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Debrief from the 410th BG A flight of 3 A20s took off from Eindhoven and, showing great airmanship and engine management skills, carried out a steep climb out and up to the fighter rendezvous at 14,500ft together and with no engine overheating. We met the Spitfire escort and continued on to the target at Zulpich. The cloud above the cloud base at 10,000ft was dense and with virtually no visibility through it or adequate gaps it was decided to level bomb from just below the cloud base. The target was marked as being in the centre of Zulpich so our job was made easier as we had an obvious aiming point. The landmarks on the way were relatively easy to spot so we were able to give ourselves a good long line up and run in. A successful drop was made on the target and a large amount of railway rolling stock and facilities were destroyed hopefully disrupting the movements of the enemy troops in the area. One unfortunate occurrence was that whilst the Spitfires remained in our vicinity they were unable to intercept a lone Fw190 before it shot down 2nd Lt Dave Crosby whilst he was levelled out for the bomb run. They did, however, down it shortly afterwards. Thankfully Dave and his crew were able to bail out. They managed to evade capture and were eventually delivered back to Eindhoven for beer and steak! Well done! Frustrating though....lined up ready to drop and bang....next thing you know you're on the end of a 'chute. Well done 2nd Lt Dave Haggis for completing a bomb drop and getting back to Eindhoven....hope you bought the ground crew plenty of beer Well done 410BG, proud of you.

Mission Date 15/11/44 402nd FS - Fighter Sweep Nettersheim Sector 485th FS - Fighter Sweep Nettersheim Sector 410th BG - Bomb Infantry Positions Zuplich Debrief: 370th FG The 402nd had 485th unusually had identical mission profiles today, aiming to cover the front-lines with airpower, the 402nd tasked with covering the sector North of Nettersheim and the 485th the sector to the South. With a 7-8/10ths cloud cover at Angels 10 the squadron COs agreed to split the ingress to target area cruise altitudes, the 402nd covering above the cloud and the 485th keeping a watchful eye on the airspace below. As the group approached Nettersheim the 402nd spotted 5 bogeys just above cloud and as they approached these resolved into a number of Fw-190A aircraft engaged with a couple of RAF Tempests. The first 190 was quickly dispatched by Lt. Rea, and with the fight gradually descending through and below the cloud, 2nd Lt. Bowen managed to claim his first kill and Capt. Efftee claimed a probable (with some help from 2nd Lt. Winger). This aircraft was latter upgraded to a confirmed by upper echelon. 2nd Lt. Finknottle engaged and badly knocked about a 3rd 190 but finding himself out of position briefly after the it forced an overshoot, two un-ID'd P-38s joined the fight and with some very accomplished shooting delivered the coup de grace before Finknottle could. This turned out to be the lead element of 485th, Maj. Payne-less and 2nd Lt. Rox, the latter being the pilot who was awarded the kill. With this initial air threat apparently now neutered the squadrons separated and flew their respective North/South patrols finding little of note in the air. Capt. Efftee split the 402nd, leading Red flight above the clouds while directing White (led by Lt. Rea) to scan below. Just South of Eiskirchen Lt. Rea spotted landing lights on the airfield at Odendorf, and got permission to lead an attack. The AAA was light on the initial run and hits were scored on an Fw 190 taxiing on the field but tragically, recently promoted Lt. Casey Baker failed to pull out of his attack run dive and struck the ground on the field. He was killed instantly. As a quick witted bon vivant, accomplished pilot, scourge of the Krauts and general good egg, his presence in the 402nd will be sorely missed. With White flight now only two aircraft, Lt. Rea attempted to keep pressure up on the flak gunners at the field but had to call it a lost cause when the enemy gunners took umbrage with 2nd Lt. Finknottle and inflicted some significant damage to his airplane, obliging Finknottle to RTB and Rea to cover him on his egress home. Finknottle thankfully landed safely, but did run out of gas halfway round the peri-track! Red flight, proceeding on their flight plan but seeing no further air action, also headed back to Florennes. Alas, the Luftwaffe again eschews to afford the 485th much opportunity for kills, 2nd Lt. Rox's kill being the only e/a that they spotted during their patrol. However, dropping to ground level they metered out heavy punishment to two artillery positions and their AAA guns, with Maj. Payne-less and 2nd Lt. Rox claiming a commendable 8 ground targets apiece. 2nd Lt. Richards collected some AAA causing him control issues and whilst he was able to return to Florennes, was obviously fighting to maintain controlled flight on his approach; some palpitations were caused among the ground crew as it appeared he would touchdown amongst a clutch of parked '38s but fortunately he was able to take avoiding action and touchdown just beyond in the grass. Once down he was able to rejoin the runway proper. The pressure isn't letting up gents, we have another mission for tomorrow, the 16th November [to be flown Sunday 13th December 2020] so get your rest and make damn sure you're bright eyed and bushy tailed for tomorrow. 410th BG To follow.

Good news, Crash: David Crosby not only lives but was apparently paying attention during his Escape and Evasion training as he made it back to friendly lines!

370th FG Awards and Promotions: 2nd Lieutenant Bert Finknottle is promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 2nd Lieutenant Dennis Winger is awarded the Purple Heart 2nd Lieutenant Denis Richard is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Personnel: 402nd replacement pilot is due, identity TBC Rosters:

Enjoyed my bomb run, got confused over target but no big change there 😆so don't think I hit much but looking forward to improve next mission. Thanks to Sid and crash for help and chat in mission

Wow!! I am very surprised

That would be coooooooool

No need to apologise Mick, but it's worth noting that as Rox appeared in front of me I was firing on the EA so it's quite possible he was hit by my rounds in the process. I'm glad I didn't hit anything important. It does underline the importance of improving the communication between the units if we're operating in the same area though as none of us want a friendly kill on our records.

Some aircraft attendee news, could make for the rare sight of T-bolt old and new! Can't remember the last time I saw an A-10.

.. I'd still recommend you watch this video cos this fellow is a great story teller!

First one there gets the beers in Sid - you know the rules...

Good show 402ND - well - apart from our pilot mr. Baker. Good team work. Thanks! (Edit: Sorry, sounds like I am blaming mr. Baker - I am not - I worded it wrong there! Just so sad to see we lost him ... )