This Day in 303rd Bomb Group History: May 18th

glm@303rdbg.com (Gary L. Moncur) — 18 May 2026 16:57:49 -0000

May 18, 1943
8th AF: The Combined Bomber Offensive (CBO) plan for the round-the-clock bombing of the enemy from the UK by the RAF and 8th AF is approve by the Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS). The 8th AF now has authorization to proceed with daylight strategic bombing within the type of combined offensive it has long wished to initiate. The CBO plan lists the destruction of German fighters as the immediate priority objective. Primary objectives in order are German submarine yards and bases, the German aircraft industry, ball bearings, and oil (the last being contingent upon attacks from the Mediterranean against Ploesti, Rumania). Secondary objectives in order of priority are synthetic rubber and tires, and military motor transport vehicles.

May 18, 1943
The VIII Bomber Command, 1st Bomb Wing, established a new 103rd Provisional Bombardment Combat Wing. It consisted of the 303rd BG, 379th BG and the 384th BG.

May 18, 1944
303rd BG: Mission to Siracourt, France was scrubbed.

May 18, 1945
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS 8th AF: The 862nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 493rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), moves from Wormingford to Debach, England with B-17s.