MISSION DATE:  August 12, 1944
 
MISSION NBR. 119
 
TARGET:  Marseilles, France - Gun Positions
 
I. CHRONOLOGY
            Thirty-seven B-24 type aircraft took off at 0710-0736 hours to bomb gun positions in the Marseilles, France area at the following standard military gird positions: T-671058, T-696046 and T-701037.  Twenty-four dropped 58.75 tons of 500 lb RDX bombs on target at 1140 hours from 20,000 – 22,000 feet.  Two of these twenty-for aircraft jettisoned 1.25 tons in the Mediterranean because of rack malfunction.  Seven aircraft returned 17.50 tons to the base.  Six other aircraft jettisoned their total load of 15 tons in the Mediterranean on the way home because they were low on fuel.  Thirty-seven aircraft returned to the base at 1530-1725 hours of which seven had refueled at friendly airdrome on the way home.  None lost.  None missing. 
 
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT       

            The route out was flown as briefed to the water I.P. where the Group separated into three attack units of 2 boxes each. The lead attack unit approaching its aiming point T-696046 on an axis of 356 degrees, the Second Attack Unit approaching its aiming point T-701037 on an axis of 358 degrees and the Third Attack Unit approaching its aiming point T-671058 on an axis of 354 degrees True.  The lead unit experienced a bomb sight malfunction which inhibited a successful release despite a 360 degree turn and two runs on the target.  This unit returned the bomb load to the base.  The Second Attack Unit made a single run, both boxes releasing on the target.  In the Third Attack Unit two runs were made by virtue of a 360 degree turn: the first box dropping on the first run and the second box on the second run.  The rally was left, the Group reforming over the water and proceeded back to the base as briefed except for the aircraft which landed at friendly airdrome enroute in order to refuel.  Escort of eight P-38's was picked up at Corsica at 1030 hours on the way out and withdrew fifteen minutes later.  Twenty  P-51's were observed at 23,000 feet at 1130 hours just before the target was reached.  They provided penetration, cover and withdrawal where they were last seen at 18,000 feet at 1159 hours.  Weather was CAVU at target.  Enroute there was 2/10 alto-cumulus over Italy with tops of 10,000 feet. 

 

III. RESULTS
            Observation of hits corroborated by photo coverage revealed good coverage of T-671058 by the Third Attack Unit. The Second Attack Unit obtained some hits on T-701037 with the main concentration slightly to the left of the aiming point.  The lead unit did not release on T-696046.
 
IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE
A.     Fighters:  None.
B.     Flak: Flak at the target was heavy, moderate and inaccurate.  The bulk of it burst east of the formation as the formation approached the target area from the water.                 
 
V.  OBSERVATIONS
            At 1047 hours three vessels were observed from 18,000'.  They were apparently sinking.  One was half submerged.  At 1140 hours in La Ciotat harbor from 22,000' there were four vessels visible.  One large transport and two smaller vessels were near the docks and one cargo vessel was in the outer harbor.  At 1150 hours in Toulon harbor five vessels were observed from 20,000'.  It was not determined whether they were merchant or naval. At 1135 hours from 22,000' a submarine was observed moving into Toulon harbor.
 
            Smoke screen:  Smoke generated from the south and west areas of Toulon very effectively screened the city and harbor but did not reach the specified target areas.  
 
            At 1155 hours 3 single-engine aircraft were observed on a parking strip on Myeres.
           
            At 0930 hours two miles south of Cassino there was a column of white smoke rising from the ground which might have come from an aircraft which had crashed.
 
VI. CASUALTIES
None.
 
VII  FLIGHT LEADERS:
            First Attack Unit:
                        1st Box  -  (P)  Jacoby                       (B)  Jefferson
                        2nd Box -  (P)  Coquillette                (B)  Jensen
 
            Second Attack Unit:
                        1st Box  -  (P)  Gilday             (B)  Leavitt
                        2nd Box -  (P)  Nyreen                       (B)  Bozzo
 
            Third Attack Unit:
                        1st Box  -  (P)  Hobert                        (B)  Butner
                        2nd Box -  (P)  Keller                          (B)  Peterson                        


Link To Tactics Report