USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

Hi, my name is Alan.
I'm researching USAAF Missions 451 & 452, 4th July 1944.
Can anyone explain what the following numbered items refer to in the Bomb Data Report copied below from 78th Fighter Group operation report....

Bomb data: 1. 74 x 260lb fragmentation bombs, instantaneous fusing. 2. Dive bombed, 60-degree dive, beginning 9,000ft and releasing at 3,500ft. 3. Rail road transport Nevers, Cercy La Tour. 4. Good. 5. 2 x 260lb fragmentation bombs. 6. 20 x 260lb fragmentation bombs.

1. 74 bombs dropped from 96 carried (48 P-47s with 2 x 260lb bombs each)
5. 2 x 260lb bombs ?
6. 20 x 260lb bombs ?

1. appears self explanatory but not sure what items 5 & 6 mean.

Anyone explain please?

Alan

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

I suspect the items relate to the number of bombs jettisoned (or lost) (probably item item 5?) and the number of bombs returned (item 6?).

They are accounting for all the 96 carried bombs:

74 dropped on target (item 1)
2 jettisoned off target or went down with missing plane(s)
20 returned to base

Do you have some other reports that would seem to verify this interpretation?

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

I have not come across any other 'Bomb Data Reports' and arrived at the same conclusion as you.

Item 1 = 74 bombs dropped on targets
Item 5 = 2 bombs jettisoned
Item 6 = 20 bombs taken home.

2 P-47s were damaged (Cat A - Flak) on this mission and I'm assuming one jettisoned its bombs. I have been unable to identify these aircraft so far and would be grateful for any assistance here. No aircraft were lost.

The 78th's flight Plan shows - 'up' at Duxford 1520 hrs, landfall Cayeux, Nevers (1700 hrs), Montargis and Malesherbes, landfall out Cayeux, 'down' at 1942 hrs.

They bombed French marshalling yards at Cercy-la-Tour - 16 bombs, Saincaize-Meauce(?) - 28 bombs - Foutchambault(?) - 30 bombs. I'm guessing the last two marshalling yards as the Report only states marshalling yards near Nevers.

Many Thanks,

Alan

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

I made an error in previous post, it should read:

The 78th Fighter Group's flight Plan shows - 'up' at Duxford (1520 hrs), landfall Cayeux, Nevers (1710 hrs), Bourges and Vierzon, landfall out Cayeux, 'down'(1942 hrs).

The 56th Fighter Group's flight plan was: 'up' at Boxted (1530 hrs), landfall St Valery, (1705 hrs), Nevers, Montargis and Malesherbes, landfall out St Valery (1845 hrs), 'down' (1934 hrs).

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

Alan,

Assuming your enquiry relates to FO#429 then the two Cat A P-47's from 78FG were 42-26387 and 42-26671.

A total of 10 78FG aircraft did not complete the mission which also accounts for the 20 bombs returned.

Info from AFHRA Reel No B5202 (see attached)

Regards

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

42-26387 Was called "Miss Behave". It is the 2nd plane in the line here:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/45/d7...40a0ef3bdf.jpg

It was still in the 78th FG when flown by Robert Bosworth in October of 44.
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/26382


By April 45, it was apparently in the 368th FG and was lost on April 25th.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/91150082

http://www.368thfightergroup.com/fil...re-article.pdf

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

ashley356 & RSwank - Many thanks for the information. A great help to my research project.

Re: USAAF Bomb Data Report
 

Always happy to help a fellow researcher; feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.