Mission Date: November 3, 1943
WILHELMSHAVEN, SUB YARDS
100th BG Mission #: 39
Mission Summary
3 NOVEMBER 1943
OPERATIONS
WILHELMSHAVEN
This date the 100th Group participated in a bombing mission against the marine docks and U-boat pens at Wilhelmshaven. Since the severe damage to Hamburg this city has become an important port for the flow of vital war materials, Secondary target was any German City. Group led by pathfinder aircraft with Major Robert Flesher the command pilot. Twenty-one aircraft took off at 0950 hours.
This group was the lead group of the low combat wing of the second division. Position was maintained throughout the mission. Flak encountered at 1252 hours, probably Ameland, 1325 hours over target area, and 1654 hours, probably from a flak boat. Flak-over target area was moderate and’ appeared to be a mixture of barrage and predicted concentration, Other flak was light. No enemy aircraft observed close enough for identification, Fighter Support was perfect. Group bombed on the pathfinder at 1328 hours. Due to cloud formations visual results were unobserved.
All aircraft returned safely. No personnel. were killed or wounded. Nineteen aircraft bombed target. Two failed because of illness of tail gunner and bomb release failure resulting in bomb load being jettisoned past target.
Pilots complained of: idle chatter on VHF on return trip, breakfast, and shortage of passes. Suggested: availability of Red Polaroid goggles for flying into sun, composite group of leaving seventh ship out of lead Squadron, and lower flight level.
Bombing Results
Bombing Results:
Aircraft Lost: 0
Crew Lost: 0
Claims of Enemy Losses (CLS): 0
Aircraft Returned:
