B17s bomb Dutch town 11.19.43

[Frasera]

Hi Folks,

Got my hands on a Logbbok from the 385th BG, saying they unloaded their bombs on a Dutch town after failing to find the target. Obviously they did not know where they were; very laconic comments in logbook. Anyone got any more on this??

Alan F

[FrankieS]

USAAF 19.11.1943

127 of 161 B-17's and 3 of 6 B-17 PFF aircraft are dispatched to Gelsenkirchen, Germany but the malfunction of blind-bombing equipment and the weather causes the force to attack targets of opportunity on the German-Dutch border at 1241-1251 hours.

[Frasera]

Thanks Frankie,
Anyone got more?

[FrankieS]

... sorrily not.

bye,
FrankieS

[Leendert]

Alan,

The "targets of opportunity" were in fact rural areas in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands. Most bombs came down on farmfields.

A bomb came down on a castle (Rosendael) and there are also a testimonies of bombs on farms and fields around Haarlo and Hummelo, small towns in the eastern part of Gelderland province.

Regards,

Leendert

[karl lusink]

USAAF 19.11.1943

127 of 161 B-17's and 3 of 6 B-17 PFF aircraft are dispatched to Gelsenkirchen, Germany but the malfunction of blind-bombing equipment and the weather causes the force to attack targets of opportunity on the German-Dutch border at 1241-1251 hours.

Hello.
12.45 h, 42 bombs fell just outside the town of Doesburg!
Just North of the IJssel river at an area called "Stadsweide" !
Hummelo: Just before 13.00h , 15 He bombs and 9 Inc
Drempt: 10 Inc.
The route Hummelo-Drempt-Doesburg is to the West...USAAF returning home!
Regards
Karl Lusunk
ARGA

[karl lusink]

Hi Folks,

Got my hands on a Logbbok from the 385th BG, saying they unloaded their bombs on a Dutch town after failing to find the target. Obviously they did not know where they were; very laconic comments in logbook. Anyone got any more on this??

Alan F

Hello,
I am also in possession of a diary which says:
19 november 1943: About 200 Phosphor bombs fell in the Valkenhuizen area at Arnhem. Valkenhuizen = NNE of Arnhem
Also bombs near Rozendaal Castle.

Alan: How many a/c unloaded their bombs on a Dutch town?
The Whole 385 Bomb Group or one or two Bomb Squadrons?
Regards
Karl Lusink
ARGA

[Brian]

Hi guys

Were there any reported casualties?

Cheers
Brian

[karl lusink]

Hi guys

Were there any reported casualties?

Cheers
Brian

Hello Brian,
No reported casualties!
Most of the bombs fell in open fields!
Regards
Karl Lusink
ARGA

[Brian]

Thanks Karl

Much appreciated

Cheers
Brian

[Frasera]

Sorry for the delay :( but thanks for the info.
Karl,
The log book says it was 385th BW 550th Sqn based at Great Ashfield. You are welcome to a copy of the logbook. PM me :)