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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
17
December 1944
B-78
Holland
Complete
and high overcast in the morning. F/O Walt Kubicki was out on an A
& E test this morning when a Spitfire came down on him, but he
turned towards it to identify himself, as friendly. Three
Tempests were also getting into fighter position until Walt turned
towards them. This is due to the fact that bandits were reported in
this area. F/O Bob Laurence was also out on an AE test, he spotted
four jet aircraft and managed to get a squirt at one. Three aircraft
out of our 17 are unserviceable. S/L R.G. Crosby left for England by
air where he is spending five days leave.
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 |
| RB204 |
F/O
R.H. Laurence |
Air
Test |
10:15 |
11:10 |
|
Details
of Sortie or Flight
F/O
Laurence took-off on an air test carrying 500 lb. bombs. Once
airborne, he saw flak over Eindhoven and on investigating
discovered four Me.262' aircraft flying in line astern. He
opened up and by keeping inside a wide orbit was able to
maintain sight and keep in range. The "jets" swung
south and three went down on a small village releasing bombs,
the fourth followed after them and at this point F/O Laurence
put on his bomb switches and pressed the tit to drop his bombs
safely, but they did not release. He followed the trailing
aircraft and fired one burst at 800 yards, 20 degree deflection
a stream of smoke came from the jets, but evidently he was
opening up because it pulled away from F/O Laurence who lost
sight of it in about three minutes. In the following 15 minutes
F/O Laurence made visual contact several times, but was not able
to close again. After patrolling he returned to base with bombs
on.
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