Intentionally left blank.

On the 20^th, a foggy, rainy day, the only operation was an experiment with the GP bombs, to determine, if possible, the reasons for their failure three days previously. This time only three of the eight missiles exploded.  Then the weather really broke and for four days the rain came down in deluges or showers.  Mud was everywhere; clothing and straw mattresses were soggy. Movies helped to relieve the tedium, and as soon as the ground began to dry sports were resumed. By the 25^th conditions had improved enough to permit operations again.

An enemy strongpoint at Conteville, south-east of Caen, was bombed with unobserved effect, in the face of troublesome fire from ack-ack batteries nearby that damaged two aircraft. Then a suspected petrol dump was attacked, also without visible effect; finally a heavy gun battery near Amaye-sur-Orne was engaged. On the last sortie some specific results were observed. The eight pilots, all F/Os ("the elite") led by "Cody" Monson, reported that their bombing was very accurate and must have inflicted great damage on the gun positions. An ammunition dump that was hit went up in a spectacular shower of flame. An attack on an enemy headquarters at Fontenay le Marmion the next morning was less successful. Light and heavy flak was intense over the target, but not very accurate as only one Typhoon was nicked. The bombing also did not appear to be well concentrated, possibly because the dive was shallower than usual.

"Hash-house” in Normandy PL 30540

Photo source: 439 Sqn archives

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