On  1942, 12 B-17Es of the 97th, with the lead aircraft piloted by Major Paul Tibbets and carrying Brigadier General Ira Eaker as an observer, were close escorted by four squadrons of RAF Spitfire IXs (and a further five squadrons of Spitfire Vs to cover the withdrawal) on the first USAAF heavy bomber raid over Europe, against the large railroad marshalling yards at Rouen-Sotteville in France, while a further six aircraft flew a diversionary raid along the French coast. The operation, carried out in good visibility, was a success, with only minor damage to one aircraft, unrelated to enemy action, and half the bombs landing in the target area.
In 1942, twelve B-17Es of the 97th Bombardment Group, led by Major Paul Tibbets and carrying Brigadier General Ira Eaker as an observer, were escorted closely by four squadrons of RAF Spitfire IXs (and a further five squadrons of Spitfire Vs to cover the withdrawal) on the first USAAF heavy bomber raid over Europe against the large railroad marshalling yards at Rouen-Sotteville in France. Meanwhile, six aircraft flew a diversionary raid along the French coast. The operation was successful with minimal damage to one aircraft, unrelated to enemy action, and half of the bombs landing within the target area.