MN870

JR506

MN765

MN665

MN989

MN310

JR362

MN869

F/L Fiset

F/O Bernhart

F/L Scharff

F/O Swingler

F/L Burton

F/O Smith R.

F/O Moen

F/O Allen

F/O Brown J.A.

Details of Sortie or Flight

The bombs carried into the air this morning were destined to be dropped on the squareheads in a group of German Headquarters buildings at the village of Montvarel (T8454). Sixteen of the eighteen one thousand pound bombs carried aloft fulfilled their destiny. F/O Bernhart had two hang-ups and was able to jettison them later into the Channel. F/L Scharff had one hang-up which he was able to release in a second dive over the target. The target was attacked in a good dive from south to north beginning at 8,000 ft and releasing bombs at 3000 ft. Bomb bursts were seen right in the centre of the target area and a number of buildings were completely demolished. No light flak was seen throughout the mission and one salvo only of heavy stuff was fired at the invaders over the target. All aircraft returned to base to report complete success of their mission.

 

MN989

MN869

MN553

JR500

JR521

MN379

JR506

MN665

S/L Norsworthy

F/O Henderson

F/O Hogg

F/O Stelter

F/O Johns

F/O Laurence

F/O Brown

W/O Grey

F/O Burgess

Details of Sortie or Flight

This Squadron took-off as part of a Wing Show with the intention of bombing a concentration of enemy strength in the village of Parquet (just southeast of Caumont). Our own artillery was to lay smoke on the target as the signal for attack due to the proximity of our own forward troops. The target was found, despite the thick summer haze and a seven tenths layer of cumulus cloud at 5000 ft., but the expected red smoke failed to materialize. After the Wing orbitted the target, a number of times, enough so that the chase developed into a grim battle of formation keeping, the squadrons separated and bombed alternative targets. Our Squadron cut in well south of our forward line and bombed the wood at map reference T.8721. The attack was made in a 40 degree dive from North to South and a line of flight (stick bombing). The return trip was made at cloud top level with many an anxious eye on the fuel gauge. A number of enemy aircraft were once reported 15,000 ft above us, but could not be spotted by our pilots. All our aircraft returned safely to base, no flak was seen throughout the entire circus. Pilots returned with the annoying sensation of helpless frustration in their hearts, mission unsuccessful.

MN870

MN379

MN765

MN352

MN989

MN581

MN401

MN310

F/L Fiset

F/O Stitt

F/O Brown R.A.

F/O Burgess

F/O Monson

F/O Rassenti

F/O Stelter

F/O Brown J.A.

F/O Moen

Details of Sortie or Flight

F/L Fiset led nine aircraft  of this Squadron in a damaging attack against a concentration of enemy troops in the woods just south of the railway track at T.7452 (south of Caumont). The target was attacked in a 70 degree dive from 7000 down to 1500 ft. Bomb bursts were grouped well within the target area and the 16 x 1000 lb bombs in that area must have created havoc with more than the morale of the enemy troops. No flak was seen throughout the mission. Two hang-ups on one aircraft piloted by Johnny Stitt were jettisoned south of Villers-Bocage. All aircraft returned safely to base in the fast gathering dusk.

 

H.H. Norsworthy,

Squadron Leader,

Commanding,

No. 439 R.C.A.F. Squadron.

 

Note:  Show type of bomb used. Show target. Show results of Operation. If in co-operation with other squadrons, or just a squadron operation. New tactics adopted. Damage to aircraft either by flak or enemy aircraft. Engine failure, and if possible reason for failure. ⁽¹⁾

Webmaster's Notes:

(1) The above mission note was recorded on a "Sub Form 541 (Appendix No. 7 , Page 8) and was an advisory to the scribes of the day to record every aspect of every mission probably for future historical purposes.