SPECIAL NARATIVE REPORT No. 217
MISSION: BRESCIA M/Y
DATE: 2 March 1945

I. CHRONOLOGY
27 B-24’s took off from 0824 to 0840 hours to bomb PADUA M/Y. Finding the primary target of PADUA weathered in this group bombed an approved target of opportunity, BRESCIA M/Y. 13 dropped 30 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs on BRESCIA M/Y at 1253 to 1255 hours from 22,800 to 25,000 feet. 27 returned to base at 1535 hours.

II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused over MANDURIA on course to SAN VITO as the second group in the wing formation. From SAN VITO to turnpoint MODENA (4356 N – 1055 E) to turnpoint P. CMIA (4438 N – 1054 E)- When approximately halfway to COLOGNA (4519 N – 1123 E), the I.P. for PADUA, found weather 10/10 over PADUA area, so elected to bomb the approved target of opportunity, BRESCIA. Turned west at 4504 N – 1105 E, passing north of MANTOVA (4510 N – 1048 E) to a point north of CREMONA (4508 N – 1002 E) thence to the left of LAGO D’ISEO to PISOGNE (4548 N – 1007 E), which was used as the I.P. for BRESCIA. Thence to target, thence to 4440 N – 1010 E, to Base.
Weather – 10/10 cloud reported at the primary PADUA. At the target of opportunity BRESCIA 2/10 low cloud with bases at 4,000 feet and tops at 6,000 feet. Haze restricted visibility.
14 to 25 P-51’s were reported as being seen at 1300 to 1304 hours in the area of 4500 N – 1012 E. Escort was reported as being sighted and departing at the same time.

III. RESULTS
718th Squadron (A-1) experienced difficulty in picking up target due to 2/10 low cloud and restricted visibility due to haze. Approximately 47 bursts plotted in residential area 2,000 to 4,000 feet northwest of target.
719th Squadron (A-2) did not drop because of difficulty of picking up target and did not see A-1 drop. returned bombs to base.
716th Squadron (B-1) experienced difficulty in picking up target. Approximately 34 bursts in open area 9,000 feet east of target, with 2 bursts probably cutting highway.
717th Squadron (B-2) on collision course on bomb run with B-1, did not drop and returned bombs to base.

IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak –None.

V. CONCLUSIONS
None lost, none damaged, no casualties, no victories.

Pin It on Pinterest