Mission Details for Kassel (#176)

Briefing

Details

Number: 176
Date: 12/4/1944 12:00:00 AM
Commander: Capt. C.A. Lewis
Crews Briefed: 39
Details: Railroad marshalling yards

Flying Control

Runway: 28
Engines: 0810 Thumbnail image for /Images/Takeoff/Plan28.jpg
Taxi: 0825
Take Off: 0840
E.T.R.: 1656
Notes: Briefing took place at 0430 hours. At 0720 a one hour delay was ordered, resulting in the times indicated above. After takeoff, the leader of the low squadron landed with an engine out but was able to transfer to a ground spare and rejoin the formation. A Grafton Underwood B-17 attempting an emergency landing at Deenthorpe was unable to make the field and crash-landed 1,000 yards northeast of the field; however, all crew members were safe. One abort and one spare returned early. All operational aircraft were down by 1755 hours, Flying Control noting: "Good night landings by all."

Debriefing

Aircraft: 39
Lost Over Continent: 0
Lost Other: 0
Summary: December brought a change in Eighth Air Force targets from oil production facilities to transportation hubs. On this mission, where the 401st provided the three squadrons comprising the 94th Combat Wing "A" Group, the Group bombed the marshalling yards at Kassell through solid clouds by PFF (radar) technique. Flak was meager and inaccurate, and no enemy aircraft were spotted. In consequence, none of the Group aircraft received battle damage.

Mission Assignments

Squadron Participants