The 6th Bomb Group

Mission 18. Super-Dumbo Mission (Apr 1)



This was a Super-Dumbo mission involving 3 planes from the 6th Bomb Group.  Probably in connection with 20th AF missions 52 or 53, mining missions flown by the 313 Bomb Wing on Apr 1 and 2.

 

20th AF Mission 52

Date:  1 April 1945
Code Name:  Starvation #3
Target:  Minefield How, Kure Harbor
Participating Units:  3l3th Bombardment Wing
Number A/C Airborne:  6
% A/C Bombing Primary:  1OO%
Time Over Primary:  012302K - 012333K
Altitude of Attack:  25,700  - 26,460
Weather Over Target:  CAVU
Total A/C Lost:  0
Resume of Mission:  Mining results excellent - 40 out of 48 mines carried estimated to   be effective.  Believed shipping seriously disrupted in Kure Harbor for several days.  Enemy air opposition nil.  AA slight and inaccurate.  Average mine load 8,000 lbs.

20th AF Mission 53

Date:  2 April 1945

Code Name:  Starvation #4
Target:  Minefield   Item, Hiroshima Area
Participating Units: 313th Bombardment Wing
Number A/C Airborne:  10
% A/C Bombing Primary:  90%    (9 A/C)
Time Over Primary:  020116K  - 030136K
Altitude of Attack:  6,000  - 6,100
Weather Over Target:  3/10
Total A/C Lost:  0
Resume of Mission:  Mining results - excellent.  Successfully mined areas left vacant by Starvation Two, Relatively strong blockade of Kure-Hiroshima Area.  One early return.  Enemy air opposition nil.  AA meager and inaccurate.  Average mine load 12,354 lbs.