SPECIAL NARATIVE REPORT No. 229
MISSION: ST. POLTEN (South) M/Y
DATE: 23 March 1945
I. CHRONOLOGY
31 B-24’s took off at 0810 hours to attack ST. POLTEN (South) M/Y. 1 early return returned bombs to base. 30 a/c dropped .51.5 tons of 100 lb GP bombs on primary target at 1204 to 1206 hours from 19,100 to 20,800 feet. 32 a/c returned to base at 1534 hours. None lost, none missing; and none at friendly fields.
II. ROUTE AND ASSAULT
Rendezvoused over MANDURIA at 0848 3/4 hours at 6,000 feet on course to SAN VITO as third group in the Wing line ahead of the 450th Group. The course to target was as briefed. The formation attacked target on an axis of 310° and returned to base on briefed course.
Weather on route out was generally clear with visibility about 20 miles. Over the target it was clear with visibility over 30 miles. On return route it was nearly clear throughout with a few low cumulus clouds over the Dinaric Alps.
Rendezvous was made with approximately 25 P-38’s at 1105 hours at 4555 N 1500 E. Escort provided cover to target and withdrawal and departed at 1313 hours at 4450 N – 1515 E.
III. RESULTS
According to photo interpretation all squadrons, placed bombs in the yards in which there were at least 400 units of rolling stock. Many units were destroyed and damaged all tracks being cut in several places. The following are the results by squadrons:
717th Sqdn (A-1): General pattern of bursts fell across M/Y with bursts both East and West. Many bursts on rolling stock and tracks.
716th Sqdn (A-2): Good pattern of bursts across M/Y and rolling stock with bursts on both sides of M/Y.
719th Sqdn (B-1): Good concentration of bursts on M/Y with general pattern walking across M/Y. Four scattered bursts on houses in small residential area Northwest of target.
718th Sqdn (B-2): Pattern of bursts slightly Southeast of M/Y, however many bursts have fallen on Southern half of M/Y.
IV. ENEMY RESISTANCE
A. Fighters: None.
B. Flak – None.
V. CONCLUSIONS
None lost , none damaged, nocasualties, no victories.
