Fighter
sweeps, however, were the exception. No. 439's primary function now was
bombing and strafing in a great interdiction campaign to strangle all enemy
movement by rail or road. By the end of October the Squadron's tally of rail
cuts was 58, at a minimum estimate, while its total of vehicles,
locomotives, freight cars, barges and bests had been increased by almost
170; in addition two bridges had been destroyed and another damaged.
On one
operation in October, to attack an enemy headquarters in Hertogenbosch, F/O
R.V. Smith's aircraft exploded in mid-air as he released his bombs.
Miraculously, Smith survived the blast and was able to release his
parachute. Captured by the Germans, he was put in hospital for treatment of
his injuries and a few days later was liberated when the British troops
captured Hertogenbosch.
Tiger
Squadron
.
.