Shades of Kimbolton, a Narrative of the 379th Bombardment Group (H)

Author: Derwyn D. Robb
Publisher: Newsfoto Publishing Company
Edition: Second Print
Cover: Hardcover
ISBN: 318 of 1981
Unit
Leather Bound, Embossed

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Synopsis: Derwyn D. Robb presents a comprehensive unit history of the 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy), documenting this distinguished B-17 Flying Fortress unit's operations from England during World War II. The book traces the group's formation and training in the United States through its deployment to Kimbolton Airfield in England and participation in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. Robb meticulously documents the group's involvement in major bombing campaigns including the Combined Bomber Offensive, Normandy invasion support, and the final strategic missions that helped bring about German surrender. The narrative includes extensive firsthand accounts from aircrew members, ground personnel, and support staff who served with the group, providing personal perspectives on the dangers and challenges of strategic bombing operations. Technical aspects of heavy bomber operations are thoroughly covered, including aircraft modifications, armament configurations, formation flying procedures, and the complex coordination required for large-scale bombing missions over defended territory. The book documents specific missions and notable achievements of group personnel, including detailed accounts of successful bombing attacks, defensive actions against enemy fighters, and the daily routine of maintaining combat readiness under operational conditions. The work examines the evolution of strategic bombing tactics and the lessons learned from combat experience that improved mission effectiveness and crew survival rates throughout the campaign. Environmental and operational challenges of operating from English bases are addressed, including weather conditions, maintenance difficulties, and the psychological stress of repeated missions over heavily defended targets. Command relationships and coordination with other bombing groups are analyzed, showing how the 379th fit into the larger Eighth Air Force organization and contributed to overall strategic objectives. The book includes detailed accounts of losses suffered by the group and the impact of combat casualties on unit morale and operational capability, showing the human cost of strategic bombing operations. Training procedures and crew replacement systems are covered, documenting how new aircrew members were integrated into combat units and how experienced personnel transferred their knowledge to newcomers. Base life and off-duty activities are examined, showing how aircrew and ground personnel dealt with the stress of combat operations and maintained morale during extended periods of combat duty. Photographic documentation includes aircraft, personnel, and operational scenes that illustrate the daily realities of heavy bombardment group operations during the European air war.

Shades of Kimbolton, a Narrative of the 379th Bombardment Group (H), is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.