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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
08
July 1944
R.C.A.F.
Lantheuil
Cloudy
in the morning with rain in the afternoon. Three operations were
carried out in the morning. We had the greatest misfortune in
losing J20648
F/O F.M. Thomas who was killed this morning. He took-off for
an operation early this morning and was hit by flak on crossing
into enemy territory. He was returning to 126 Wing for an
emergency landing, but overshot on his first attempt. On the
second approach, his engine cut and the aircraft hit the ground
and burst into flames. Tommy was instantly killed. His death is a
sad blow to all members of our Squadron. In the evening he was
buried at Beny-sur-Mer. Pilots and groundcrews of our Squadron
attended the funeral which was officiated by our very capable
Padre Ashford. The Squadron returned from 121 Wing as the
summerfelt has been laid down on our runway.
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 |
|
JR506
MN574
MN569
MN464
JR521
MN665
|
F/L
Scharff
F/O
Kalen
F/O
Smith
F/O
Thomas
F/O
Swingler
F/O
Burgess
|
Dive
Bombing
|
06:35
|
07:10
'
'
06:50
07:10
'
|
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
A
large Chateau at a cross-road just southeast of Falaise
was believed to be a German Military Headquarters of
some importance. Six Aircraft, each carrying 2 x 500 lb.
bombs, were led by F/L Scharff in the first attack on
the target. While crossing over the enemy lines just
west of Caen, a barrage of heavy flak caused damage to
the aircraft flown by
F/O Thomas, F.M. Frank reported
damage to his aircraft, adding that he was turning back.
In attempting an emergency landing at B-4, the aircraft
suddenly fell out of control at 100 ft. on the final
approach. The machine dove, burst into flames, and one
bomb exploded. F/O Thomas was thrown clear of the
burning wreckage and died instantly.
The
remaining five aircraft reached the target and dropped
all 10 bombs in the immediate target area despite a
rather shallow dive from 6000 to 2005 ft. in the attack
from Southeast to Northwest. The crossing out of enemy
territory was made east of Caen. No flak trouble there.
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| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
|
MN555
MN352
JR362
MN553
MN581
MN401
MN869 |
S/L
Norsworthy
F/O
Gray
F/O
Stetler
F/O
Laycock
F/O
Burton
F/O
Porritt
F/O
Hogg
|
Dive Bombing
|
06:45 |
07:05 |
|
Details
of Sortie or Flight
Once
again "Jerry" was foolish enough to tempt fate
by setting up a military Headquarters in a large Château.
This Chateau was situated in a small woods just a half
mile northeast of Louvigny, which is just to the
southwest of Caen. Seven bomphoons, in a beautiful diver
from 8000 ft. released 14 x 500 lb. bombs on a Chateau
with devastating effect. A curtain of heavy flak was
thrown up throughout the attack but luck was with us and
none of our aircraft were scathed. The target did not
require further attention.
|
| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
|
MN555
MN352
MN869
MN401
MN581
MN553
MN574
MN569
JR321
MN665
JR362 |
S/L
Norsworthy
F/O
Gray
F/O
Hogg
F/O
Porritt
F/O
Burton
F/O
Laycock
F/L
Scharff
F/O
Kalen
F/O
Swingler
F/O
Burgess
F/O
Bernhart
|
Dive
Bombing
|
10:00 |
10:40 |
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
Not
completely satisfied with the results of the last show
against the Chateau, just southeast of Falaise, S/L
Norsworthy led twelve aircraft into the air with a
load of 500 lb. MC bombs aboard. An uneventful trip
was made to the target area and a steep dive was made
onto the target. The dive from 8000 ft. to 2005 ft.
from South to North resulted in excellent bombing
achievements. The chateau was believed to be totally
destroyed. Some ???
flak puffs were observed just over the target. All
aircraft returned safely to base.
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