93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy)

The 93rd Bomb. Group was formed in 1942 at Barksdale Field, Louisiana with core personnel from the 44th Bomb. Group. After training at Barksdale, the group moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, where it continued training and flew anti-submarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico. They were credited with 3 U-Boats. After three months, the group moved to Grenier Field, New Hampshire and prepared to move overseas. They arrived in England in late September 1942, ground personnel traveling on the Queen Elizabeth, and flew the first B-24 combat mission from England on October 9, 1942. In November, 1942, three squadrons were deployed to North Africa to support Operation Torch, returning to their new base at Hardwick in February, 1943. They flew missions from England through May, then were taken off operations to train for low-level bombing. In June 1943, the 93rd, along with the 44th BG and the newly arrived 389th BG were again deployed to North Africa. All three groups, plus two from the North Africa based 9th Air Force, conducted the famous low level raid on Ploesti, Romania on 1 August 1943. After three more missions from Libya, the group returned to England, only to be sent back to North Africa two weeks later. After several missions to Italy and Austria, the group again returned to England in October 1943 and went on to fly 396 combat missions (including 43 from North Africa), the highest total missions of any 8th Air Force bomb. group.

For a more complete history, including much more about the Ploesti mission, click on "History".

Also on this site, you will find the story of the 93rd nickname, "Ted's Travelling Circus", the Roll of Honor listing the 670 93rd men lost in combat from March, 1942 to May, 1945, photos of 93rd BG Memorials, crew photos and information on upcoming reunions.

The 93rd BGA newsletter - Ball of Fire Quarterly Express - is now available via email to members of the 93rd BG Association. If you would like to receive it by email, send your email address to paulsteichen@comcast.net

The latest news from Colin Mann about the museum at Hardwick is now on the 93BG Museum - UK page.

Questions, comments and photos appropriate for display on this site should be directed to:

webmaster@93rdbombardmentgroup.com

This site is periodically modified with new features.
Check back often for the latest on The 93rd Bombardment Group Association.
Last modified 31 May 2008