B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

Hi guys

Mervyn has just advised me that when B-17s mistakenly bombed Canadian, British and Polish troops on 7 August 1944, at the start of 'Operation Totalize', and inflicted over 300 casualties, Canadian gunners (at least) returned fire and 'hit' several of the bombers.

Does anyone know if any B-17s were brought down or damaged during this tragic friendly fire incident?

Cheers
Brian

Re: B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

Brian -
305th BG B - 17 Crash Landed France
384th BG b - 17 Crash landed Ford AF
446th BG B - 24 Crash Landed ? salvaged
467th BG B - 24 Crash Landed Rackheath
34th BG B - 17 Crash Landed Malmedy MACR # 7877
Will look for more Info -
Mike

Re: B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

Thanks Mike

Please keep me advised of any further information. Do you have serial numbers to match the damaged aircraft you list?

Cheers
Brian

Re: B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

Brian -
305th B - 17 Crash landed France - Serial # Unknown
305th B - 17 # 43 - 37816 Failed to Return No Info , No MACR
384th B - 17 # 42 - 102959 Crash Landed Ford AF
446th B - 24 # 42 - 94988 Crash Landed Location Unknown
467th B - 24 # 42 - 52565 Crash Landed Rackheath 8 KIA
34th B - 17 # 44 - 40323 Crash landed Malmedy MACR # 7877
Pilot - Capt. Eldon Erwin 1 Evaded 4 KIA 4 POW
Mike

Re: B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

The short bombing happened on August 8th (not 7th) 2 formations of 12 B-17's (24 in total) mistakenly bombed just south of Caen and hit Canadian, Polish and a few British Units from 12:26-12:55 hours. Ironicaly the hardest hit was the LAA Regiment of the 1st Polish Armoured Division (44 killed/wounded). Most of the bombs fell on medium field guns of 2nd and 9th Canadian AGRA (Army Group Royal Artillery) as they formed up for the attack
I have never read any accounts of return fire from Allied guns.

Re: B-17s Operation Totalize 7 August 1944
 

The Polish Division was attacked twice, and on one case an Auster pilot frantically took off to make bombers awared of mistake. A cartoon appeared soon after showing bombers, a Jerry running away and screaming: Donnerwetter, and a Pole shouting: run away, Allies are flying.