HEADQUARTERS
VIII BOMBER COMMAND
 
ETOUSA
  
 
A.P.O. 634
  
     
     
 

Intelligence Narrative No. 14 - Day Operation 21 October, 1942
 
Group
No. & Type of A/C
Target
           
93
    
24
B-24
  
Lorient
Submarine
Pens.
97
    
21
B-17
  
"
"
"
301
    
25
B-17
  
"
"
"
306
    
20
B-17
  
"
"
"
11
CCRC
  
17
B-17
  
Cherbourg/Manpertus A/D.
Total
  
107
       
 
     
 
Part I
  
     
          Sixty-six B-17's and 24 B-24's from 93, 97, 301 and 306 Groups were detailed with R.A.F. and U.S. fighter escort to attack the submarine pens at Lorient (Keroman). Submarine pens now complete will house 18 submarines and additional pens under construction will accommodate 11 more. This important submarine base is thought to be the base of operations for submarine warfare in the Atlantic.  
     
          Of the total aircraft detailed, 15 B-17's from 97 Group attacked the primary target at 17,500 feet dropping 30 x 2000 lb. H.E. bombs. Three B-17's 97 Group returned early, 2 due to delayed take-off and one due to mechanical failure. Sixty-nine aircraft from 93, 301 and 306 Groups returned early due to solid overcast at bombing height.  
     
          Route and Chronology:     Take off from base was between 1015 and 1137 hours.  
     
          Route of 93, 97, 301 and 306 Groups - Base - 10 miles south of Bath - Start point - Ile de Batz - Nevez - Target - Point 5 miles west of Lannion - base. Time over target was 1306 hours. Time of landing at base was 1511 hours; one damaged aircraft landed away from base. Aircraft from 93, 301, and 306 Groups turned when at a point approximately 45 miles from the English Coast and returned to bases; all fighter escort returned with these groups.  
     
          Weather:     At the time of take-off heavy overcast at 27,500; lowering rapidly to 19,000 over the French coast and Target area. Weather over target was 3/10 - 4/10 clouds, 7000 to 8000 feet with top layer 18,000 to 20,000 feet.  
     
          Results:     Two crews reported several hits on cradle ramp between pens, Nos. 1 and 2 (B & A, respectively, on amended target map). Most crews report numerous bursts on pens 1 & 3 (B & C respectively, on amended target map) and area including slips south of the pens. Attack was made on a course 1000 - 1120 magnetic. Six aircraft took photographs.  
     
          Encounters:     As formation crossed enemy coast enroute to target, it was attacked by 36 FW 190's and continuous battle ensued to vicinity of Quiniperle. During this continuous encounter 9 enemy aircraft were destroyed, 6 probably destroyed, and 6 damaged (Figures subject to revision). Three B-17's were shot down by enemy aircraft and 6 others damaged by E/A, 5 members from 3 crews slightly injured in the damaged aircraft.  
     
          Flak:     Batteries of 8 to 10 guns observed 3 miles north of target on W. bank of river, fired inaccurate bursts, being several thousand feet short as to range. Two or three other batteries noted in target area but could not be pin pointed; from St. Michel - En - Greve to Perros - Guired crews reported numerous heavy flak bursts which were generally accurate as to height but caused no damage.  
     
 
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        Observations:     Sightings of enemy shipping were reported to Coastal Command. Twelve large barracks were observed in woods approximately 2 miles E. NE of Plougineau. Crew of B-17 No. 343 D of 97 Group reported seeing a B-17 shoot down an enemy aircraft and to see the E/A fall into the sea, and the B-17 was in turn shot down and fell into Douarnenez Bay.
 
 
Part II Diversion.
  
     
          17 B-17's of 325, 326, 327, and 407 Squadrons of C.C.R.C. No. 11 made a diversionary raid on Cherbourg-Maupertus Airdrome. The route was from Base to a point 20 miles beyond Salisbury, to the Needles, to target, to the Needles, and thence to Base. Rendezvous with 5 R.A.F. Spitfire Squadrons was made at 23,000 feet over the Needles at 1200 hours, and with 3 Squadrons over the target.  
     
          9 Planes attacked Primary at 1213 hrs. dropping 161 x 100 HE from 23,000 ft. 13 bursts were observed S/E of airdrome in dispersal areas on west and southwest sides of the field. 17 bursts were seen outside of the immediate target area.  
     
          No enemy aircraft were encountered. Flak over target was behind and below formation. Flashes were also seen in the woods north of the target. Flak bursts were mostly black puffs but there were some white puffs.  
     
          All our aircraft returned safely from this operation. Of the eight planes which aborted seven had mechanical difficulties and the remaining one failed to sight the target in time.  
     
          No photographs were taken.  
     
          Crews reported seeing at 1215 hrs. in target 1 FW 190 flying north at 18,000 feet; 3 FW 190's in formation going south above our fighter escort; 2000 yards to right and below; two Ju 88's and 5 Spitfires in dogfight; 2 FW 190's 1200 yds. to left engaged in dogfight with Spitfire at 26,000 feet.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Executive A-2
  
     
 
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