Mosquito PR XVI NS710 of the 25th BG, 653 Bomb Squadron
The 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) was a specialized unit in the Eighth Air Force during World War II, focusing on weather reconnaissance, photographic reconnaissance, and other special operations. Initially formed as the 802nd Reconnaissance Group (Provisional) on 22 April 1944, it was re-designated as the 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) on 9 August 1944.
Unit Overview:
- Established as: 802nd Reconnaissance Group (Provisional) on 22 April 1944.
- Activated as: 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) on 9 August 1944.
- Stations:
- Watton: 22 April 1944 – 23 July 1945.
Component Squadrons:
- 652nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy): Operated B-24 and B-17 aircraft.
- 653rd Bombardment Squadron (Light): Operated Mosquito aircraft.
- 654th Bombardment Squadron (Special Purpose): Operated Mosquito and B-26 aircraft.
Combat Aircraft Operated:
- B-24D/H Liberators: (April – November 1944)
- B-17G Flying Fortresses: (from November 1944, primarily 652nd Bombardment Squadron)
- Mosquito PR.XVI: (from April 1944)
- B-26G Marauders: (used by 654th Bombardment Squadron, limited number)
Command Assignments:
- 325th Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance): From 9 August 1944.
Group Commanders:
- Lt Col Joseph A. Stenglein: Date unknown – 23 September 1944.
- Col Leon W. Gray: 23 September 1944 – 14 April 1945.
- Lt Col John R. Hoover: 14 April 1945 – 19 June 1945.
- Maj Ernest H. Patterson: 19 June 1945 – July 1945.
Key Operations and History:
- First Operation: 22 April 1944.
- Total Credit Sorties: 3,370 (with 1,493 by the 652nd Bombardment Squadron).
- Aircraft MIA: 15 (including 2 from the 652nd Bombardment Squadron).
Special Duties and Missions:
Weather Reconnaissance: The 25th Bombardment Group was responsible for providing vital meteorological data for the Eighth Air Force, with missions conducted over the Atlantic, adjacent waters, and continental Europe. This data was crucial in planning bombing missions.
Photographic Reconnaissance: The group’s Mosquito squadrons were heavily involved in weather scouting ahead of bomber formations and visual reconnaissance of target strikes.
‘Chaff’ Screening Flights: The group also performed electronic warfare missions by dispersing chaff to confuse enemy radar during bombing missions.
Aircraft Markings and Camouflage:
Mosquito PR.XVIs: Typically finished in PRU Blue with Roundel Blue spinners and black serial numbers. Unique markings included red-painted vertical tails after August 1944, especially for aircraft flying deep into enemy territory to avoid misidentification by Allied fighters.
B-26G Marauders: Employed for night photographic work with glossy black undersurfaces and vertical tails, contrasted with Olive Drab upper surfaces.
B-17G Flying Fortresses: Initially retained their factory camouflage, later operating in natural metal finish with minimal markings, apart from black radio call letters on the fins.
B-24J Liberators: Operated in natural metal finish with black call letters on the lower fins, with no other unit-specific markings.
Subsequent History:
- Redeployment: The group was redeployed to the United States in July and August 1945.
- Inactivation: The 25th Bombardment Group was officially inactivated at Drew Field, Florida, on 8 September 1945.