who bombed on 18 October 1944 ?

[Marcel Hogenhuis]

Hello gents,

Since 13 October 1944 the Venlo bridges were bombed regulary to cut off the German supply lines to the battlefield west of the river Maas in Holland.

On 18 October 1944 about 16.00 hours, a little formation of six bombers were sighted over the town and just a few bombs were dropped on the marshalling yard close to the bridges. Some damage was caused and 2 civilians killed.

I am searching for the identity of this little bunch of bombers. As we can rule out 2nd TAF, 9th USAAF and RAF Bomber Command, I look for 'time over target' times of these 8th USAAF formations:

1. 337 B-17s are dispatched to make a PFF attack on Kassel/Mittefeld (300); targets of opportunity are Cologne (1) and other (2);

2. 118 B-17s are dispatched to make a GH attack on the Ford Plant at Cologne (79); 30 others hit Cologne/Nippes marshalling yard;

3. 112 B-24s are dispatched to make a GH attack on the industrial complex at Leverkusen (39); 30 others hit the Cologne/Nippes marshalling yard

Any additions are very welcome so many thanks in advance!

Marcel