Mission Details for Frankfurt (#40)

Briefing

Details

Number: 40
Date: 3/20/1944 12:00:00 AM
Commander: Capt. W.C. Garland
Crews Briefed: 21
Details: Engineering Works

Flying Control

Runway: 33
Engines: 0745 Thumbnail image for /Images/Takeoff/Plan33.jpg
Taxi: 0800
Take Off: 0815
E.T.R.: 1541
Notes: Briefing was conducted at 0500 hours. 20 operational aircraft were off by 0846, but the last plane could not take off until 0925. However, because of the long assembly time, all 21 made the formation. A recall of the mission was ordered at 1200 hours.

Debriefing

Aircraft: 21
Lost Over Continent: 1
Lost Other: 0
Summary: The 401st put up the Lead Box of the 94th Combat Wing. After a difficult assembly, due to bad weather over England, the Group encountered solid undercast and overcast over the Continent, which could not be surmounted at 24,500 feet. Consequently, the mission was recalled, and the Group brought its bombs back to Deenthorpe. Notwithstanding rather inaccurate flak over the coast and no fighter opposition, one 401st aircraft (42-38033), piloted by Lt. John A. Dunaway, was lost.

Mission Assignments

Squadron Participants