[303rd-Talk] Bombing of Malmedy Belgium 1944

[rex pearce]

Philippe,
The men of the 303rd went to war flying in the B17.
There existed a friendly rivalry between B17 and B24
crews as to the relative merits of the planes in which they flew.
Referring to the late Roger Freeman's book " The Mighty
Eighth" I have discovered the following:
Field Marshal Runstedt launched his Ardennes offensive
in mid- December aimed firstly towards Bastogne. Until
23rd December Allied air power was grounded due to weather conditions. This 
began to lift on the 23rd.
24th December saw an all-out effort by 2034 bombers
of the 8th Air Force, plus 500 RAF heavies, and 9th
Air Force bombers, the largest single airstrike of WW2.
Targets for the B17s were mainly airfields from which the
Luftwaffe might operate in support of the Wehrmacht.
The 2nd Air Division B24s were briefed to attack 14
communication centres west of the Rhine.
I am assuming that Malmedy, approximately 40 miles
from Bastogne, was such a one, although it is not
mentioned by name.
No individual groups or squadrons are mentioned in
the book, and I would not expect such details to emerge now.
Bombing methods employed by the US Air Force
could lead to damage away from the actual target.
A Belgian friend of ours had his home damaged in
an attack on Mechelen railway station, although
living four miles away.
Regret not being able to help more.
Rex.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Philippe Save" <save.philippe at skynet.be>
To: <303rd-talk at 303rdBG.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2007 8:11 AM
Subject: [303rd-Talk] Bombing of Malmedy Belgium 1944


The small Belgian town MALMEDY was twice bombed by B24 on december 24 and 25 
1944.
Does anyone know wich Group and squadron those B24 belonged to?
Eywitnesses report : 18 B24 on dec.24 at 14.30 pm; another group of B24 on 
dec.25 at 16.30pm. The town had previousely been bombed on dec. 23 by six 
B26 of the 322BG, 9th AF, dropping their bombs from an altitude of 3500m.
Any information about that bombing would be grately appreciated.
Thanks a lot

Philippe in Belgium
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