SPECIAL NARATIVE REPORT No. 221
MISSION: REGENSBURG Main M/Y
DATE: 13 March 1945
I. CHRONOLOGY
32 B-24’s tooks off at 0857 hours to attack REGENSBURG Main M/Y. One early return returned bombs to base. 31 a/c dropped 60 tons of 500 lb GP bombs on primary target at 1325 hours from 23,500 to 25,200 feet. One a/c dropped 2 tons 4 miles short of the target because of an accidental release. 31 a/c returned to base at 1633 hours. None last, none missing and none at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused over CAZZA (4246 N 1631 E) at 1049 hours at 9,000 feet as the third group in the Wing line. The course was as briefed, attacking the target on a heading of 02 degrees true. Because of 7/10 undercast all bombing was done by PFF methods by individual squadrons in trail. The rally was sharp right to rally point at SCHARDING (4828 N – 1326 E) and the briefed course to base was followed.
The weather presented no handicap to the rendezvous or on the route out and back. The I.P. was clear but over the target there was 7/10 middle clouds with bases at 9,000 feet and tops to 12,000 feet.
Rendezvous was made with approximately 25 P-51’s at 1250 hours at 4728 N 1243 E. Escort provided cover to target and withdrawal until departure at 1425 hours at 1348 N – 1512 S.
III. RESULTS
Bombing at the primary was done by PFF methods by individual boxes in trail because of the 7/10 undercast. The PFF operators reported that they picked up the target clearly and had sufficiently long bomb runs. No results were observed and photos show only bombs away. A large column of black smoke was seen coming up through the undercast to 15,000 feet prior to the bombing of this group.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak –at target was reported as S – I – H. It was reported as below the formation in most cases and it’s inaccuracy was indicated by the lack of damage to any a/c in the formation
V. CONCLUSIONS
None lost, none damaged, no casualties, no victories.
