Mission Number: 33
Date: 19 Mar’44
Target: Knin, Yugo. M/Y
449th A/C Over Target: 37
Tons of Bombs Dropped: 85 GP
Flak: None
Enemy A/C Destroyed: 0
449th A/C Lost: 0
Results: Excellent
Thirty-seven B-24 H’s took off at 0850 – 0905 hours to attack the M/Y at Knin, Yugoslavia. There were no early returns. Thirty-three planes dropped 82-1/2 tons of 500-lb GP bombs with .1 and .01 fuses. Three planes jettisoned their bombs in the Adriatic Sea; one returned its bomb load to the base.
The planes proceeded from base to the Island of Vis, thence to Drnis the Initial Point, thence to the target. The rally was to the left after bombing at 1133 Able. The formation proceeded along the briefed route to the base. There was no escort.
Visual results indicated very good coverage. The M/Y was covered with dense black smoke. A flash of bright flame was noted in the target area. Smoke was visible from the sea.
Photo coverage disclosed target completely enveloped by smoke. 40 – 50 bursts estimated to be in the target. These were along the longitudinal axis. The railroad line was cut 1,000 feet south. Twenty bursts were noted 2,000 feet south and 20 – 30 bursts 1,000 feet west of the target.
No fighters. No Flak. Total losses: none. No damage from flak or fighters. No casualties.