The History of the 446th Bomb Group (H) 1943-1945

Author: Harold E. Jansen
Publisher: CA
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 90-6120-6618
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Synopsis: Harold E. Jansen's meticulously researched unit history chronicles the combat service of the 446th Bombardment Group (Heavy), a B-24 Liberator unit that compiled one of the most distinguished records in the Eighth Air Force during World War II. Operating from Bungay airfield in England, the 446th Bomb Group participated in virtually every major strategic bombing operation against Nazi Germany during the crucial period from 1943 to 1945. Jansen begins with the group's formation and training in the United States, detailing the challenges of creating an effective heavy bomber organization during the rapid expansion of American air power. The book chronicles the intensive training process that transformed civilian volunteers into combat aircrews capable of flying complex four-engine bombers on dangerous missions over enemy territory. The narrative covers the group's deployment to England in late 1943, describing the establishment of operations at Bungay and the integration into Eighth Air Force strategic bombing campaigns. The author provides extensive coverage of the 446th's participation in major operations, including the costly battles for air superiority over Germany during early 1944, when bomber losses often exceeded twenty percent of aircraft dispatched. Jansen doesn't sanitize these early operations, honestly portraying the staggering casualties suffered during missions like the February 1944 "Big Week" operations against German aircraft production facilities. The book provides detailed mission accounts drawn from official records, crew debriefings, and personal memoirs, recreating the experience of flying combat missions over heavily defended targets like Berlin, Munich, and Schweinfurt. The narrative extensively covers individual aircraft and crews, including the stories of airmen who completed their required twenty-five missions and those who died attempting to do so. Jansen examines the evolution of tactics and technology throughout the war, describing how the introduction of long-range escort fighters dramatically improved bomber survival rates and mission effectiveness. The book addresses the group's role in supporting the D-Day invasion, including pre-invasion attacks on transportation targets and direct support missions during the Normandy landings. The author provides insights into the ground support personnel who maintained aircraft and supported flight operations, acknowledging their crucial contribution to combat effectiveness. The narrative covers the 446th's participation in the final strategic bombing offensive of 1945, including the devastating attacks on German oil production facilities that crippled the Nazi war machine. Jansen addresses controversial aspects of the bombing campaign, including civilian casualties and debates over the effectiveness of strategic bombing doctrine. The book concludes with the group's final missions and the transition to occupation duties following Germany's surrender. Throughout, Jansen maintains focus on the human elements of strategic bombing, honoring both the courage of the aircrews and the sacrifice of those who died in service. This comprehensive unit history serves as both a detailed military record and a tribute to the men of the 446th Bomb Group.

The History of the 446th Bomb Group (H) 1943-1945, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.