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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
July 1944
R.C.A.F.
Lantheuil
Very
low ceiling in the morning, consequently the cancellation of
operations planned for the early morning. The barber had a field
day today lopping off silken tresses and in the open air. The
cloud completely cleared up before lunch paving the way for one
operation after lunch. Volley ball, horse-shoe pitching,
reading and radio programs contributed to an enjoyable afternoon
for pilots and some groundcrew.
Webmasters
Note:
(1) Although only one mission is mentioned here, there
are actually two missions listed for this date on the RAF Form 541
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 |
| MN574
JR521
JR500
MN765
MN352
JR362
MN869 |
F/L
Fiset
F/O
Hewson
F/O
Johns
F/O
Swingler
F/O
Monson
F/O
Henderson
F/O
Rassenti |
Dive
Bombing
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14:30 |
15:10 |
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
These
seven aircraft of 439 Squadron carried 500 lb. bombs G.P.
on an Armed Recce over the roads from Caen to Falaise to
Bernay to Lisieux. No movement was seen anywhere so an
attack was made on the railroad line running south of
Lisieux. A good attack was made from 8000 ft. to 3000 ft.,
but no damage was done. The bombs, each and everyone of
the fourteen released failed to explode. A small amount of
heavy and far from accurate flak was encountered in the
area just East of Bourgnenas. Three of our aircraft received
minor damage as a result of this flak. All aircraft
returned safely to base.
(Note: As this was the first show
in the Wing to use General Purpose bombs instead of
the usual M.C. bombs, the failure of the mission was
believed to be the result of the utilization of dud
bombs.)
Webmaster's
Notes:
(2) The Logbook of F/O GW
Hewson confirms the above engagement and results. However his
log records that the mission actually lasted one hour.
which is twenty minutes more than what was recorded above. He
flew in Typhoon M
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| A/C
Type & Number |
Crew |
Duty |
Up |
Down |
| MN989
MN401
MN553
MN379
JR506
MN663
MN569 |
F/L
Dadson
F/O
Porritt
F/O
Laycock
F/O
Brown J.A.
F/L
Scharff
F/O
Gray
F/O
Hewson |
Dive
Bombing
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21:05 |
21:30 |
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Details
of Sortie or Flight
There
is a large quarry marked on the map at Grid reference
086520, a few miles due south from Caen. This quarry was
believed to contain a large amount of food and supply
stores for enemy troops. Seven aircraft from 439 Squadron
carried 500 lb. bombs into the air to demolish this dump.
A dive was made from 9000 ft. down to 2000 ft. in which
the target was approached from West to East. All bombs
burst within the confines of the quarry. Considerable
heavy flak was thrown up from that area and five of our
aircraft received minor damage as a result. All aircraft
returned safely to base. Mission successful.
Webmaster's
Notes:
(3) On this particular mission, F/O GW
Hewson flying in Typhoon T not only blacked out but remained
unconscious for an indeterminate amount of time, most
likely from the g-forces encountered when pulling out of
the dive. It is remarkable he did not prang as a result.
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