SPECIAL NARATIVE REPORT No. 238
MISSION: VERONA/PORTO NUOVA M/Y
DATE: 6 April 1945

I. CHRONOLOGY
31 B-24’s took off at 0919 to 0936 hours to bomb VERONA/PORTO NUOVA M/Y. None returned early. 30 dropped 57.4 tons of 100 lb GP bombs on target at 1409 1/2 hours from 22,000 to 25,500 feet. One a/c jettisoned 2 tons in the Adriatic because of mechanical reasons. 31 returned to base at 1642 hours. None lost, missing or at friendly fields.

II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused over SAN VITO as the lead group in the Wing formation, thence to 4247 N – 1010 E, to 4417 N 0923 E, to MANERBIO (4522 N – 1009 E), to the I.P. LONATO (4528 N – 1030 E) to target, attacking on an axis of 95° true. The rally was right to rally point BERGANTINO (4504 N – 1115 E) to MODENA (4439 N – 1056 E) to PRATO (4353 N – 1106 E) to Base. A dog leg was made to the East over the Adriatic between Prato and Base to allow a/c with bombs hung up to jettison.
Rendezvous with 15 P-51’s at 1250 hours at 4247 N – 1010 E. Escort departed at 1450 hours at 4330 N – 1110 E.
On the route out there were scattered middle level clouds throughout the route from 9,000 to 10,000 feet. Also throughout the route there were scattered to broken high level clouds above flight level. Over the target 5/10 cumulus clouds to 8,000 feet, with scattered high clouds at 23,000 feet. Visibility limited to about 15 miles in haze. Wind at bombing altitude from 350° at 70 mph. On return route weather was the same over northern portion, but with increased amount of middle clouds and scattered low clouds at 3,000 feet. Ceiling over base on return over 10,000 feet.

III. RESULTS
Bombstrike photos show:
718 Sq (A-1) and 719 Sq (A-2) Due to closeness of target time and development of pattern exact pattern of each squadron may not be determined accurately. However, strike photos show good concentration of many bursts in West M/Y with general pattern extending to the Southwest approximately 2,000 feet.
716 Sq (B-1) Smoke from preceding squadrons prohibits an accurate assessment of pattern, however bombs start approximately 2,000 feet Southwest of M/Y and walk into smoke obscured area. Complete camera coverage indicates main weight of bombs to be in M/Y.
717 Sq (B-2) General pattern of bursts are from 2,500 to 4,000 feet Southwest of M/Y with ST RR to MANTUA probably cut by good concentration along tracks.

IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak –Over the target this group experienced Scant, Inaccurate to Accurate Heavy flak of one to four minutes duration.

V. CONCLUSIONS
None lost, two damaged by flak (minor), no casualties, no victories.

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