Mission Details for Wittenberg (#51)

Briefing

Details

Number: 51
Date: 4/18/1944 12:00:00 AM
Commander: Lt. James R. Locher
Crews Briefed: 21
Details: Kurmarkiscke-Zellenwelle Viscose Fibre factory

Flying Control

Runway: 5
Engines: 0950 Thumbnail image for /Images/Takeoff/Plan05.jpg
Taxi: 1005
Take Off: 1020
E.T.R.: 1832
Notes: Briefing took place at 0700 hours. All aircraft had returned by 1629 hours, one with an engine feathered.

Debriefing

Aircraft: 21
Lost Over Continent: 0
Lost Other: 0
Summary: The Group was briefed to bomb a target in Oranienberg but, because of heavy strato-cumulus clouds, bombed the secondary, a viscose fibre factory in Wittenberge. Strike photos disclosed that the Group's bombing was excellent and the target an important one. The 401st was led by the Deputy Lead, Lt.James R. Locher, flying "Duffy's Tavern", who assumed command when the Lead aircraft was forced to abort due to mechanical problems. Credit for selection of the target went to Lt. J. F. Brown, the bombardier on Lt. Locher's crew.

Mission Assignments

Squadron Participants