Mitchell of the 310th BG, 380th BS, 12AF, “Worth Fighting For”, 42-53451 over Italy
The 310th Bombardment Group (BG) was a significant unit in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) during World War II, particularly noted for its role in disrupting Axis supply lines and supporting Allied ground forces in North Africa.
Formation and Early Operations
Initially destined for the European Theater of Operations (ETO) as part of the Eighth Air Force, the 310th BG, commanded by Lt Col Anthony G. Hunter, was instead reassigned to the MTO. The group consisted of the 379th, 380th, 381st, and 428th Squadrons, flying B-25C and B-25D Mitchell bombers. After assembling in England and arriving in North Africa in November 1942, the 310th BG began its operations in the relatively quiet period of December, largely due to poor weather conditions in Libya.
Combat Debut and Early Missions
The 310th made its combat debut on 2 December 1942, targeting Gabes in Tunisia. Although this first mission was uneventful, the second mission on 5 December, which targeted the Sidi Ahmed aerodrome, resulted in the loss of one B-25, signaling the increasing intensity of the group’s operations. Over the following weeks, the 310th BG conducted multiple bombing raids on key Axis positions, including Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, and Medenine. In addition to these missions, the group also conducted ten low-level sea searches to intercept Axis shipping, which proved crucial in hindering the resupply of Rommel’s Afrika Korps.
Tactics and Challenges
The 310th benefited from the experience of a Royal Navy officer who advised on sea-search missions, recommending low-altitude approaches to enemy vessels followed by a climb and visual targeting method, which improved the accuracy and effectiveness of their bombing runs. These tactics contributed to the sinking of several Axis freighters, further straining Rommel’s already tenuous supply lines.
On 8 February 1943, during an attack on the Gabes aerodrome, the 310th encountered one of its most significant challenges. The mission, escorted by P-38s from the 82nd Fighter Group and preceded by 17th Bomb Group Marauders, ran into a fierce Luftwaffe response, with between 20 and 30 Bf 109Gs from JG 77 engaging the formation. The 310th BG lost four B-25s in the ensuing battle, though German pilots claimed a higher number of kills. Despite these losses, the B-25s demonstrated their resilience, with one aircraft returning to base despite having over 500 bullet holes.
Continued Operations and Legacy
Following the intense engagement on 8 February, the 310th BG continued to carry out bombing missions throughout Tunisia, albeit with varying levels of enemy opposition. As the Luftwaffe’s strength in the region waned, due in part to attrition and redeployments, the intensity of aerial combat decreased, though the 310th still faced sporadic resistance.
Throughout 1943, the 310th BG played a crucial role in the North African campaign, contributing to the eventual Allied victory in Tunisia. After the campaign, the group relocated several times, moving back to Algeria in November 1943, then to Corsica, and finally to Fano in Italy, where it continued operations until the end of the war. The 310th BG’s adaptability and resilience, especially during its early days in the North African desert, underscored its vital contribution to the Allied war effort in the Mediterranean.