09 NOVEMBER 1944 · THURSDAY · STATION 104Bombed Primary
Mission 707.Metz.
Metz, France
Intended Target
Metz
Metz, France
Operating Group
93rd BG
2BD
Takeoff Base
Hardwick
Station 104
Landing Base
Hardwick
Station 104
Aircraft Effective
385 / 402
effective / dispatched
Bomb Tonnage
1,055
tons
The cost.
§ Outcome
0
Ships Aborting
0
Ships Lost
0
Men Bailed Out
0
Men Lost
The route.
§ Takeoff to Target
Bearing Out
136° T
Bearing In
319° T
Route Length
1,000 nmi
Time Aloft
6 h 45 m
Operational data.
§ From the Debrief
Times & Distance
Reveille
03:00
Stations
06:20
Takeoff
07:05
Form-Up
06:45
Time Over Target
09:00
Return Time
13:50
Distance
1,000 nmi
Fuel Aboard
2,500 gal
Fuel Consumed
1,950 gal
Weather
Cloud En-Route to Target
Mostly cloudy: heavy stratus layer (7/10) with additional cumulus buildups covering 3/10 of the sky.
Air Temp at Altitude
-31 °F
Lowest Temp
-27 °F
Wind Speed
81 kt
Wind Direction
290°
Bombing & Defense
Bombing Altitude
12,000 ft
Bombing Run Heading
85° True
Forming Altitude
14,000 ft
Fighter Cover
3 P-51, 3 P-47 groups
Bombing Accuracy
Very good — Patton's offensive began the following morning
Flak
Friendly flak line 13 feet below; meager enemy fire; none at target
The formation.
2 aircraft · tap a ship for its crew
Sources.
§ Provenance
Mighty Eighth War Diary
Roger A Freeman · Jane's Publishing Company Limited · 1981
Published