US Disney bombs on IJmuiden

[Dennis Peschier]

Hello All
I’m asking this question on behalf of the research group Kriegsmarine in Holland. They are working on a book about the Kriegsmarine torpedoboats (schnellboot).
Can anyone confirm that on March 14 1945, the 92nd bombing group bombed IJmuiden for the first time with Disney bombs. (and not in February ).

All help will be appreciated,

Dennis

[Hans Nauta]

Dear Dennis,

I've already sent a private mail, but for the benefit of this Board and its members I'll reply here too.

On 10th February 1945 9 B-17's of 92nd Bomb Group used for the first time Disney bombs against the E-Boat pens (old) at IJmuiden, The Netherlands.

The raid of 14th March was carried out by 9 B-17's of the same Bomb Group against de new E-Boat pens.

On 21st March 1945 3 B-17's of 305th Bomb Group finally dropped the last Disney Bombs on the new E-Boat pens of IJmuiden.

According to postwar reports the use of Disney bombs wasn't considered as succesful because of the inaccurateness and the little damage caused to internal structures once a bomb managed to penetrate the concrete roofs.

Best regards,
Hans Nauta

[Nick Beale]

IIRC there is photo of the bombs going down (or their smoke trails anyhow) in Roger Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth."

[Hans Nauta]

Hi Nick,

Attached the pictures you refer to.

Regards,
Hans Nauta