This Day In History

Summary of Events for  No. 439 (CAN) Squadron 

as recorded in the  439 Squadron Operations Record Book

for

01 December 1944

 B-78 Holland

Cloudy all day with a light breeze. Since the weather was against us, F/O J. Roberts and F/O Bert Walsh, the Squadron Engineer, went up around Venlo and procured a dismantled frame hut which they brought back for use as a pilots tent when it is erected. F/O B.P. Swingler Finally got away to England by air on posting and he will report to No. 3 PRC Bournemouth before going on leave and doing his non-operational tour. The squadron had its usual weekly party at the Officers Club at Aalst. In view of the fact that the whole squadron is practically new, it is found that parties for all the fellows assists in fomenting and stimulating a good Squadron spirit. One A&E test and one operation comprised the total extent of flying for the day. The latter was a vector bombing and incidentally, the first time it was put into effect by this Squadron. It is announced that khaki is no longer to be worn by us except the pilots who are compelled to wear it in operations.

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
 MP151

MN482

MN144

MP145

F/L R.G. Crosby

F/O W. Anderson

F/L J. Carr

F/O A.C. McBride

Blind Bombing 15:45 17:00
 

Details of Sortie or Flight

This was the first operation carried out with the assistance of radio vectoring and has been termed as "blind bombing". F/L Crosby led the show with 500 lb bombs (.025 tail fused). They climbed over base and contacted "Cosy Cot" (R/T call sign) on "A" channel. On instructions, a climb was made to 9000 feet and an airspeed, on levelling out, of 260 mph indicated, was maintained. After considerable vectoring, the final run was made on a course of 070 degrees, this was held for approximately five minutes and they then released their bombs on instruction. The target was a little town east of Roermond, just over the bomb line. No results were visible, although from a technical point of view, the operation was described as very successful.

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