This Day In History

Summary of Events for  No. 439 (CAN) Squadron 

as recorded in the  439 Squadron Operations Record Book Form 540

for

07 October 1944

 B.78 Eindhoven, Holland

High thin cloud in the morning with a ground haze, the cloud increased in density later on in the afternoon. Air Chief Marshall Sir Leigh-Mallory bid adieu to all the pilots in the Wing who congregated at the sally Ann. Apparently he is proceeding to the Eastern Theatre of War. F/O J. Fraser returned from the United Kingdom today with a new Typhie. 

F/O J. Roberts our pilot architect has put the finishing touches to the floor in the pilots' tent with the assistance of a few of the aggressive types in the tent. The next step in the building agenda is to procure a heater for the frigid confines of pilots' hang-out.

We chalked up three more operations on the register today. Our optics were treated with a lovely view of Libs, Lancs and Hallies heading towards Hitler's territory which if seen back home, would have given some incentive towards the oncoming 7th Victory Loan campaign. We have been advised by signal that the course at Millfield is postponed for about two weeks due to the move of the school to RAF Wittering, so we sent another signal to F/O J.H. Stitt.

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
MN894

MN124

PD492

MN482

MN869

MP145

MN989

MN345

F/L Monson A.E.

F/O Hiltz R.A.

F/O Burgess C.L.

F/O MacDonald R.N.

F/O Hogg J.E.

F/O Roberts J.

F/O Henderson A.L.

F/O Carr J. 

 

Dive Bombing 07:25 08:15
Details of Sortie or Flight

The Squadron of eight aircraft was led by F/L Monson on a dive-bombing attack on the railway line just north of Geldern at E.9828. Again 500 lb. bombs (11 second delay) were carried. Very good bombing results were observed, having scored at least six direct hits. The weather was very bad with only about a half mile visibility and thick haze up to 8ooo feet. A reconnaissance showed the railway line at Xanten was still out. F/L Monson really did a marvellous job of navigating in such adverse weather conditions. Rail definitely cut in three places. Geldern marshalling yards still unserviceable. No movement seen, due to weather. All aircraft returned safely to base.

A/C Type & Number Crew Duty Up Down
MN581

MN989

MN869

MP145

MN894

MP136

MN482

PD492

F/L Burton W.D.

F/L saunders W.L.

F/O brown J.A.

P/O McBride A.C.

F/L Monson A.E.

F/O martin W.C.

F/O Smioth I.W.

F/O Bernhart P.N.

Dive-Bombing 11:35 13:00
 

Details of Sortie or Flight

Eight aircraft of our Squadron carrying 500 lb bombs (11 second delay) were under the command of F/L Burton who led them on the railway line at A.5582. The line was cut in two places by our bombs. Otherwise no movement seen and all aircraft returned safely to base.

A/C Type & Number Crew Duty Up Down
JR500

MN482

PD554

MN124

MN691

MP145

MN665

MP136

F/O Burgess C.L.

F/O Marcoux M.A.

F/O Bernhart P.N.

F/O Laycock M.P.

F/O Martin W.G.

F/O Roberts J.

F/O Stelter J.

F/O Carr J.

Straffing 14:40 15:40
 

Details of Sortie or Flight

The Squadron led by F/O Burgess, went after the railways near Bruht at A.3142. The rails were cut in three places at A.3943. 500 lb bombs (11 second delay) were carried out on this mission. Following the bombing, the Squadron strafed and damaged a locomotive and two goods trucks near the target area. All aircraft returned safely to base, unharmed.

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