TARGET: V.K.F. BALL BEARING WORKS

BERLIN, GERMANY

4 MARCH 1944

The 457th returned to Erkner and the V.K.F. ball bearing works. The Group comprised the low box of the 94th Combat Wing and six craft were provided for the high box. Major Watson was Air Commander and Lt. Bender was pilot.

The weather again proved to be a deterrent and prevented the bombing of the target. Due to heavy cumulus clouds topping 28,000 feet, the Group was unable to locate the 94th Combat Wing and later joined the 41st Combat Wing, which had only two boxes. After crossing the Rhine River between Cologne and Coblenz, the preceding wings turned back and headed toward England. No bombs were dropped, but the six aircraft assigned to the 94th Combat Wing high box did drop on an unidentified target by PFF methods. Results were not observed due to heavy cloud cover. Enemy resistance was moderate, primarily flak over the coastal area. All aircraft returned and damage was minor.