Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Hello,
Anybody can help me to correct decode this information on a photo recce of 5th Combat Mapping Squadron of 3rd Photographic Group ?

5CM/1131 FBT 3 PG 1 SEPT 44F24""/1215:27,000
This photo was taken on 1° Sept. 1944 before a bomb attack (first raid at 11:40) on North Italy.
I decode data in this way:
5CM = 5 Combat Mapping Squadron
1131 = ????
FBT = ????
3 PG = 3rd Photographic Group
1 SEPT 44 = date
F24" = camera focal
1215 = ????
27,000 = feet

Any idea for missing data ?
Thanks.
Alfredo Franceschetti

Re: Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Alfredo

Just one or two bits - 1131 is the designated sortie; 1215 is the ToT (Time over Target); FBT. Not sure. Probably should know. I have a suspicion that the "CM" of 5CM once indicated a Combat Mission, but am not positive.


Best


Chris Going

Re: Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Thanks Chris,
I don't understand the time (12:15) because this little village was bomber three time on 1° Sept 1944 at these times:
11:40
13:00
16:50
but you can see no damage on the photo.
??
Ciao
Alfredo Franceschetti

Re: Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Ciao Alfredo

First thing to check is the time - I assume that 11.40 is the local time. The time given on the sortie time may be BST, DBST, ands thus, could have been taken before the first attack if the local time was one hour ahead. I need top get out my tables to check if this was so, but you might like to explore the possibility.

Incidentally, who carried out the first attack of the day -12AF? Do you have any more information.....


Best wishes,


Chris Going.


By the way, did the image come from ICCD Roma?

Re: Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Or it could have been post-strike assessment on the first raid at 1140.

Chuck

Re: Help need to decode data on recce photo
 

Hi Chris,
First attach TOT 11.40 350th Group 346th Squadron Commander Capt. Dow Hugh from Tarquinia airfield (DOR from 350Th Group Web Site)
Second attact TOT 13.00 86th Group 526th Squadron from Poretta Airfield (DOR from NARA)
Third attact TOT 16:50 again 350th Group 346th Squadron Commander Capt. Dow Hugh from Tarquinia airfield (DOR from 350Th Group Web Site)
A attact from 86th Group 527th Squadron at 7:45 not done due to 10/10 clouds. (DOR from NARA)
Thanks
Alfredo