More details on the first loss:
Mission #158 April 5, 1945 B-17G
44-8283 B/G “Dinah-Mite”Missing in Action Nuremburg flak. At bombs away, one bomb hug up on one end of the shackle. The plane left formation and began trailing behind, eventually losing sight of formation due to low visibility. Crossing the coast 5-7 miles East of Dunkirk, flak and machine gun fire hit the plane, seriously wounding Harris (B). A fire broke out behind #2 engine and the left alerion was shot out. Share (R) was also wounded. Ditched in the English Channel. At ditching Harris (B) was either dead or near dead. Huntley (CP) apparently never managed to get out. Deines (WG) got out but was holding on the tail section and would not release, saying he could not swim, even though he was wearing a MaeWest. He went down with the tail, still holding on. With 18BS. Pilot: Mehling. No Missing Air Crew Report. 3 Killed in Action, 6 rescued from the Channel and 5 returned to duty. Share (R) was severely wounded and lost his right leg as a result.
MEHLING GEORGE (P) LT
KIA HUNTLEY WENDELL M (CP) 2 LT 18 O-2063534
RTD BRITTON HARRISON (N)
KIA HARRIS RUSSELL L 2 LT 18 O-2071975 MI
RTD NIATAS STEPHEN (TT)
WIA SHARE JACK (R) SGT 18 32678875
RTD LAMPREY ROBERT (BT)
KIA DINNIS ALBERT E (WG) SGT 18 19202185
RTD MORGAN LOU (TG)
Source:
http://valortovictory.tripod.com/crews/Mehling.htm
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My comments: 5-7 miles East of Dunkirk was at the limit of the German-held zone. The Germans held about 20 km of coast around Dunkirk until May 1945 (the frontline there didn't move from September 1944 to the end of the war except for local attacks).