Operation Aphrodite

[Brian]

Hi guys

I hope someone out there can help me with details of 562ndBS's B-17 drone (BQ-7s) losses/casualties late 1944. I have the following dates and notes:

4 August 1944: Two drones and two controlling B-17s off on first operation. One drone went out of control after first of two crew baled out; the other was killed. Names? Other BQ-7 shot down by flak after crew had baled out over England.

6 August 1944: two BQ-7s and four controlling B-17s off on second operation. The BQ-7 crews baled out as planned but one BQ-7 crashed into sea. The other BQ-7 circled before also crashing into the sea.

Date unknown: Two BQ-7 off to attack targets in Heliogoland. One pilot killed during bale out. Identity? BQ-7 reached target but believed shot down by flak.

Date unknown: Both BQ-7s crashed into sea on route to Heide/Hemmingstedt.

October 1944: Operation against Heliogoland. One shot down by flak, other crashed into sea.

October 1944: One BQ-7 failed to reach target in Heligoland, other crashed into sea.

5 December 1944: Two BQ-7s off to attack Hannover. One shot down by flak, other crashed near target but did not explode.

20 January 1945: Both BQ-7s missed target at Oldenberg. Last operation.

Any help will be most appreciated. Information required for my current book.

Cheers
Brian