Lutter — Secondary Target

Mission Narrative

Three days after the massive Berlin raid, the 351st was briefed for another mission to Berlin. But February 6, 1945 would prove to be one of the group's most tragic days — not because of enemy action, but because of weather. The Weather Scouting Force reported Berlin completely socked in, and the formation was diverted to targets of opportunity. The Lead and Low Squadrons dropped on Eisfelde through breaks in the overcast, while the High Squadron hit Lutter. Neither target held significant strategic value.

The catastrophe came on the return to Polebrook. Cloud bases had dropped to just 200 feet — barely above treetop level. Aircraft circled in the murk, their pilots straining to find the runway. Then, in full view of horrified observers in the control tower, two B-17s collided in the landing pattern. Lt. Ashton's aircraft (43-38080) and Lt. Vergen's aircraft (43-37595) disintegrated on impact. There were no survivors from either crew. Major Roper, the mission's air commander, would later state bluntly that the mission "was very poorly planned and very definitely should not have been flown."

Mission 267 stands as a painful reminder that the air war's dangers extended far beyond enemy flak and fighters. The crews lost over Polebrook that day were just as much casualties of war as those shot down over Berlin. This was Carl's twenty-first mission.

Strategic Context

February 1945 saw the 8th Air Force operating at maximum intensity despite difficult weather conditions. The strategic priorities were clear: destroy what remained of Germany's oil production, paralyze the transportation network, and support the ground forces preparing for the Rhine crossing. Every mission, even those diverted to secondary targets, contributed to the cumulative degradation of Germany's ability to wage war.