My Grandfather (Charles W. Bickett) who had flew with the 445th out of Tibenham, England, Had kept in touch with one of his old Bomber buddies for many years after the war. Shortly before my grandfather passed on in April of 1997 he received this story from his good friend Frank W. Federici along with a personal letter. They are as follows................ 17 Feb. 1997 Dear Laila and Charles, Since we have not heard from you this past Christmas we have been concerned. We hope and pray that you are well. We sure would love to hear from you. Vince Mazza and I have been toying with writing this Misberg mission story since 1982. Vince sent me the details about what was happening in the cockpit and I combined them with what was happening in the nose area of the ship with numerous details I took from newspaper clippings that I have saved. The result is the enclosed story which we thought you guys would like to have. Vince, Carl Bally and I belong to the Second Air Division Association (2ADA). This association publishes a quarterly "journal". This story will be published in the next quarterly journal. Amounst other items, the journal likes to publish mission stories that any member may submit. I will also send copies to Vince, Carl Bally, Eddie Goodgion & Jean Krieg (Herbie died 20 years ago). I do not have Kenny Brass' Address or I would send a copy to him, too. If you have Brass' address, please send it to me. I hope you like what we have done. We are "sweating you out" - Please let us know how you are doing. Love, Ida and Frank When this mission was publicized in the "Stars and Stripes" in February 1945, the caption read, " All In A Days Work". This caption is appropriate because we all did our respective jobs and helped each other - a normal bomber crew. We finally decided after 52 years (with encouragement from others) that other bomber crews would like to read about our crew's teamwork and correlate it with their own, especially under such dire circumstances. We also thought that our children and grandchildren, as well as other living crewmembers would want to know. None of our crewmembers gave any thought to publicize this mission over the years because our overwhelming thought concerning Misberg was the loss of Jim Williams, our pilot. Now we feel that Jim would concur, so let us tell our story : The Crew members are: James A. Williams (Pilot) Vincent Mazza (Co-Pilot) Leo J. Lewis (Bombardier) Frank W. Federici (Navigator) John C. Christainson (Nose Turret Navigator) Herbert A. Krieg (Engineer) Carl E. Bally (Radio Operator) Edward W. Goodgion (Waist Gunner) Kenneth J. Brass (Waist Gunner) Charles W. Bickett (Tail Gunner) Click here to see a crew photo: [url "http://img29.photobucket.com/albums/v86/kharn/WWIICrew.jpg"]http://img29.photobucket.com/albums/v86/kharn/WWIICrew.jpg[/url] Our crew was assigned to the 700th bomb squad and had become a lead crew. We were leading the low left squadron or the lead squadron, we do not remember which. In the main briefing room we soon learned that our target was near Hanover which meant that we were going to have a rough mission. We became even more apprehensive when we learned that we would be bucking a 150-mph head wind during the bomb run! We took off, assembled into formation, and took the "American Highway" (the route over the Zuider Zee). After the "Zee" we continued on the briefed courses, which were generally in an easterly direction north of Misberg. At this time the navigator checked our ground speed which was 375 mph. We flew past Misberg, turned right (south) and then right again to head in a westerly direction on the bomb run with a ground speed of 90 mph! Some of you Misberg navigators will re-call this speed (we were hanging on "Skyhooks"). We went into our bomb run, routine with the navigator talking on the interphone to the nose turret navigator to pinpoint our location. In turn, the nose turret navigator (who could see directly in front of the aircraft) worked with the bombardier until the bombardier had the target in his bombsight. Once the bombardier had the target in his bombsight there was absolute silence (no use of the interphone) while he controlled the aircraft as he synchronized the bombsight. The bombsight controlled the automatic pilot during the bomb run. During the early part of the bomb run (Before the bombardier had the target in his bombsight) the navigator saw many fighters high at 3:0’clock in a big dogfight and mentioned it on the interphone. They were about 30,000 feet (hundreds of them – P-51’s and ME-109’s). We saw five or six trails of smoking aircraft each time we had a chance to look in that direction. We learned after our return to base that 105 German fighters were shot down during that battle. Of course the P-51"s were our fighter cover and this day they were involved in this dog-fight. Meanwhile the enemy had assigned other of their fighters to hit our squadron by coming in 5 abreast at 11:o’clock. On the first wave our pilot, James A. Williams, was hit with a 20mm. and killed instantly. The bullet went through his flak suit and embedded in this backpack parachute. The pilot slumped over the controls and the co-pilot, Vincent Mazza, immediately took over with one hand while trying to hold the pilot back from the control with the other to avoid a collision with other ships in our formation. The biggest problem that the co-pilot was having was the pilot’s flying boots were interfering with the rudder controls. The flight engineer heard this and got out of the upper most turret. The co-pilot pointed to the pilot’s boots. The engineer saw the problem, but the co-pilot had to apply left rudder momentarily to free the boots (even though it meant turning into a B-24 on our left, then immediately applying right rudder to avoid a collision). The engineer freed the boots from the rudder controls. Our left wing almost touched the waist gunner on the B-24 on our left! Close is only good in horseshoes and hand grenades! The engineer strapped the pilot into his seat. Then a second wave of enemy fighters came in and a 20mm. Explosive shell knocked out the nose turret, wounded the nose turret navigator and blew out all of the Plexiglas below the turret and in front of the bombsight. In turn, the bombardier who had already synchronized the bombsight was knocked over and against the navigator, who in turn was knocked down onto the nose wheel doors. The bombardier’s helmet and oxygen mask were knocked off and he was completely dazed. The navigator, Frank Federici, shook him and with sign language sent him back to the flight deck. The navigator called the radio operator, Carl Bally, and told him to watch for Leo Lewis or have Herbie Krieg, the flight engineer, attend to him. The flight engineer and radio operator shared their oxygen masks with the bombardier until another mask could be brought to him from the waist section of the ship. The waist gunner Eddie W. Goodgion was called and asked to bring blankets and an oxygen mask for the bombardier whose ears and face were frost bitten. The tail gunner, Charles W. Bickett, had lost communication with the rest of the crew and was unaware of the situation. [#ff0000](* Read my comments at the end of the story)[/#ff0000] Back to the navigator – Bombardier area of the ship. Since the bombardier had already synchronized the bombsight, the navigator grabbed the salvo lever, watched the movable indice come abreast of the stationary indice on the bombsight, (Bombs away) and salvoed the bombs to insure that they were released on target. After the bombs were released the navigator helped the wounded nose turret navigator, John Christainson, out of the turret. He was able to crawl back to the waist section of the ship where the left waist gunner, Kenneth Brass, tended his wounded leg. Most of the crewmembers were "busy-beavers" on this particular bomb run – a considerable amount of additional activities that occurred in a few minutes! The navigator tucked his trousers back into his boots (they came out when he was knocked down earlier). Frost bitten shins were not discovered until our return to base. At this time the navigator recognized the situation of a 200-mph windblast at –55 °C with a possible third wave of enemy fighters. With self-preservation in mind, he pulled out his .45 pistol and looked through the Plexiglas hole to fight the enemy’s 20mm. cannons! Quite a few profane remarks were uttered but fortunately our Lord was with us. Another wave did not come. The navigator recognized that the co-pilot had gained complete control of the ship and since all four fans were working we were able to stay in formation for our mutual protection until we were out of enemy territory in spite of the cold air and windblast. Any straggler is easy prey for the Luftwaffe. When we were finally able to descend, we were on our own. The navigator noticed that his maps and charts were torn and tangled in the control cables. The co-Pilot was assured that this was not a problem and that compass headings would be given without maps. This was feasible because this was our 25th mission and the navigator was familiar with various landmarks on the way to base. To avoid much of the windblast, the navigator sat on the navigator table and continued to direct the pilot. It was difficult to stand and function with this gale. Meanwhile back in the cockpit our co-pilot’s eyes felt like they were freezing and he was having difficulty seeing. To avoid some of the airblast, he looked down and saw his plastic goggles dangling from the wing flap lever. He grabbed the goggles and put them on. Vincent Mazza still believes that this 50 cent item probably saved our lives. We hit Great Yarmouth on the coast of East Anglia and continued to base. The crew teamwork brought us home. Our pilots tube was damaged causing the air speed meter and altimeter to be inoperative. The navigator fired distress flares out of the top hatch while the co-pilot maneuvered along side of another B-24 which was on it’s final approach. The other pilot recognized that we were in trouble and let us move into his pattern for our landing. Our co-pilot had been gauging his speed and altitude while flying with the other B-24. Our co-pilot (now pilot) "greased us in" although it was fast. The flight engineer handled the throttles for the pilot. We learned that the other B-24 was piloted by Henry Orzechowski. Again, more teamwork. The co-pilot had a large double chin when we hopped out of the ship (frostbite) – he also had frost bitten wrists. The bombardier’s ear lobes became one inch thick from frostbite. The crew attended the graveside services for James A. Williams and 51 others at the Cambridge, England cemetery. Five other ships from our squadron were shot down at Misberg. This was a rough one! Henry Orzechowski suggested to the authors that we should write about this mission. F. H. "Pete" Bradley who was Charles (Chuck) walker’s navigator also suggested to this crew’s navigator that we ought to submit this story to the 2ADA Journal. We finally did it "Pete" and Veronica Orzechowski. We are certain that this would have made Hank very pleased. "All In A Days Work"? Not one we would like to repeat! [#ff0000]*[The tail gunner, Charles W. Bickett, had lost communication with the rest of the crew and was unaware of the situation.][/#ff0000] When I sat and read this story with my Grandfather (Charles W. Bickett) He told me that he was quite aware of the situation and the reason that he had lost communication. He had told me that the reason he had lost communication was by that time with all the jerking and bucking the aircraft was doing (unusual compared to his previous 24 missions) that he was half way up the tail section of the aircraft trying to get to the cockpit. He said in his own words " I was trying to get up there to fly that damned plane myself!" Unfortunately we lost my grandfather just a couple of months after he received this story from Frank Federici. He would never talk much about the war with us. I guess it bothered him. Which is totally understandable. But after he received this story, he did start talking about some things that happened. I wish we could of heard alot more of his stories.... I miss my Grandpa.

Many thanks for sharing this wonderful story. It points out vividly the conditions that our men went through to accomplish their missions and the teamwork that was necessary to be able to return to their bases. This type of story needs to be told and I'm grateful to the authors for their presenting it for future generations. May they never be forgotten and may hunger for research into that era be strong as time goes on. The veterans who remain are going to their eternal reward at a very fast rate and I pray that many of them are still able to relate their stories when asked by their children and grandchildren. They are ever in the memory of those of us who were part of that time and who lost loved ones in that supreme effort to preserve our freedom. [signature]

I should of mentioned in my post that out of the 10 brave men in that Misberg crew, there remains only 2 still living today. Frank Federici is one of them. I believe Vincent Mazza is the other, But i am not possitive about Vincent. Both of the remaining surviors are in thier 80's now. A dying breed that should never be forgotten and should always be honoured. My Father has recently written to Mr. Federici to find out more about my grandfathers time during the war. Up till a few weeks ago we thought he flew in a B-17D. But to find out he was actually the Tail Gunner in a B-24D Liberator.

This type of story needs to be told and I'm grateful to the authors for their presenting it for future generations.

I totally agree, this is why i spent about 3 hours typing this story on my computer from the hard copy i have. I am also happy that Mr. Federici and Mr. Mazza took thier time to supply us a little of thier own personal experiences during the war. Especially for me because it involved my grandfather. When Mr. Federici wrote my father back, he told my father that he has 3 other stories that they had compiled. I wait in anticipation for those to arrive.

Talegunner: What a wake up call to see this on the 445th. Just wanted to inform you as it was the Fw 190A's of JG 301 that attacked the 445th this date and brought down 5. My cousin Siegfried Baer flew an Fw 190A-9 from 5./JG 301 and was killed in action with B-24's south of Misburg on this terrible aerial date. 30 of his Komraden were lost and in fact it has been called "Black day for JG 301" I have much information from the German sided if you are interested........that attacked the 445th and 491s b.groups. let me know as my e-mail is in my profile. thanks so much for your hard work and the excellent account ~Erich [signature]

Please direct your thanks to Mr. Federici and Mr. Mazza. For they are the ones who took the time to write such a wonderful account of that mission in their own prespective and experiences. I am truely sorry for your loss, as i am for everyones loss at that time in history. I have never heard the German accounts of that battle over Misberg, So yes, i would be interested in reading them. I will be contacting you via e-mail very soon. thank you Erich for the offer of sharing that information. [signature]

Tail gunner, the city Misburg is located almost due East of Hannover some 12 miles. JG 301 was equipped with 3 gruppen of Fw 190A-8's and A-9's. The better performing A-9's were almost exclusively fitted to I. and II. gruppe in November of 44. This was to be JG 301's second official opeerational mission and from this mission they were slaughtered. The three gruppen met up as a Gefechstverband to the North and east of hannover and flew in a southwest direction to intercept the 491st and later the 445th after the bombers had dropped thier bombs and made the turn to the northwest......from Al Blue and microfische on the 445th, In a ? from this battle, some a/c made single attacks on the lead squadron at this same group shortly before the R.P. But this squadron which was in tight formation and only 20 seconds behind the group-445th ahead, suffered no losses.......the low squadron of the preceeding group-445th however, lost 5 of it's 11 bombers to a series of single attacks, apparently made by some of the same fighters. Here again the enemy a/c hit from4-8 o'clock high and low, making numberous belly attacks. Enemy fighters which made individual attacks frequently broke away to the side without losing altitidue, pulled ahead of the bomber formation, then turned to make a new attack, flying across the bombers path without attempting a pursuit curve. " After attacking the 491st which lost 16 B-24's at least 15 Fw 190's of III. gruppe attacked the 445th and although not recounted in the offical JG 301/302 diary, some total claims for 58 bombers were made by JG 301 pilots this date in November. Over 40 German pilots from this Geschwader were either killed or wounded thus some 1/3rd of the total JG 301 complement was lost...... " daß man Ausblaten der jagdfliegerei nennen mußte ".........a terrbile blood-letting of the fighter pilots. As I said earlier my cousin Unteroffizier Siegfried Baer was killed in action south of Hannover near Holtensen/Wülfinghausen and he is buried here in the local Holtensen graveyard (Friedhof). Here is a pic of his gravesite. ~Erich, oh and I must not forget what the crew saw of the Bf 109G's was from JG 6 taking on P-51 escorts. I have more if interested. As this is just a brief summary; having some file upwards of 6 inches thick..... [signature]

let me continue this but from an earlier time period in the battle to the end. As the Gefechtsverband(battle formation) of Fw 190A's from JG 301 was ready to attack the rear of of the 491st, JG 301's I. and II. gruppe made up higher protective squadrons to the heavier Fw 190A-8's of the leading III. gruppe. these higher elements engaged the P-51's of the 2nd scouting force who surprised the higher elements as they dove down on them. the 355th fighter group came in second and engaged the two gruppen as a whole. parts of the I. and II. gruppe forming heavier squadrons banked away to attack the bombers while the rest of the Fw 190's tried to fend off the more experienced P-51 pilots. As the 491st was getting hammered and later the 445th the battle had continued almost due south and south west to west of Hannover in the area of Wünstorf and this is where the US 339th fighter group also lent a hand. One pilot and an ex-bomber crew vet Bert Stiles shot down a Fw 190A of JG 301 but due to visual fixation Bert slammed his P-51 into the ground close by his victim. The 339th would fly due westward to help protect the rest of the B-24's and B-17's being attacked by JG's 1 and 6. ~Erich [signature]

thanks for the information Erich. It is very interesting reading. I dont know if your interested, But i have started collecting and building Models of WWII aircraft. I have found a very nice model made of Balsa wood of a FOCKE-WULF 190. Here is the website if your interesed in them. [url "http://www.guillow.com/GuillowDetail.asp?UID=581054&prod=406&SeriesId=20&FamilyId=1#"]http://www.guillow.com/GuillowDetail.asp?UID=581054&prod=406&SeriesId=20&FamilyId=1#[/url] [signature]

TaleGunner, I am Frank Federici's daughter and am happy to know that you've written to my dad. He was thrilled to hear from you. For Father's Day of 2002, I gave him a 3-ring binder containing his mission history. It was prepared by Dick Gelvin, historian of the 445th. He is no longer assembling mission histories due to his health but Mike Simpson might be able to assist if you'd like to inquire about ordering one on your grandfather. Your grandfather flew 22 missions with my dad. The mission book is a real treasure: listings of all missions flown - dates, places, targets, types of bombs, etc., and many other valuable pieces of information. Dad fully intends to respond to your letter. . . and I'm on back up!! Contact me anytime. . . you've found a wonderful source in my dad. By the way, Vince Mazza is alive and well in Honolulu. Carol Federici Rice P.S. For Dad's 80th, our family gave him a flight on a B-24 sponsored by the Collings Foundation. . . his 31st mission!!! [signature]

Erich - the 355th History has the sequence of "interruptions" different in that their version was that 354 and 357FS intercepted the first wave and the 2SF and 358FS intercepted the top cover of JG301(no id until this thread).. Thank you for a very insightful piece.
 
Regards,
 
Bill Marshall - author Angels, Bulldogs and Dragons - History of 355th FG in World War II

Erch - you know Bert Stiles wrote the War Lover? Great details on the mission.

Based on 445th account and the Encounter Reports here is how I read the fighter sequences.  At or around 1210, it seems that the 357th was the outfit first engaging between Misburg and Gardelegen.  Red and Yellow Flight leaders (Bille and Haviland) attacked a force estimated at 40+ of Fw 190s and high cover 109s.  The 109 drivers were described as 'aggressive'.  It would seem that this first force steaming in was JG1 and JG6 coming from Gardelegen over the tops of high cumulous to the east.  In this battle seven Fw190s and 109s (4 and 3) were destroyed plus a damaged and a probable as well
 
The bomber track probably went to Celle area before turning south toward the IP... then west to the target
 
This is probably about the time the 389th was over the target and the 445th was at the IP and turning back toward Misburg and the 491st was in trail.
 
The order of battle for the 355th was 358 leading, 357 aft  and 354 center with 2SF trailing a mile or so behind  the 491st.
 
I suspect that the second battle, the one that was described by "Misery at Misburg" narrative, was between the 354th and the second wave of elements of JG1/JG6 plus III./JG301 as the 354th also shot down 109s and 190s.
 
For this rat race to be "at 3 o'clock' it would mean that the 445th had turned west on bomb run just before bombs away and the 491st is coming to the target.   The 2nd SF is behind everyone to assess strike damage.  I suspect this is when the I. and II. JG301 attacks in multiple line abreast waves and hits the 491st from 5 to 7 o'clock attacks and sweeps forward before pulling ahead of the 445th, making a 180 degree turn, and make a couple of head on passes.

The 358FS has turned back and chases the middle series of line abreast attacks leaving no one left to cover the last wave of I. & II./JG301 Fw 190s - and this is where the 2nd SF comes in.
 
The 358 and 354 scores were around 1225-1245 and the 2SF was around 1230.  Most described in the S. Hannover area, including some 361st Mustangs.
 
The 361st engaged after the 357th FS around the Celle-Gifhorn axis at 1215-1230 - after the bombers had bombed Misburg if I have this correct.  I suspect their initial attack was on the JG6/JG1 forces as they shot down 109s also as well as Fw 190s.

Is this how you read it?

Regards,

Bill

PS - both the 354th and 357th had mixed Me 109s and Fw 190s, while the 358th and 2nd had all Fw 190s.  I suspect the first group the 355th attacked were JG6/JG1, mixing with perhaps III./JG301, then 358 and 2nd strictly deal with I. & II./JG301?

My father had been in the Army and Army Air Corp four years when Hickam was hit. He went into the Pacific immediately with the 42 Squadron the 11 BG in 1942. 

This photo is from 1943. A month ago I made contact with three of the men who are in the photo with my father. My father is Heilman, then Ken Crothers, Warren Coats and Lt. Krey were the three I spoke to.

Warren Coats told me they are were all new recruits in 1943. He told me that my father was like the "Old Sgt". in the movie "All's Quiet on the Western Front" and that he went over item by item the things that kept them all alive the next few years and that he had experienced in the Pacific in 1942.

Warren told me "Your father told us what the bombs or shells coming in on top of us or over us would sound like and to watch him". He told me "Your father had those noises down perfect and that it kept me alive'.

Like you stated, my father never discussed any of this with us. My father was a hero and lived with me all my life and I never knew it. I agree with your statement,  you wish you had them back to shake their hand, hug them and spend one more day with them.

[image]local://upfiles/14753/E594A6CC0CCC4F2C92FCF9B7A6C27405.jpg[/image]

Attached Image(s)

Sincerely yours,
PA.Dutchman

Son of T/Sgt. Ray A. Heilman, JR.
11 TH Field Artillery 1937-1940
Schofield Barracks
7 TH AAC 11 BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam Survivor 12/7/1941
AAC Armorer (P) 911
P.U.Citation1942

The names on the photo

[image]local://upfiles/14753/7B7B7A2AAF574884BF442B13529FA246.jpg[/image]

Attached Image(s)

Sincerely yours,
PA.Dutchman

Son of T/Sgt. Ray A. Heilman, JR.
11 TH Field Artillery 1937-1940
Schofield Barracks
7 TH AAC 11 BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam Survivor 12/7/1941
AAC Armorer (P) 911
P.U.Citation1942

Talegunner:
 
I show your grandfather flying 31 missions with the 700th Bomb Squadron, 445th Bomb Group between 12 Jul 44 and 16 Jan 45.  If you would like more details, please contact me directly at 445BG@cox.net.

Mike Simpson
Webmaster & Unit Historian
445th Bomb Group (Heavy)
www.445bg.org
VP, 445th BG, Kassel Mission Historical Society
www.Kasselmission.com

thanks all for reviving the thread with many more new clues to this very strnage and embittered entanglement of a battle and entangled it was.

Bill no the I. and II./JG 301 had two staffels that flew as high cover so that is 4 staffels taking on your dads 355th and the 2nd SF, the other 4 staffesl of I. and II. gruppe attacked the US B-24's of the 491st at the tail and the 445th bg in the center.  along with the III. gruppe of Jg 301 the Schwere gruppe attacked with the ehavier laden A-8's and A-8/R2's with the 30mm cannons.  III gruppe attacked at first in wave element line abreast and then broke up in very small sections of 4 in a wedge diamond formation led by their Schwarm leaders, the same can be said of the heavy staffels of I. and II. gruppe that did not tanngle with the 2nd or 355th, as they went North and west to engage the 445th JG 1 and JG 6 Fw's and 109's came in from the NW to meet the B-17 and B-24 formations.  to add to the confusion as I. and II./JG 301 tried to get close to the B-24's heading NW and ourt of the hannover area they were set upon by the US 339th fg this is where Bert Stiles comes in, the aerial battle ensued over the mountain ridge to the west of Hannover and many Fw's and pilots fell, was the 355th/2nd Sf engaged here is a question ?  Possibly not if I understnad you right Bill, that they headed northward to hit JG 1 and 6 with the mixed bag of LW a/c.

E ~

Nur die jenigen, die man vergisst, sind wirklich tot

Eric - Encounter reports are not always reliable as we know. The 357FS History and the Haviland, etc Encounter Reports both agree the first engagement of the Red and Yellow Flights were a.) east of Celle and just west of Gardelegen and b.) at 1210.

The last (and all) 339FG Encounter Reports  are 1300 SE Dummer Lake responding to calls from B-24s under attack.

The early 361FG reports are from 375FS at 1215 and 1220 attacking mixed 190/109 force 20 mi NE Brunswick, the second batch is from 374FS at 1220 and 1225 near Wittingen as B-24s are 'turning on IP'.

The earliest 355FG reports are from 357FS (Red and Yellow flights) at 1210 attacking mixed 190/109s coming from NE as 'bombers approached IP'

The ensuing 355th FG attacks then ranged from 1220 to 1225 (354FS) from E to SE Misburg/Hannover to 2SF attacking in 1230 timeframe S.Hannover... with 358FS engaging at 1230.  The 358 was leading for 355th FG so they were pulling back toward the 491st from the 389th BG up front is my guess

So, the 361st and 357/355FG engaged the JG6/JG1 batch initially as the B-24 lead ships were around the IP as near as I can tell.  The rest of the 355th (and 2SF) engaged (probably) the JG301 elements including the high cover - but no more 109s.

The 339th got all of their action out in front on the return leg, with the lead CW's of B-24s, SE of Dummer Lake as the 361st and 355th and 2SF were scrambling to help out the 389th, 445th and 491st in trail, engaging along the axis NE Celle to SSW of Hannover.

As near as I can make out the narrative, the 2BD went west about 90 above Hannover, turned south toward IP near Celle, then wsw at maybe 225 toward Misburg, bomb, continue to a point then turn west 270 for home before Dummer Lake?

The 361st was flying sweep out in front and north side of inbound B-24s,  the 339th under MEW control back around Dummer Lake, and the 355 was escorting the three B-24 Groups in trail.  The first attacks came from NE between the 355th and the 361st (seemingly) because the 355th engaged about 5-10 minutes before the 361st

So, the order of battle for JG301 units seems to be exactly as you say, but the initial attacks that the 361st and 355th met were more probably from the JG1 Fw 190s covered by the 20+ JG6 Me 109 top cover?

On the question of the Dummer Lake area - no. The 355th's last engagement was around 1245-1250 S and SW Hannover - about half of the 355th (those that had fuel) returned to escort.  Two flights of the 357FS/355FG engaged the JG6/JG1 force and broke it up, to a degree.
 
The361st waded in and further disrupted JG6/JG1 as near as I can tell.
 
Then the 354FS/355FG engaged another several waves of Fw190s (no 109s) which surely are the first JG301 force from NNE?
 
Then the trailing wave(s) that hit the 491st was attacked by the 2SF after 15 B-24's went down - and continued through to go after the 445th.  I think this is where the 358FS/355FG came in to make sure there were no more attacks on either Bomb Group, and mopped up on 5 Fw 190s out of that last attack.
 
All action for 355th stopped here S Hannover about 5 -10 minutes after last bombs away for last group