July 4, 1942 First US Raid.

[rob van den nieuwendijk]

Hello all,From USA official reports/documents:"Notes on the 15th Bombardment Squadron (L): The first aerial blow struck by American bombers upon the continent of Europe was delivered by fliers of the 15th Bombardment Squadron (L). (...) Six A-20 American light bombers were used by the 15th Bombardment Squadron fliers, who combined their effort with six planes of the British 226 Squadron, also A-20's or Bostons, as termed by the British."War Diary of 15 Bombardment Squadron (L), Station Molesworth. 4 July 42: The first offensive action in the ETO by American airmen took place today. Also see 2 Group RAF by Michael J F Bowyer, pages 242-244. On 29 June 42 Capt Kegelman with Lt Bell, T/Sgt Golay and Sgt Cunningham flew in Boston AL743 - lead by S/L Kennedy of 226 Squadron Kegelman participated on a circus to Hazebrouck M/Y - this was the unofficial first operation of USAAF airmen over ETO.Best wishes,Rob

[Alex Smart]

hello Rob,

Yes 29th June 1942 operation this is also noted in the Mighty Eighth book.
I left out reference to it so as not to confuse anyone with details of a/c used on the 4th July op.

But as to the first US "aerial blow to Europe" this notion was no doubt pushed forward at the time so as to make little of the first US mission to Ploesti on the 11th June 1942.

Alex

[Steve49]

Herb,

The squadron was part of the 8th Air Force until being transferred to the 12th Air Force. I believe during its operations the squadron reported directly to 8th Bomber Command, having no parent Bombardment Group (USAAC term, a wing sized formation not to be mistaken for an RAF Group).

Regards,

Steve