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Re: 97th Bombardment Group, 12 O'Clock High, etc
With reference to the bombing mission; Raid No1 targeted the Rouen-Sotteville rail marshalling yards on the 17th August. Twelve B.17's (one from 340th BS, five from 342nd BS and six from 414th BS) dropped a total of 36900lb of bombs with little opposition. Four squadrons of Spitfires provided the close escort and another four provided rear support.
Another six B.17's (three each from 340th and 341st BS's) were to carry out diversionary mission, but the one heading over Alderney was aborted after failing to rendezvous with the escort. The other three aircraft flew over the North Sea without any reaction.
Three aircraft returned with minor damage, one each by flak, fighters and a birdstrike. The birdstrike injured two aircrew.
One fighter was claimed as damaged by the group's defensive fire.
Regards,
Steve
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