Intentionally left blank.

No operations had been carried out an the 5^th, to the relief of everyone as it gave them an opportunity to decorate the mess for a party that night at which some Canadian and British nurses (alas, all too few in number!) were guests of honour. There was another spontaneous party a few nights later when the Wing's three squadron commanders were awarded immediate D.F.C.s. Hugh Norsworthy was away on leave when the news came in, but many toasts were proposed in his honour. (The first member of the Squadron to win an award was the adjutant, F/O Mike Harrison, who received a Mention in Dispatches in the King's Birthday Honours List in June 1944. This award, however, was for his services in No. 6 Group before joining No. 439 Squadron.)

The citation for No. 439's first "gong" read:"This officer is a courageous and skilful leader and has played a prominent part in the success of the squadron he commanded.  He has participated in many sorties during which sixteen small vessels have been destroyed. Much of the success achieved, can be attributed to this officer's inspiring leadership and great tactical ability. On one occasion, whilst flying over a town on the South coast, his aircraft caught fire. Displaying great skill and coolness S/L Norsworthy effected a successful crash-landing in the only available open space in the area."

Squadron Leader Norsworthy, DFC

Note the bandaged hand in this sketch which was done shortly after the incident mentioned .

Photo source: 439 Sqn archives

On 7 August the tempo began to quicken, despite the ground mist which still barred operations in the early morning hours. In the next week there were twenty attacks, nearly all of which were directed against Nazi strong points; the other targets were bridges and vehicle convoys.

Copyright ©1998-2016 Michael T. Melnick. All rights reserved

the unofficial homepage of Tiger Squadron 

. .

..