By the beginning of December the surviving members of the original group of 31 pilots who constituted No. 439 upon its creation overseas had reached the end of their tours. 

Four were awarded the D.F.C., F/Ls AE Monson, WD Burton, JE Hogg and CL Burgess, S/L Ken Fiset also became tour-expired early in December and S/L R.G. Crosby succeeded him in command of the unit.

 

Distinguished Flying Cross (Photo source unknown)