SPECIAL NARATIVE REPORT No. 234
MISSION: LINZ North Main M/Y
DATE: 31 March 1945
I. CHRONOLOGY
32 B-24’s took off at 0738 to 0757 hours to bomb LINZ North Main M/Y. 2 returned early, 1 returning bombs to base, 1 jettisoning 2 tons at 4718 N – 1242 E due to engine failure and resultant loss of altitude. 30 dropped 60 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs on target at 1213 hours from 23,000 to 25,000 feet. 29 returned to base at 1510 hours. None lost, 1 missing, none at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
The attempted Wing rendezvous at CAZZA (4245 N – 1630 E) failed because of broken clouds from 5,000 to 20,000 feet, Groups proceeded on course individually, each making its own way through the weather. Arriving over CAORLE (4536 N – 1253 E) at 1021 hours at 18,500 feet, this group found its way open to continue on the briefed route to target. The middle layer of clouds dispersed north of the Alps with only 8/10 cumulus to 12,000 feet remaining to the target area. The attack on the target was made by PFF with only an occasional glimpse of the ground through breaks. The return route was hampered by the middle layer of clouds encountered on the route out. Little difficulty, however, was encountered in keeping the formation intact either on route out or return.
8-10/10 overcast in the target area caused PFF bombing and prevented the observation of results.
16 P-38’s were sighted at 1040 hours at 4420 N – 1320 E at 20,000 feet. They were last seen at 1300 hours at 4600 N – 1455 E. Escort was evaluated as excellent.
III. RESULTS
8-10/10 overcast completely prevented observation of results. PFF operators reported good runs and visual observation through cloud breaks confirmed course. The lead A/C of 716th Sq (A-2) lost an engine on the bomb run, lost altitude and left the formation, causing this squadron to toggle on the 717th Sq (A-1).
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak –M – A – H. One A/C is missing, presumably lost engines from flak hit over target. Was last seen losing altitude in target area.
V. CONCLUSIONS
One lost (42-51526), 3 damaged by flak (1 severe), no casualties, no victories.
