The Story of How the 100th Bomb Group Earned Their Nickname “The Bloody Hundredth”

In the vast history of World War II, many groups and divisions faced incredibly tough challenges. Among them, the 100th Bomb Group holds a unique place. Known to many as “The Bloody Hundredth,” this team experienced more than their fair share of hardship and danger. This story uncovers how they came to be known by this name, through their brave actions and the trials they faced.

The Formation and Rocky Beginnings of the 100th Bomb Group

Initially formed on January 28, 1942, the 100th Bomb Group began gathering its crew at Walla Walla Army Air Base in Washington, under the lead of Colonel Darr H. Alkire. However, it wasn’t until November of that year that they received their B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers. From the start, Alkire made it clear to his team that they were in for a rough ride. He told them straightforwardly about the grim tasks ahead, reminding them of the seriousness of their mission.

Despite the dire warnings, the early days were shaky. The group’s training was disjointed and scattered, with many airmen finding ways to avoid proper preparation. This overconfidence in their skills, matched with a lack of proper training, led to a messy pre-deployment phase. An intended training flight from Nebraska to California turned into a scattered mess, with planes landing as far off course as Las Vegas and Tennessee due to various reasons, including personal detours. This lack of discipline led to the replacement of Colonel Alkire with Colonel Howard M. Turner, signaling a rough start for the group.

Once they received focused training in Utah and ironed out their earlier issues, the group made its way to the United Kingdom in June 1943. Stationed at Thorpe Abbotts, they were now part of the significant effort to weaken German forces through strategic bombings.

Their time in combat started with a diversion over the North Sea but quickly escalated to real action against targets in Bremen and surrounding areas. In these early missions, they faced fierce resistance from the German air force and anti-aircraft fire, leading to substantial losses. This immediate confrontation with the brutal reality of war marked the beginning of their notorious journey.

The Evolution of the 100th Bomb Group

Colonel Neil “Chick” Harding soon took command and brought with him understanding and respect for the crew’s mental and emotional health, besides their combat duties. Under his leadership, colorful characters like Majors John “Bucky” Egan and Gale “Buck” Cleven thrived, bringing a mix of daring, talent, and morale-boosting camaraderie to the group. Their stories, along with Harding’s approachable command style, created a spirit within the 100th that helped them tackle the toughest missions, including a significant 12-hour bombing raid on German U-Boat pens in Norway, highlighting their skill and bravery amidst extreme conditions.

The 100th’s path was undoubtedly challenging. Facing some of the fiercest defenses and most daunting missions of World War II, their unwavering spirit and resilience in the face of danger are what set them apart. Their story is not just about the losses and hardships but also about overcoming incredible odds with bravery and teamwork. From shaky beginnings and a reputation for bad luck, the “Bloody Hundredth” evolved into a formidable force, remembered for their critical role in the air war over Europe. Their experiences, both tragic and triumphant, illustrate the complex fabric of heroism woven throughout the history of World War II.