From
Funtington No. 439 returned to Hurn on 19 April and remained there
until after D-Day, continuing its attacks on flying-bomb targets and
playing its part in the pre-invasion preparations by striking at
bridges, marshalling yards and radar sites.
Once an enemy destroyer,
which had been beached after an encounter with HMCS "Haida",
was the target for the Squadron's missiles. There was a week's break in
activities while No. 439 attended a course at an Armament Practice
Camp. On the eve of D-Day the Squadron suffered its first casualty due
to enemy action when F/L J.W, Saville was killed while leading an
attack upon a radar post in the Channel Islands, The complete tactical
surprise which was achieved on D-Day was attributed in large measure
to the destruction of the enemy's radar stations by units of the
Sector to which 143 Wing belonged
Tiger
Squadron
.
.