MISSION DATE:  July 5, 1944
 
MISSION NBR. 97
 
TARGET:  Toulon, France – Submarine Docks and Installations
 
I. CHRONOLOGY
            Twenty-eight B-24's took off to bomb the Toulon Submarine Docks and Installations at 0745-0809 hours.  Two returned early.  Twenty-five dropped 62 tons of 500 lb G.P. bombs on target at 1313 hours from 21,000 – 22,000 feet. One other B-24 jettisoned 2.5 tons after losing an engine.  One other returned 5/10 tons to base as a result of a hung rack.  Twenty returned to base at 1556 hours.  Six were reported at friendly fields, of which five are now at base and the sixth down at Corsica for repairs.
 
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT       

            Rendezvoused with the 376th Bomb Group over San Pancrazio at 0849, hence on course as Wing Leader to San Vito during which the 449th Bomb Group and 98th Bomb Group fell in trail to complete the Wing rendezvous.  Hence, the route flown was as briefed to Initial Point.  The attack was on an average T.C. of 70 degrees with a sharp rally right.  Return route was from target to base.  The weather was CAVU at the target with alto cumulous up to 14,000 feet in the Corsica area.  High cirrus was intermittently seen along the course at 26,000 feet.  Escort as follows: 30 P-38's at 1250 hours at 20,000 feet.  These left at target at 1315 hours.  17 P-51's which were with the formation for 5 minutes flying at about 20,000 feet.

 

III. RESULTS
            Visual observation was difficult because of smoke screens which blew away from the target beneath the line of flight.  Photo coverage indicated the following with reference to target chart 6-101A – N.A.: 1. 6 hits in the dry docks give as the aiming point.  2. Small boats and dry dock hit at T-12.  3. Heavy concentration on the repair docks at NV-12-13.  4. Concentration at V-12, near the power station.  5. Several direct hits on the large shop at T-12.  6. Direct hits on warehouse and pier at T-15.  7. Direct hits on arsenal at N-14.
 
IV.  ENEMY RESISTANCE
A.     Fighters:  None seen.
B.     Flak:    Over the target, the flak was reported as moderate to intense, accurate, and heavy type.  Box type barrage, with about 40 guns firing.  The impression was given that the flak in general was not so sharp as to accuracy as on previous missions.   Ten of our aircraft received minor flak damage.      
 
V.  OBSERVATIONS
            At 1350 hours from 15,000 feet, a tall tower of smoke was seen on the west coast of Corsica issuing from the side of a mountain.
 
VI. CASUALTIES
Ten aircraft were holed by flak, damage minor.
 
VII  FLIGHT LEADERS:
            Gideon           McGinnity                   Thrasher         Bozzo             McWhorter     Schirmacher
            Robert            Butner