VMF-251 took off from 75 with the 364th to escort their Arados to Target W. The 364th's C/O unexpectedly never arrived, so while Subway and Qcare took control of organizing their squadron I assumed general flight-planning duties within the last 15 minutes before launch.
VMF-251 had four 262s and four 109s, supplemented by four more 109s from the CHawks. Based on prior planning within my squadron, the 109s would fly an advanced screen at 25k, with the 262s riding top cover slight behind the formation. The 109s were to drag down enemy fighter cover so the 262s could drop on them. Once the Arados could get past the enemy, they would be generally free to hit their targets.
I had the formation launch in two directions: 109s NE to give them a had start, and the jets SW. The formation rallied at 7.4.5 and proceeded N through the corridor bteween Alpha and Bravo.
At 7.11.8 the bombers turned due west into target. We encountered P-51s directly over the objctive, and as planned most were pulled down by the 109s. The 262s largely maintained top cover and chased the remaining 51s away as they singly targeted the Arados. Of the 21 bombers in our charge (with drones for 7 formations, we lost a couple to discos) by my count from the logs only 3-4 (total ships, not formations!) were actually lost to enemy fire. Three formations accounted for massive damage to the target (based on the zone condition at least 60%).
VMF-251 claimed six enemy down, but lost all four 109s during the engagement, and later one 262 (to a flight of Tempests as we were rtb, just feet wet over the channel).
We were greatly benefitted by the enemy CAP staying close to their defense objective, but even without considering the circumstances the results of the strike were exceptional.
