SPECIAL NARRATIVE REPORT No. 147
MISSION: BOLOGNA Barracks Area
DATE: 12 October 1944
I. CHRONOLOGY
40 B-24's took off at 0736 hours to attack barracks in Bologna area (Target
17 on Sheet 87). There was one early return. 32 dropped on target 57.1
tons of 100 lb clustered GP bombs with .1 nose and non-delay tail fusing
at 1214 hours from 24,000 to 26,800 feet. 7 jettisoned 12.65 tons and one
of the a/c over the target returned .45 tons to base. 37 returned at 1426
hours. None lost, none missing, two at friendly fields. There were 32 effective
sorties.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused with 450th Group at Manduria on course to San Vito at 3,000
feet at 0854 hours with the 376th and 98th Groups falling in line behind.
Proceeded to left of briefed course to 4245N - 1055E to Gorgona (4326N
- 0954E) to keypoint at Sestri (4417N - 0923E) to 4457N - 1102E to a point
north of target (4448N - 1052E) to target, attacking on a heading of 142
degrees true. Bombing was done visually and by individual boxes. Rallied
right until clear of flak and then left to 4430N - 1152E. Proceeded to
4415N - 1212E, did a 90 degree turn to the left to avoid flak and proceeded
to 4425N - 1230E to base.
The weather showed a few altocumulus clouds at 7,000 feet at take-off but no interference from weather. Low clouds increased to 7-8/10 at Elba with 4/10 cirrus at 25,000 feet. Gulf of Genoa shoed several layers of overcast of low, middle and high clouds, all below 24,000 feet. The target itself had 2-3/10 cumulus with tops at 10,000 to 12,000 feet, 1/10 altocumulus with tops at 12,000 feet, and 2-3/10 cirrus with bases at 27,000 feet but there was no interference from weather. Visibility was 10 to 15 miles in slight haze, improving to 15 to 25 miles. 6/10 cumulus with bases at 4,000 feet at base on return.
Rendezvoused with approximately 20 P-38's at 4454N - 1010E at 1154 hours. Escort departed at 4420N - 1240E at 1228 hours and was reported as excellent.
No radio jamming was reported.
III. RESULTS
Photo coverage reveals that results were poor to mediocre with a few hits
in the edge of the target. Majority of the hits were north and northwest
of the target and principally in open fields.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters. No E/A were sighted
B. Flak. Flak at the target was reported as M/I-A-H and of 7 to 9 minutes
duration, both aimed and barrage type.
[No losses. Damage from flak: 3 a/c (2 minor, 1 serious). No casualties.]