MISSION NO. 172

486th Bombardment Group (H) | 23 March 1945

TargetHolzwickede M/Y

Force42 B-17s

Altitude23,000 FT

Time on Target1334 - 1336

Mission Objectives & Execution

Visual attack on the primary Marshalling Yards. Despite interference from the 93rd Wing and smoke obscuring the MPI, the 486th achieved significant results. Squadron D successfully diverted to a bridge at the end of the yard as a target of opportunity.

Operational Narrative, Pg 1.

Flimsy 172

Squadron Performance

Squadron	Aircraft	Leader	Strike Result
832nd ("A")	11	Capt Simpson	GOOD
833rd ("B")	11	Capt Connelly	GOOD
834th ("D")	11	Lt Brown	EXCELLENT
835th ("C")	9	Maj Stidd	POOR

Command & Intelligence Staff

Capt. Simpson (Air Leader)
Maj. Gudenkauf (Adjutant)
Capt. Shearer (Photo Intel)
Capt. Miller (Briefing)
Major Morriss (S-2)
Lt. Stewart (Bombing)
Lt. Maurer (Navigation)

Operational Notes

Flak: Meagre, inaccurate tracking flak at target; accurate at battle line.
Technical: A/C 557 reported severe engine vibration and bombsight failure.
Formations: 4-squadron compact pattern confirmed highly effective for visual bombing.