CHRONOLOGY
28 B-24’s took off at 0620 hours to bomb FERRARA R/R Bridge. No early returns. 28 dropped on target 68.5 tons of 1,000 lb RDX bombs fused with .1 nose and non-delay tail at 0945 hours from 23,500 to 24,100 feet. Two of these jettisoned 1.5 tons. 26 returned to base at 1215 hours. 1 lost to flak at target, none missing, and 1 landed at friendly field with wounded man. There were 28 effective sorties.
ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused with 450th Group at MANDURIA on course to SAN VITO at 8,000 feet at 0726 hours in line behind the 98th and 376th Groups. Thence to keypoint at 4440N – 1320E, to turnpoint, TAGLIO, at 4501N – 1212E to IP to target, attacking on a heading of 229° True. Rallied left and proceeded to PORTO GARIBALDI at 4441N – 1213E, to 4435N – 1254E to base. The weather was clear at take off with visibility of 10 miles in haze. Clear over Adriatic to north of spur. Scattered middle and high clouds were encountered to RAVENNA. 4/10 alto cumulus and alto stratus, 21,000 feet, east of FERRARA. Clear over target with visibility 15 miles. Return trip same with slight build up of cumulus over Italian ridges. No escort was seen. No radio jamming was reported.
RESULTS
Target was smoke obscured by bomb bursts but photos show that majority of bombs fell to north of bridge on land, cutting R/R approaches to bridge. Few bursts are seen industrial area south of bridge.
ENEMY RESISTANCE
Fighters: No E/A were sighted. Flak: Over the target, flak was I-A-H and of 3 to 5 minutes duration. It was of the aimed type and black in color.
CONCLUSION
Total Losses: 1 (From flak at target.) [1000 hours, 20,000 feet, 4425N -1220E, B-24 dropping down and appeared to be going back over enemy territory to land or bail out. One engine was smoking.] Damage: From flak, 10 (8 minor, 2 serious). Casualties: 1 seriously wounded (from flak). Victories: None.
