TARGET: CELLULOSE PLANT
PLAUEN, GERMANY
26 MARCH, 1945

The primary target was Zeith with Plauen as the secondary. The Group comprised the 94th B Combat Wing with Major Havey as Air Commander. The Group assembled behind the 35 1st Group in Wing formation.

The route was flown considerably south of course in trail of the Wing Leader. The formation had to climb to above the briefed altitude in order to avoid high clouds along the route. However, the Group was in proper position behind the 351st and followed them throughout.

The formation came back on course about twenty minutes prior to the last turn before the IP. After making the turn, the formation swung off to the right of course, following preceding groups.

The primary target was covered by clouds and it was necessary to attack the secondary target, a cellulose plant at Plauen. The Group then executed a 270 degree turn in order to get squadrons in trail behind the 351St Group formation. Bombing was by squadrons in trail. The ground on the bomb run was obscured by clouds from six to eight tenths, making it necessary for a combination PFFLVisual assist run to be performed by all squadrons.

The bomb run was more difficult because bombardiers had no briefed checkpoints to utilize when openings in the clouds permitted. Weather and clouds made it necessary for squadrons to let down to about 1500 feet below briefed altitude. The MPI was identified about eight miles from the target. Bombs were dropped from 23,500 feet.

Strike photos indicate that bomb results of all squadrons were poor. Seven aircraft landed on the Continent for refueling purposes. Two aircraft landed away in England.

Antiaircraft fire was light and no aircraft were damaged.