B-17 LT STEVENS raid on Chartres 1944-08-01

THE BOMBING OF THE CHARTRES 01 AOUT 1944

On 1 August 1944, 1014 and 397 four-engine escort fighters of the 8th US Air Force took off from England. Initially, the city of Berlin was the main target of the day. However, due to extremely cloudy sky that could compromise the mission, the US command decided to change the targets. Chartres, Chartres and Orleans are now among the priority objectives of the bombers.

The attack on the city of Chartres will be done in three stages, the first wave consisting of 58 "Flying Fortress" B-17 that target Chartres airfield while 36 others are to attack the bridges to cross the city.

THE CRASH OF THE B-17 LT STEVENS

Around noon, a first wave of bombers took off from England with the aim of bombing Chartres. At 2:45 p.m., the first formation of bombers arrive at Chartres by the West to destroy the airfield. These bombers, are those of the 322nd Bomber Squadron of the 91st Bomber Group which took off from the field Bassingbourn between London and Cambridge. Chartres German DCA is moderate but precise and has hit a first B-17. The B-17 (No. 42-97879) belonging to the 322nd Bomber Squadron of the 91st Bomber Group is controlled by 2nd Lt. Arthur L. STEVENS.The bomber crashed immediately to the west of Chartres. According to testimony given by other members of the panel, the unit was hit by shells between the cockpit and the bomb bay, and to the left wing. The device then engaged in a spin with two engines on fire. Of the five men who manage to jump, one opens his parachute. The four remained stuck in the burning aircraft. To 1,500 feet, flying fortress, probably still loaded bomb explodes in the air and scattered debris over a large area. The lucky man who saves his life was Sergeant Laurence E. DOYLE, rear gunner but was captured by the Germans.

The members of the crew:

Pilot	Arthur L. STEVENS	2nd Lt	Matr. 0-535698	Slew
Co-pilot	Gordon W. DIXON	2nd Lt	Matr. 0-764255	Slew
Navigator	Thomas J. Scheurell	2nd Lt	Matr. 0-670172	Slew
Bomber	Thomas J. Minnick	T / Sgt	Matr. 6949060	Slew
Radio operator	Gordon E. Carrell	S / Sgt	Matr. 15118410	Slew
Gunner	Eldred W. BASKIN	T / Sgt	Matr. 34267955	Slew
Gunner	John Leszkowicz	S / Sgt	Matr. 6147264	Slew
Gunner	Paul B. Taliaferro	Sgt	Matr. 33633005	Slew
Gunner	Laurence E. DOYLE	Sgt	Matr. 17042662	Prisoner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read more about Thomas J. Minnick: http://www.history.fredvogels.com/the-history/other-interesting-records/american-cemetery-and-memorial/J-27-10.html 

Thanks to http://forcedlanding.pagesperso-orange.fr/bozarth.htm