On December 28th the crew returned to Kaiserslautern, hitting the marshalling yards as part of the continuing effort to cut German transportation lines supporting the now-stalling Bulge offensive. Defenses were lighter than previous visits. The bombing results were assessed as very good. Five flak holes in the aircraft, all crew safe.
28 DECEMBER 1944 · THURSDAY · STATION 104Bombed Primary
Mission 766.Homburg.
Homburg, Germany
Intended Target
Homburg
Homburg, Germany
Operating Group
93rd BG
2BD
Takeoff Base
Hardwick
Station 104
Landing Base
Hardwick
Station 104
Aircraft Effective
28 / 361
effective / dispatched
Bomb Tonnage
103.2
tons
The cost.
§ Outcome
0
Ships Aborting
0
Ships Lost
0
Men Bailed Out
0
Men Lost
The route.
§ Takeoff to Target
Bearing Out
127° T
Bearing In
312° T
Route Length
1,225 nmi
Time Aloft
5 h 30 m
Operational data.
§ From the Debrief
Times & Distance
Reveille05:45
Stations08:45
Takeoff10:35
Return Time16:05
Distance1,225 nmi
Fuel Aboard2,500 gal
Fuel Consumed2,250 gal
Weather
Cloud En-Route to TargetComplete overcast (10/10) — total cloud cover; instrument flight conditions throughout.
Air Temp at Altitude-29 °F
Lowest Temp-33 °F
Wind Speed39 kt
Wind Direction15°
Bombing & Defense
Bombing Altitude21,900 ft
Bombing Run Heading145° True
Forming Altitude11,500 ft
Fighter Cover3 P-51 groups
Bombing AccuracyVery good
Flak
Meager but accurate
The formation.
§ 2 Aircraft Dispatched
Each ship that lifted off, and the men aboard her.▸ 1 ship carrying your selection
Unidentified ship
Sources.
§ Provenance
Mighty Eighth War Diary
Roger A Freeman · Jane's Publishing Company Limited · 1981
Published