TARGET: PILOTLESS AIRCRAFT BOMS SUPPLY
BERTREVILLE ST. OUEN, FRANCE
6 JULY, 1944

During the period of bad weather between 29 June and 5 July, the tempo of V-1s (pilotless aircraft bombs) falling on London increased markedly. It was deemed necessary to use American heavy bombers in large scale attacks on their French bases in order to alleviate the destruction. The RAF Bomber Command could send only 550 bombers against such bases. The Eighth Air Force dispatched 900 four-engined heavy bombers for this purpose in two operations.

The 457th Group was directed to supply thirty-six planes to comprise the entire 94th A Combat Wing and attack the supply site at Bertreville St. Ouen. This target was one of the eight identified sites providing pilotless aircraft components to the various launching sites in the Dunkerque/Rouen area. The small French hamlet in which it was located was situated about eight miles south of Dieppe.
Lt. Colonel Hoffman was Commander, with Captain Clarence E. Schuchmann as pilot. Captain Lady and Lt. Johnston led the low A and high A boxes.

The English Coast was crossed and over the Channel the three boxes took bombing intervals, entering France midway between Dieppe and Fecamp. Two engines went out on Lt. Morris H. Shuff’s plane, lead of the high squadron in the high box. He left the formation and was followed by his two wing men. They dropped their bombs on the coastal airport of St. Valery-en-Caux and returned home.

At the IP, there were no clouds and visibility extended thirty miles. The target was extremely difficult to locate as the few houses with their orchards and village crossroads were similar to dozens of others in the same area. The lead box dropped bombs with poor results.

The low and high boxes were positioned to the left of the target. They attempted a bomb run, but the distance was too short. A 360 degree turn was then made. Both boxes dropped on the same target with fair results. Enemy air and ground opposition were nil.