I. CHRONOLOGY
6 B-24’s took off at 0643 to 0655 hours to attack the Blechhammer South Oil Refinery by PFF method. 2 returned early. These a/c jettisoned 4 tons of bomb in Adriatic (3 tons 500 lb RDX .1 nose and mixed .o1 and .o25 tail and 1 ton 500 lb long delay 1 to 72 hours). There was 1 prior return due to PFF malfunction and weather, turning back at 4805N – 1934E at 0925 hours at 23,000 feet. This a/c jettistoned 2 tons RDX bombs in Adriatic at 1153 hours from 9,000 feet at 4122N-1723E. Of the other 3 a/c, 1 dropped 2 tons (1.5 500 lb RDX 1. nose and mixed .01 and .025 tail and .5 tons long delay 1 to 72 hours) on second alternate Moravska Ostrava/Privoz Oil Refinery (4950N – 1817E) at 1038 hours from 25,000 feet. The other 2 a/c dropped 4 tons (3 tons 500 lb RDX .1 nose and mixed .01 and .025 tail and 1 ton 500 lb long delay 1 to 72 hours) on target of opportunity Strehlitz (5031N – 1818E), at 1036 hours from 23,000 feet. The latter 3 B-24’s returned to base at 1436, 1507 and 1510 hours respectively. None lost, none missing, none at friendly fields.
There were three effective and one non-effective sorties.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
The 449th Group planes leading the Wing in elements of 2, departed San Vito on course to 4224N – 1832E to K.P. Baja (4611N – 1858E) to T.P. Aiberti (4715N – 1936E) to T.P. Aszod (4739N-1929E) to T.P. Belusa (4904N-1820E) to T.P. Lipmix (4931N – 1735E) to I. P. Jurbanthal (5008N – 1722E). From the latter point observing the primary target to be open, 1 plane proceeded directly to second alternate Moravska Ostrava/Privoz Oil Refinery (4950N – 1817E) and dropped its bombs attacking on an axis of 138 degrees true. From the target proceeded to 4754N -1953E to Szoinok (4710N – 2011E) to base. The other 2 planes (an element) overshot the I.P. a few miles to the North also observing the target to be open, decided to bomb the first alternate Oswiecim. Enroute there the Mickey operator in the lead plane picked up Strehlitz (5031N -1818E) in his scope and decided to drop. The Wing plane dropped on leader both planes attacking on an axis of 122 degrees true. Leaving the target these planes took a 230 degrees heading to avoid Blechhammer flak, passed over the I.P. Wurbenthal, and returned to base on a reciprocal course.
Weather. On the routh 9-10/10 middle and high level cloud throughout with unrestricted visibility, but with light rim icing throughout. At the target, 4/10 patchy high cloud below bombing altitude with large clear spaces between IP and target. Visisbility over 30 miles. Wind at bombing altitude from230 degrees about 75 MPH. On return 10/10 middle and high level cloud throughout and over base with ceiling over base of 8,000 feet.
Jamming. At 1107 hours from 23,000 feet at 4902N – 1823E operator reported steady tone on liaison set for a period of about 25 minutes with exception of short let up at about five minute intervals.
III. RESULTS
Bombing was by PFF methods and results were unobserved but the radar operator of the a/c which attacked Moravska Ostrava/Privoz Oil Refinery believes his bombs hit the M/Y to the East of the refinery.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None
B. Flak. None
[Losses: None. Damage: None. Casualties: None.]
