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History
of
 Squadron
  
Counter-Offensive
After
"the Bulge" had been eliminated the British Second Army
opened an offensive in the north to drive the enemy back to the Ruhr.
Although handicapped by bad weather, No. 439 made eight attacks in
close support of the troops, dive-bombing supply depots and strong points,
in the course of which F/L J.D. Sweeney and S/L RC Crosby were brought
down by flak. Sweeney was taken prisoner. At first it was feared that
the C.O. had bean killed as his Typhoon was seen to explode in the
air, but "Bing" was thrown clear by the explosion and,
despite a dislocated shoulder, was
able to release his parachute. Landing near the village he had been
bombing,
(Photo
source unknown)
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German
anti-aircraft Flak (88) Guns
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Crosby spent 36 hours in hiding, in great pain from his
injuries and the cold, while German soldiers worked nearby. Then he
made his way safely to the British lines four miles away. Crosby
received the D.F.C., as did F/O R.H, Lawrence who, like his leader,
had also become tour-expired. S/L J.H. Beatty took command of No. 439
for the remainder of its overseas tour.
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Tiger
Squadron
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