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This
Day In History
Summary
of Events for No.
439 (CAN) Squadron
as
recorded in the 439 Squadron Operations Record Book
for
07
July 1944
R.C.A.F.
Lantheuil
Cloudy
in the morning, clearing up in the afternoon. The pilots and
groundcrew drove down to 121 Wing this morning. Our Squadron
operated from 121, carrying out three operations in the afternoon.
The Ack-Ack boys need their optics adjusted as they were heaving
up a barrage at our Squadron returning from "Ops" at
approximately 16:55 hrs. Lowering of the undercarriage did not
deter the gunners from firing. Fortunately, there were no
casualties. A terrific barrage was heard this morning at
approximately 04:00 hrs. which was released by our Army. A large
Allied bomber force was seen heading in the direction of Caen in
the evening. This city was heavily bombed, and heavy smoke and
flames were seen in that direction.
Detail
of Work Carried Out by No. 439
RCAF Squadron
as
compiled by in the 439 Squadron Operations Record Book Form
541
| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
|
MN574
MN352
MN869
MN401
JR506
JR521
MN464
MN765
|
F/L
Dadson
F/O
Gray
F/O
Hogg
F/O
Rassenti
F/L
Scharff
F/O
Bernhart
F/O
Thomas
F/O
Burgess
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Dive
Bombing
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13:50
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14:10
'
14:35
'
'
'
'
'
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
Given
a target, the supposed Army Headquarters just west of Domfront,
F/L Dadson led an eight plane show against it. While
passing north of Caen, flak scored a hit on the
aircraft flown by F/L Dadson and he jettisoned his
bombs before returning to base. His number two returned
with bombs on. F/L Scharff took over the lead and bombed
the target as planned. No flak was encountered near the
target and the diving attack was carried out from 9000
ft to 2500 ft. 12 x 500 lb. bombs burst on the dispersed
target area. Some flak was thrown up at the Squadron on
the return journey, but no other aircraft were hit.
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| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
|
MN555
JR321
JR506
MN464
MN352
JR562
MN581
MN401 |
S/L
Norsworthy
F/O
Hewson (1)
F/O
Brown R.A.
F/O
Stitt
F/O
Monson
F/O
Henderson
F/O
Burton
F/O
Porritt
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Dive Bombing
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16:05 |
16:55 |
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
A
large group of Army tents, just west of Domfront,
assumed to be a Headquarters location, was selected as
the target for this Ramrod. S/L Norsworthy led the show
into the air, and encountered little flak on the trip
over enemy territory. The target was attacked on a 60
degree dive from 8000 ft to 2000 ft and the large target
area was effectively blanketed. Red flak puffs were
observed ?verey.
The Squadron straffed the occasional M.T. and one D.R.
on the return trip. No. claims were made.
Just over B.5 our own flak opened up on the Squadron as
it was preparing to land. Fortunately their aim was as
bad as their aircraft recognition and none of our
aircraft were hit.(2)
Our pilots carried out every recognized trick in the
trade to identify themselves as friendly, but the boys
on the ground kept on playing until it was no longer
fun, then quit. Suitable reports were made !
Webmaster's
Notes:
(1) The Logbook of F/O GW
Hewson records that he had a hang-up on this mission, but
carried out 3 strafing runs on the target.
(2) Although the above narrative
claims that none of 439's aircraft were hit, Geale's
logbook specifically states that he was
"shot up by our own flak" although damage if any
was not described.
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| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
|
MN555
MN581
MN869
MN553
MN401
MN574
MN464
JR506
JR521 |
S/L
Norsworthy
F/O
Brown J.A.
F/O
Stelter
F/O
Henderson
F/O
Porritt
F/L
Fiset
F/O
Stitt
F/O
Brown J.A.
F/O
Hewson
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Dive
Bombing
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20:45 |
21:00 |
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
Given
the information that severe resistance by the enemy
army was being given at the village of Buron,(3)
the Squadron of nine aircraft once more took to the
air. Despite an almost prohibitive ceiling of 4000 ft.
and a large number of local showers, the target was
reached without difficulty and bombed successfully.
Since the actual target was in close proximity to our
forward troops, the terrific damaged wrought by
dive-bombing Typhoons was easily apparent to them all.
It is a terrific morale booster to our troops and a
shattering blow to the ego of enemy troops. A very
small amount of flak was fired at our aircraft in
retaliation. All aircraft returned safely to base.
Webmaster's
Notes:
(3) Again flying Typhoon M, F/O GW
Hewson noted in his logbook that the target was only two mile
from the airfield, and that the bombing was excellent.
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