What are the most disastrous US Medium Bomber Missions?

[Rob Romero]

Thanks,

Rob Romero

[Laurent Rizzotti]

A low-level raid on Ijmuiden, Holland, by 322nd BG saw the loss of 10 B-26 of a formation of 11, and was the end of low-level bombing missions of Europe. It was probably the most costly mission in percentage.

The day were most US medium bombers were shot down was the 23 December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge where they met very strong opposition by Flak and fighters. 35 were lost this day, but from a number of units and no unit was wiped out as above.

[Dennis Peschier]

The only B-26 to survive the IJmuiden attack returned early with engine trouble. It did not participate in the attack

Dennis

[Boomerang]

The disastrous mission by the 322nd BG took place on the 18 May 1943. The 10 B 26s which attempted the mission were all lost due a combination of light flak, II/JG1 and, IIRC, collision.

The mission had been attempted as a low level operation - B 26 mission profile was thereafter amended to medium altitude (at least until 1945 - no doubt the B 26 experts could classify this point. Thus, not only was a mission a disaster in itself, it also forced a change in medium bomber mission profile on the USAAF.

Loss of 10 out of 10 would definitely be difficult to surpass in terms of percentage losses.

Cheers

Boomerang