B-29 of 468th BG over Yawata during August 20, 1944 raid
The XX Bomber Command faced a challenging debut during its first operational mission on June 5, 1944, when 98 B-29s were launched against Makasang, near Bangkok. Unfortunately, one B-29 was lost during takeoff due to an engine failure. The bombing run itself was hindered by low-level clouds, making the target difficult to see, and several aircraft faced technical issues, particularly with their bomb release mechanisms. Although the remaining bombers dropped their payload of incendiary and high-explosive bombs through the clouds, the operation had mixed results. In addition to the aircraft lost on takeoff, five more B-29s failed to return, with only one crew eventually recovered.
Despite the setbacks, the mission proved that both the B-29 and its crews had potential for improvement as they gained experience. Following this initial operation, a move from India to China began in mid-June, with about 80 bombers making the trip, while others followed later once deemed fit to fly.
Preparations were made for a mission targeting the Yawata steel works on the Japanese island of Kyushu. However, the mission encountered numerous issues, including weather conditions and technical failures, which led to the loss of seven bombers. Two of these were destroyed in a tragic mid-air collision when one B-29 flew into the wreckage of another bomber shot down by a Japanese fighter. Another B-29, belonging to the 444th Bomb Group, made an emergency landing at a Chinese airfield due to mechanical problems but was subsequently strafed and destroyed by Japanese fighters.
Further complicating the XX Bomber Command’s efforts was an ineffective attack on the Japanese Naval Base at Sasebo, also on Kyushu, during which most bombs missed their target by at least 12 miles. This was largely attributed to radar malfunctions, though the Yawata mission was slightly more successful, with at least one bomb hitting the target.
Both of these early missions demonstrated significant challenges, indicating that improvements in training, equipment reliability, and tactics were necessary to make the strategic bombing campaign more effective as the war progressed.