 362 Sqdn; 1 ME 109 ea. dest. air by Lt Landis, Lt Pascoe, Lt Fifield and Fennel (shared), Lt Dunlop, 1 FW 190 dest. air by Lt Gailer and Capt Hughes (shared) all of 363 Sqdn; 1 ME 109 dest. ea. air by Lt Shaw, Lt Jacobs, Capt Seitzinger, 2 ME 109s ea. dest. air by Lt. R. L. Smith and Lt Tyler, 1 FW 190 ea. dest. air by Lt McGuire, Lt Morris, Lt Brailey, Lt Moorehouse, Lt Moebius, Lt Jacobs and Lt Taylor, 1 ME 109 dam. air by Capt Zetterquist, all of 364 Sqdn. (I) Landfall in Westhoofd 1300 hrs, 13,000 ft. 1510 hrs, 13,000 ft. vectored by tackline around Eindhoven, control excellent. Landfall out Westhoofd 1530 hrs, 12,000 ft. Combat with approx. 60 ME 109s and FW 190s N of Maastricht at 1505 hrs, 16,000 ft. to deck. E/A dispersed before reaching assault force. ME 109s marked with red stripes around fuselage behind cockpit. White smoke rocket vic. of Hasselt from 8,000 ft. to 30,000 ft. climbing very fast at 70 degrees. Gp leader and pilots believe this a marker rocket for E/A. Saw pilot bail out of P-51 at 1512 at 3,000 ft. 10 miles NE of Maastricht when hit by ligth flak.

3. (A) 55th A Ftr Gp, Capt Brown leading (B) 25 P-51s up 1211, down 1740 (C) 1 (D) F.O. 578 (E) thru (H) Nil (I) Patrolled assigned area 1318 until 1625 at 2,000 ft. Checked reports of bandits near The Hague on way in, but found none. No e/a sighted.

4. (A) 55th A Ftr Gp, Lt Thorsen leading (B) 26 P-51s up 1215, down 1735 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) thru (H) Nil (I) Patrolled assigned area 1315 until 1621 at 5,000 ft. Investigated reports of bandits near Dusseldorf without success. No e/a sighted.

5. (A) 359th Ftr Gp, Major Forehand leading (B) 57 P-51s up 1157, down 1804 (C) 3 (D) F.O. 578 M.E.W. (E) 2 Lost (F) 1 Cat unknown – Crashlanded (G) 2 MIA – 1st Lt Grover C. Deen and 2nd Lt Edwin L. Sjoblad, both of 369th Sqdn (H) 3-0-0 s/e air. 1 FW 190 dest. air by Lt Parons, 1 ME 109 dest. air by Lt Crenshaw and 1 ME 109 dest. air by Lt Kour and F/O Bur (shared), all of 369 Sqdn. (I) R/V 1320f Harderwijk 7,000 ft. Left area 1705 Doesburg, 5,000 ft. Withdrew 1715 Overflakkee, 9,000 ft. Combat: 1500, vic. of Diern, 10,000 fr. Flight bounced by 35 FW 190s, gray colered, resulting in claim of 1-0-0. 1515, SE of Munster, 10,000 ft, single ME 190 dest. 1520, vic. of Dusseldorf, 10,000 ft, 369th flight encountered six scattered ME 109s with striped spinnars and dest. 1. Observations: No flak entire mission, with exception of intense heavy flak near Gladback.

6. (A) 364th A Ftr Gp, Major Petrosky leading (B) 26 P-51s up 1209, down 1705 (C) 2 (I) F.O. 578 (E) thru (H) Nil (I) Arrived 1320 S Nijmegen 5,000 ft. Patrolled area leaving at 1635, 5,000 ft. No e/a seen. Observations: 7 gliders and 1 Albermarle burning. M/G fire at QE 9061, meager. Fix obtained at 1635 for 3 men in beat from a C-47 at 5145N-0330E.

7. (A) 364th B Ftr Gp, Capt Bannister leading (B) 24 P-51s up 1206, down 1725 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) 2 Cat A (30 Cal.) (F) thru (H) Nil (I) Arrived 1320 S Nijmegen, 3,000 ft. Patrolled area until 1515 when Group went to 5155N-0455E where gave support at 5,000 ft. to C-47’s and gliders until 1630 when left at 5,000 ft. No e/a seen. B-24s dropped supplies O.K. Paratroopers and gliders seemed to have very little trouble. Weather poor over DZ but only light haze vic. 5155N-0455E. Observations: 1 glider seen on fire, 1 12 gun 40 MM battery SE Nijmegen (QE 6073) seemed unable to fuse shells for below 5,000 ft. and was trying for direct hits. 1 Stirling hit in tail section but not crippled. Flak was practically negligble over whole area. 8. (A) 406th Ftr Gp (IX FC), Lt Funk leading (B) 11 P-47s up 1226, down 1525 (C) Nil (D) VIII FC F.O. 578 (E) Nil (F) 1 Cat A – small arms fire (G) Nil (H) Ground targets: 5-0-0 Half tracks, 2-0-0 ammo. trucks, large, 1-0-0 bus, 1-0-0 weapons carrier, 1-0-0 trailer, 1-0-0 soldier, 1-0-0 house (believed ammo dump – blew up when hit by rocket), 1-0-0 bridge, 20 to 30 goods wagons dest. or dam. by bombing. (I) Landfall in Schouwen 1320 hrs. 7,000 ft. Landfall out Schouwen 1430 hrs, 6,000 ft. 11 a/c dropped 20 x 250 G.P. inst. (2.5 tons) and fire 7 x 5” HVAR Rockets (.5 tons). Bombing results: 11 a/c attacked M/Y and bridge at QE 3725, 1400 hrs. dropping 20 x 250 G.P., 20-30 cars in yard, all of which were either dest. or dam. 15 hits and 1 near miss observed on M/y tearing up tracks. 2 direct hits on

12 bridge. Strafing and rocket firing results: At QE 3525, 3 a/c attacked 5 half tracks and trailers, 1 pulling 88 MM gun, dest. 4 half tracks with rockets and 1 by strafing. 1 rocket went through half track and entered house. Large explosion from the building indicated ammo being stored there. 1 weapons carrier, 2 large trucks and 1 bus also dest. in this area by strafing. No e/a seen. Many allied gliders and various colored chutes seen in area E of Best. Flak was nil. 9. (A) 356th Ftr Gp, Major Cooper leading (B) 38 P-47s up 1210, down 1520 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) 2 Lost (F) 2 Cat AC – flak (G) 2 MIA – Lt Perry of 359th Sqdn and Capt Reginald C. McDowell, 361st Sqdn. (H) Ground targets: 35 flak positions silenced. (I) Landfall in 1252 Overflakkee 4,000 ft. Landfall out 1442 Overflakkee 4,000 ft. in area 1320-1420. Saw no e/a and no gliders in area. Strafed flak emplacements with above results. R/T normal. Observations: 6 heavy flak emplacements at Oosterhout QE 6766 were manned but did not fire. Many gliders and paratroopers seen to drop in vic. of Oosterbeek QE 6978 at 1420. No flak was fired at these a/c. Lt Perry hit by flak NNW of Nijmegen tried to belly in crashed at QE 5271. Capt McDowell last seen in strafing pass at a light flak position QE 8957 2 miles NW of Cleve. Last word from him that he was O.K. 16 heavy gun positions at QE 6965 were working in cooperation with light flak positions in area. Sparkle and white tennis ball flak observed. 3 a/c hit from there positions. Flak: At Dordrecht QD 8961, light, moderate and accurate. E of Oss QE 5153, M/G and tracer meager and inaccurate. Bombing: 3 a/c dropped 6 x 100 lb. Phosphorus bombs at 1350 dive bombing 11 heavy flak emplacements about 4 miles NNW of Nijmegen. 2 bombs hit in the centre of a 3 gun position and 4 near misses on 8 other guns. 3 a/c dropped 6 x 100 lbs phosphorus bombs at 1330 glide bombing 3 foxholes with light flak guns at QE 6959, four hits, unable to access damage. 1 a/c dropped 2 x 100 lb. Phosphorus bombs at 1330 glide bombing gun explacements at QE 6758. Unable to seen damage. 10 x 100 lb. Phospherus bombs jettisoned unarmed.

10. (A) 352nd Ftr Gp, Capt Halton leading (B) 58 P-51s up 1205, down 1735 (C) 15 (3 escort) (D) F.O. 578 M.E.W. (E) Nil (F) 2 Cat A – flak (G) and (H) Nil (I) Landfall south of The Hague 1300 hrs, 16,000 ft. Arrived Nijmegen 1320, patrolled area until 1635. Out enemy coast north of The Hague 1650 hrs, 12,000 ft. Meager, heavy, accurate flak vic. Wesel and Viersen VF 0696. No E/A seen. R/T good. Observations: Active M/Y observed at Deventer QZ 9208, observed from 9,000 ft. at 1840. 2 trains moving north, 1 moving south, heavily loaded with goods wagons. 11. (A) 353rd Ftr Gp, Major Junttile leading (B) 50 P-47s up 1224, down 1519 (C) 2 (D) F.O. 578 (E) 1 Lost (F) 9 P-47s (5 Cat A, 4 Cat AC) (G) 1 MIA – Capt Ruscitte, 350 Sqdn. (H) Ground Targets: 33-0-4 flak positions, 1-0-0 Radar Stn, 4-0-0 Admin. Bldgs, 0-0-4 other bldgs., 31-0-5 trucks, 8-0-1 ammo trucks pulling 88 MM guns 2-0-0 staff cars, 0-0-1 tank, 6-0-0 soldiers, 0-0-1 barge (I) Landfall in Overflakkee Island, 1313 hrs, 4,000 ft. Landfall out Brielle, 1450 hrs. 10,000 ft. 38 a/c dropped 42 x 250 frags (5.45 tons) and 33 x 100 Phos. (1.6 tons). 13 a/c attacked complete radar station, QE 1528 dropping 18 x 260 frags and 8 x 100 phos. at 1345 hrs, destroying all installations by bombing and strafing, including 6-0-0 flak positions. 3 a/c attacked small convoy at QE 1545, 1345 hrs, dropping 6 x 100 phos. 4- 0-0 trucks and 2-0-0 staff cars destroyed. 4 a/c attacked 6 to 9 flak positions at QE 2754, dropping 6 x 100 phos. at 1400 hrs with 2 direct hits and 6 pear misses, claiming 2-0-3 positions. 1 a/c attacked u//i flak position dropping 2 x 260 frags at 1400 hrs with unobserved results. 2 a/c attacked flak positions at QE 2961 at 1340 hrs, dropping 4 x 100 frags with unobserved results. 4 a/c attacked flak positions and truck at QE 6478 at 1350 hrs dropping 7 x 100 phos. Scoring two direct hits on truck and several near misses on flak positions. 7 a/c attacked two flak concentration of 30 light guns at QE 4068 at 1345 hrs dropping 14 x 260 frags, scoring 10 hits immedate vic. of flak positions and 4 bombs on RR bridge in same area. Positions also strafed resulting in 15 destroyed. Strafing Results: At QE 1526, 3-0-0 Trucks. Between QE 3622 and QE 3532, 8- 0-1 amme trucks towing 88 MM guns, headed east, and 6 soldiers killed. Between QE 3235 and QE 3240, 5-0-0 trucks and 0-0-1 tank. Between QE 3241 and QE 3145, 10-0-3 trucks. Between QE 2236 and QE 2638 4-0-0 trucks. At QE 6566, 1-0-0 light flak position. At QE 8070, 0-0-1 barge. At QD 7273, 2-0-0 trucks. At QE 2765, 0-0-4 trucks. At QE 6478, 5-0-0 flak positions, 2-0-1

13 trucks, 1-0-0 bldg. At QE 2961, 1-0-0 flak positions (4 guns). At QE 7877, 1-0-1 flak positions. No e/a seen. 15 reported by Controller north of Hague on landfall in were investigated. Observations: 1 Spitfire on ground near radar Station at QE 1526. C-47 seen bollied in at CD 2455. Intense, heavy, light M/G, accurate, ontire area, gunners apparently reluctant to fire until attacked by our a/c. 5. Airborne Operations Report.

Ninth Troop Carrier Command dispatched 904 tugs and gliders, 136 transports. R.A.F. Dispatched 362 tugs and gliders. Great majority of gliders reported landed in assigned areas. Lasses: Ninth – 36 C47’s missing or destroyed, 19 gliders inaffective. R.A.F. four A/C missing. b. Support – 2nd Force, Supply Mission. 1. (A) 26th Ftr Gp, Lt Col Randolph leading (B) 54 P-51s up 1418 down 1800 (C) Nil (B) F.O. 578 (E) Nil (F) 2 Cat AC, 1 Cat A – flak (G) and (H) Nil (I) At R/V point 1524 when informed bombers were 20 minutes late, orbitted area and R/V made Schouwen Island 1545 at 2500 ft. with B-24s at 1,500 ft. Escorted to target where chutes were dropped at 1626 from 300 ft. Brought bombers to coast and withdrew at 1705 Schouwen Island at 7,000 ft. High Sqdn flying at 6,000 ft. picked up C-47s and gliders and Groesbeek and patrolled area until 1640. 2. (A) 479th Ftr Gp, Colonel Zemke leading (B) 50 a/c (32 P-38s, 16 P-51s) up 1435 down 1935 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) thru (G) Nil (H) Ground Targets: 2-0-0 Loccs, 20-0-10 Goods Wagons, 0-0-5 flak cars, 1-0-2 trucks. (I) R/V 1540, 6,000 ft. W Schouwen Island 2nd Div. B-24s which 20 minutes late. Escorted thru target and left stragglers 1735, 4,000 ft. mid-channel. One Sqdn swept N to Arnhem area and S to Malmedy, destroying two trains at WF 2010, WF 1118. Strafed truck convoy 1710 at VE 3060 whre 8 trucks already burning. Another Sqdn swept from Zuider Zee to Ruhr. No e/a. 1 C-47 sighted 1514 from 4,000 ft. bollied in and burning on western tip W Schouwen Island. (Note: VE 3060 possibly QE 3060)

3. (A) 78th Ftr Gp, Lt Col Oberhansly leading (B) 50 P-47s up 1441, down 1810 (C) Nil (D) F.O. 578 (E) 5 P-47s lost (F) 5 P-47s Cat A, 3 P-47s cat AC (G) 5 MIA – Lt R. Snyder, 82nd Sqdn; Lt E. Wood and Lt J. Fee, both 84th Sqdn; Lt J. Loogering and Lt R. MacDuffee, both 83rd Sqdn. (H) Ground Targets: 29-0-14 trucks, 1-0-0 sutes, 1-0-0 wagens, 1-0-0 locos, 0-0-4 box cars, 1-0-12 flak positions, 1-0-0 oil trucks, 1-0-0 staff cars, 10-0-0 soldiers. (I) Landfall in Rotterdam 1530 hrs, crossed out Amsterdam 1709 hrs. Bombing: 31 a/c dropped 57 x 260 frag. Bombs. 12 bombs jettisoned. 27 bombs returned to base. 4 bombs unaccounted for. Results of bombing: 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on light flak post at QE 1830 with fair results, post damaged. 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on barge at QE 2542 with poor results. 2 a/c dropped 4 bombs on flak barge at QD 7673 with good results. 2 a/c dropped 4 bombs on flak barge at QD 7281, several hits. 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on flak position at QE 1930 with unobserved results. 6 a/c dropped 10 bombs on 88 MM flak position at QE 3862, 2 direct hits. 2 a/c dropped 3 bombs on light flak position at QD 3545, poor results. 2 a/c dropped 3 bombs on heavy 4 gun position at QE 2566, poor results. 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on light flak position at QE 8535, results unobserved. 2 a/c dropped 4 bombs on unlocated light flak positions with unobserved results. 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on a 4 pit heavy gun position at QE 9269, fair results. 2 a/c dropped 4 bombs on a 4 pit heavy gun light flak position at QE 9368, fair results. 4 a/c dropped 6 bombs on a 4 pit heavy flak position at QE 6904, results excellent. 2 a/c dropped 3 bombs on a 4 pit light flak position at QE 9723, fair results. 1 a/c dropped 2 bombs on a light flak position at QD 9533, results unobserved. Strafing Results: Between Best QE 3826 and Vianen QE 1880, 18- 0-11 trucks, 1-0-0 autos; 1-0-0 wagon (exploded in covoy headed north). QE 4599 convoy of 7 trucks and a staff car headed east, 5 a/c attacked claims 1-0-0 staff car, 10-0-0 soldiers, 7-0-0 trucks. QE 8535, 1 a/c stafed light flak position. 2 a/c at QE 2855 claim 2-0-1 trucks. 2 a/c claim 0-0-2 trucks at QA 0463. 2 a/c at QA 0360 claim 0-0-4 box cars. 1 a/c claims 2-0-0 trucks at QA 0413. 1 a/c claims 1-0-0 loco at QE 1855.

14 1 a/c strafed light flak position of 2 or 3 pits at QE 9167. 4 a/c strafed light flak position of 3 pits at VK 7397 (in originele document foutief gemerkt als QK 7397). 1 a/c damaged 3 light flak positions at QE 9243. 1 a/c strafed 2 light flak positions at QE 9723. 1 a/c claims 1-6-0 oil truck at QE 1432. No e/a seen in air. Flak: Intense and accurate heavy and light flak from flak barges W and S of Rotterdam. Intense light flak from Tilburg. Intense light and heavy flak at QE 2665. 4. (A) 56th Ftr Gp, Capt Comstock leading (B) 39 P-47s up 1437, down Part of original documents (E) 16 lost (F) 7 Cat A, 5 Cat AC – flak, 1 Cat unknown - unreadable, but 56 flew 18/9 Lt H. D. Raymond, Lt D. P. Kling, Catp G. S. Stevens, Lt R. G. mainly over Belgium and Lt T. Guerrere, Sr., all of 63rd Sqdn. Capt Wilkorson, Germany, and made no Lt Womack, Lt Edwards, Lt Hodges and Lt McElhare, all attacks over Holland. Lt Hartshorn and Capt Conger, all of 61st Sqdn. (H) 0-0-40 Troops, 5-0-0 flak positions, 4-0-0 locos, 4-0-0 staff Deel van originele documen- trucks. (I) Arrived Turnhout area 1550 hrs, deck. Departed area ten niet leesbaar, maar de Gp came in on deck and vic. Turnhout was split up by intense 56 vloog 18/9voornamelijk Let down to dock level to seek targets because: (1) clouds over Belgie en Duitsland en 500/1,000 ft. (2) When not in cloud patches coiling voerde geen grondaanvallen ft. but haze layer so dense objects not visible from that uit in Nederland. frag bombs dropped on 4 locos vic. Viersen, 5115N-0620E. 14 positions vic. Turnhout but impossible to pinpoint. 2 para- 1272 causing cassualties among troops. 2 parafrags on N of Herrenborg. 4 parafrags jettisened NW Duizil by being hit by flak. 10 parafrags jettisened in channel and bal- 2 flak positions knocked out by strafing at Viersen 5115N- staff cars and 10 trucks also destroyed same manner, trucks also 0175. Bombers picked up by 63 Sqdn Groesbeek and escorted to Landfield out. Two-thirds battle damage resulted in areas occupied mainly by British and American troops, but some sporadic Germans noted. Impossible to determing whather fire from Allies or Germans as large portion of fire was light M/G and small arms. One allied tank concentration definitely shot down one of our a/c in vic. Eindhoven. Field Order requiring pilots hold fire until enemy at distinct disadvantage. Observations: A/C VHF hit small seen to bail out and pilot jointed British. Flak: N of Duizil, QE 3112, heavy, meager and inaccurate

By command of Brigadier General GRISWOLD:

LAURENCE K. CALLAHAN, Colonel, G. S., Ass’t. C/S, A-2.

THE FOREGOING IS SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR RECORD PURPOSES.

Addition to Harrative of Operations, Intelligence Summary No. 282, 17 Sept 1944:

On page 4, add the following:

7. Airborne Operations Report.