384th HQ & HQ Det History

History

Role, Function and Unit Composition

Arrived in England 3 June 1943 at Grafton Underwood. The headquarters was divided into two components, each under an executive officer. The air component directed all aerial operations, and the ground component directed all ground operations not involving flying. A command section, four staff sections (S-1, 2, 3 and 4), group level flight personnel like command pilots, group bombardiers and navigators comprised the main positions in the headquarters. There were 104 personnel assigned to the headquarters including 74 Enlisted Men and 30 Officers including a Warrant Officer.

Daily Duties

• The command staff including the group commander and deputy group commander, who, along with the ground and air executive officers, directed group level operations for the entire base and unit. Several senior pilots were assigned to group headquarters as air commanders for leading the group, including wing and division leads.
• The S-1 Personnel Section administered everything that affected living and working conditions for all personnel within the group. The S-1 received and assigned all personnel, oversaw the group chaplain, Red Cross, and Special Services Squadron. The S-1 operated a Statistical Control Office responsible for the personnel and aircraft strength in the operations room. The Statistical Control Office maintained statistics on personnel and aircraft losses, fuel consumed, and ordnance used. Another S-1 office oversaw all personnel records, awards, and paid wages. A small administrative inspectors department oversaw living conditions on the base such as accommodations and mess halls.
• The S-2 Intelligence Section gathered and disseminated intelligence. S-2 personnel assisted with mission planning, briefings and provided target folders, expected enemy opposition including the often-used flak maps. The S-2 section provided flight maps, interpreted photo reconnaissance images, and conducted flight crew interrogations after the mission. The S-2 section also provided briefings on the overall war situation.
• The S-3 Operations Section established the detailed mission order for the bomb group to execute the Division level combat order. The section worked closely with the group navigator and bombardier to plot the route and times along with target detail identification. Operations personnel also selected lead crews and conducted the mission briefing elements relevant to mission planning. Many operations officers were pilots which had completed a tour of combat operations.
• The S-4 Supply Section performed all the work to requisition, receive, stock, store and issue all items necessary for the group to operate. These supplies ranged from planes to paper. The S-4 oversaw the quartermaster and technical supply operations for the Sub-Depot along with the other units on station.
• Special staff officers reported to the group commander for specialized activities including a communication section, group medical, dental, and chemical officers, a weather officer, engineering officer, along with a chaplain.