Mission Leaders

Posted:
By: Joseph Corley
On: 07/24/2004

I notice that in some instances there will be two (2) leaders listed for a mission. One is listed as "A" and the other as "B". What is the significance of this? I only see this in the "Sixty Years Ago Today" section of the Website. Can someone enlighten me?

Re: Mission Leaders

Posted:
By: Arthur R. Seder, Jr.
On: 07/26/2004

Elements of the 401st sometimes flew with Squadrons from other Groups to make up a composite formation or "Box". For example, see Mission No. 94 in the "Missions" page of the web site, and you will see that the 401st provided the High Boxes of the 94th "A" and "B" Combat Wings, Major White flying the lead of the "A" Box and Major Hinkle the lead of the "B" Box.

Re: Mission Leaders

Posted:
By: Fred Corley
On: 07/31/2004

Thank you very much. Now I understand.

Re: Mission Leaders

Posted:
By: Win Bryson
On: 07/31/2004

Fred:

The book 'The Bombers' by Robin Cross, [C.1987, Macmillan Publishing Co., ISBN 0-02-528930] has quite a bit of detail about formation flying, along with illustrations, including how Groups assembled. It shows how the 54-plane 'box' or 'wing' is made-up of multiples of the basic 3-plane 'vic' or 'V'.

I've seen this book available in stores, and accessible in libraries.

The only 'correction' to the book's info I know of, brought to my attention by a 401BG vet, was the book's over-target diagram (on p.153). Instead of the complex over-target maneuvers in the diagram, I understand the formation 'boxes' stayed in the same order and altitude over the target.

Win