A
month in the life of 439 Squadron - North Luffenham 
The
Sabre
Era
The following month of August represents a typical month of flying operations at 439, and shows the tremendous variety of sorties they were required to fulfill. From the Squadron Diaries.......
......... 439 Squadron has moved out to dispersal in readiness for the commencement of Exercise Momentum. Regular flying carried out Sunday morning of the 9th with Rat & Terriers being carried out in the afternoon. Normal flying included air firing carried out for the 10th, 11th, and 12th. The Acromaids, led by F/O's Wingate, Hamilton, and Pappas were formed, and have been practicing formation aerobatics in preparation for the coming Air Force day. 439 briefed on Exercise Momentum on the 13th, and did a surprise scramble at 2040 hours on the 14th. Momentum patrols flown on the 15th and 16th.
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Photo source:439 Sqn Archives |
F/L Wenz and F/O Wingate had a mid-air collision when they both attacked an F-84 on the 15th. Slight damage to both aircraft, but neither pilot was injured. August 17th and 18th normal flying in the morning with afternoon stand-down. back flying sorties for Momentum for the 19th with 50 sorties flown. August 20th normal flying day. On the 21st, 439 Squadron moved by surprise to Horsham for the remainder of Momentum. Ground crew traveling by bus, and the pilots ferrying the aircraft. August 22nd saw a full day of Momentum scrambles out of Horsham, giving 46 hours and 55 minutes for the day's flying.
Minor damage to 19195 when F/O Cheesman was forced to land with the nose wheel in the up position. August 23rd, last day of Momentum, F/O Pappas forced to land at West Raynham due to weather.
439 Squadron returned to North Luffenham on the 24th and held a small party in the Officers Mess to celebrate the end of the Exercise Momentum. Squadron stood-down for the 25th. Remainder of the weeks flying composed of air-to-air firing. Beat up of the American airdromes held on the 27th. Squadron stood down for the weekend. ...........
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