TARGET: AIRFIELD
STARGAARD, GERMANY
6 OCTOBER, 1944

Overcast at the primary (Politz) caused the 457th to attack the secondary target which was an airfield at Stargaard. Led by Lt. Col. Francis with Lt. Seesenguth as pilot, the thirty-six plane formation, comprising the 94th B Combat Wing, took off in early morning. Assembly and route to the target was as briefed, other than to allow the 1st A Combat Wing (flying parallel to the left and out of position) to move ahead in order to prevent any difficulties on the bomb run.

Lead crew Lt. Seesenguth (led by Col. Francis)

Just before reaching the IP, word was received from the weather aircraft that the primary was obscured by clouds. It was then decided to attack the secondary target.

The secondary was attacked visually by all three boxes. The lead squadron picked a new IP in order to avoid the flak from Stettin and proceeded on the bomb run. Bombs were dropped from 25,000 feet. The bombs were exceptionally well aimed, since 85% fell within the 1,000 foot circle, the general build up of the pattern being heavier to the right of the assigned MPI. The high squadron attacked and dropped its bombs into a smoke covered MPI. Photographs indicated a pattern that fell short of and to the right of the assigned MPI. Nevertheless, the falling bomb clusters indicated that the three elements of the squadron were closely positioned. The low squadron bombed through smoke and haze and bombs hit beyond the assigned MPI.

Target Stargaard, Germany

Flak was moderate but inaccurate and fighter support was good. As the planes rallied over the Baltic Sea to return to England, sea planes were observed practicing touch and go landings and P-S Is were going down to interrupt the practice. The planes landed at the base and none had suffered damage.

Music lovers enjoyed a return concert given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Peterborough Cathedral on the evening of October 6th.

Sgt. Albert G. Williams, 457th/751st gunner: Abortion in 630 “Packawollup. Target was Stettin, a long haul – with moderate to intense FLAK. They bombed secondary target, which turned out to be a milk run.

Lt. Edwin B. Benson, 457th/749th bombardier: Mission 12. Stargard (Politz) Air Field. Time 9.50. Low. Dep. No FLAK