6/5/44

98 superforts took off on June 5^th at 0545 hours, to bomb the Makasan Railyards in Bangkok, Thailand, from their bases in India, except the 444^th Bomb Group’s B-29s which staged in equal elements from the other three bases because of the poor condition of their base in Charru. All planes departed on schedule, carrying 5 tons of 500 lb. bombs each (3 groups with GP bombs and one with incendiaries). 42-6318 of the 40^th Bomb Group suffered failure of its No. 2 engine on the take off run killing all but one onboard.

After forming and heading to the target, 17 aborted for various mechanical reasons. The weather thickened at the halfway point and three more B-29s turned back. The remaining 77 airplanes bombed the target from 17,000 to 27,300 feet through a heavy undercast, 48 by radar. Bombing was scattered and poor, only 16 bombs fell within the target area.

A number of fighters were observed, but only 9 (2-Oscars, 2-Tojos, 1-Tony, and 1-Nick) made 12 weak attacks. The B-29s suffered no damage. No B-29s were lost to enemy action.

On return, 2 B-29s ditched due to mechanical failures, 1 ran out of fuel, another failed to return.

                                      Click on the photo to see the full size image.

The following comments were recorded by Major Slack in his personal journal following the mission.

06/06/44 0900

12 hours and 10 minutes flying time yesterday against the Japs. I lead four ships instead of being #2. One of my ship left before reaching the target (Bangkok, Thailand), so in my bunch, there were three ships: 337 Capt. Fleung, 336 Maj. Randolph, and 360 "Arnold’s Abortion" or "Hap’s Hazard".

We had to drop thru overcast by radar, so have no idea what damage our 20 350# incendiaries did. Met no enemy aircraft, but saw some fairly accurate AA. Was forced to make two runs on target as this was radar operator, "Flash Gordon’s" first time as bomb dropper.