This is an addition to the John McClane journal entry for Mission 28 which appears on the previous page. The addition of this page occurred in December 2008 following the acquisition of photos of Rouen, France taken in 1944, a side story in itself.

First, let's take a look at the map below to refresh the timeline of activity in 1944.

It was back on June 6, 1944 that the D-Day invasion occurred on the beaches of Normandy (see map below), stretching from the area around Sainte-Mere Eglise on the west to Caen on the east. Some two and one-half months later, the liberation of Paris was complete, but the war was not over - it would be May 1945 before Germany surrendered. But in August 1944, Germany was in retreat and that set the stage for Mission 28 as described in the John McClane journal.

Fast forward some 64 years to December, 2008. Fortuitously, a gentleman by the name of Paul Wolfe, came across a small photo album (30 black & white photos measuring only 2 by 2  inches) labeled "Rouen 1944." Curious as to their nature, he did an internet search and happened upon Mission 28 of the John McClane journal. After the exchange of a couple of emails, Mr. Wolfe sent the original photo album to me for my review and inclusion in this website. The album had a heavy paper stock cover wrapped around 30 photos that were held in place by a piece of string - (see the front cover). I carefully disassembled the album and scanned each photo which also gave the opportunity to enlarge the original photos which were also enhanced for clarity using Adobe Photoshop CS-3.

It is not certain as to the timing of these photographs relative to Mission 28. Were they taken before or after? Were there previous or subsequent missions in the area that did not include the Lili Marlene? The target of the Lili Marlene mission on August 13, 1944 was a "road junction" so it is unlikely that any of the photos are the direct result of the Lili Marlene on that day. Also the Lili Marlene was part of the 44th bomb group which was part of the 8th Air Force, so there were many other planes taking part in the mission. None the less, the photos reveal incredible destruction in and around Rouen, France as the allies, including the 8th Air Force, pursued a retreating German army in the late summer of 1944.

Thanks to Paul Wolfe of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania for sharing these photos of Rouen, France taken in 1944.

Click here to view the Rouen, France photos.

See map below...