Revised
7/4/2023 |
|||||||||
|
43rd Troop
Carrier Squadron
|
||||||||
War Diary Following is a reprint of the Outline Histories and War Diaries
sent up to Group HQ each month. The original
documents are preserved at the Air Force History Office at Maxwell AFB. AL,
and have been retyped for web format by Dick Ford, veteran member of the
310th TCS. The duty of writing the war diaries at the time was usually
assigned to the squadron adjutant and typed by the squadron clerk. Often, as
can be seen by reading these, the writer was very expressive. The text herein
is not edited, but exactly that that was submitted to Group HQ and
subsequently recorded in the Air Force archives on microfilm. However, the
type font is Courier to offer and similarity to the original font of the
typewriters upon which the diaries were originally typed. The pictures were
not part of the original war diaries, however, they are original photos
provided mostly by the veterans themselves and are added here to simply round
out the narrative. |
|||||||||
Resume of Months Activity –
43rd Troop Carrier Squadron – June was undoubtedly the month the 43rd
Troop Carrier Squadron had been waiting for. After 18 months of waiting in
the ETO, we did our bit in the invasion. Our mission was to drop paratroopers
in the St. Mere Eglise area. Prior to the take-off
for the mission, one of our planes was eliminated by an explosion of a Gammon
grenade. Two of our men sustained slight injury. Five paratroopers were
killed and all except one of the remaining troopers assigned to the plane
received serious injuries. Our other planes completed the mission
successfully without casualty and with little damage to our aircraft. June 15th was the second
anniversary of the activation of our Squadron. We celebrated this event with
a fine party. We hope to make the coming year our most successful. June 23rd we made our second
trip into France. We sent ten planes which carried approximately 50,000
pounds of 155 mm Howitzer ammunition to the beachhead. Everyone was eager to
hear some first-hand information about France when the crews returned. Some of our officers and enlisted men returned
to the States on combat leave. All of them were very happy. Many others would
have liked to have been sent, however, everyone was glad to see the rotation
become a reality. We received a new shipping order and code markings.
Everyone has his personal opinion for this. It is another of those things
that time alone can prove or disprove. Nevertheless the month ended with many
rumors filling the air. |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
(Above) Unidentified 43rd
member in front of 309th Aircraft Note nose name
“BUCK+KID” |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Daily War Diary – 43rd
Troop Carrier Squadron – June 1. Weather
bad in morning and afternoon; all flying cancelled. Prisoner of War lecture
for all combat crews was held in the Pilot’s Lounge this morning. Eleven
Glider Pilots were transferred to the 434th Troop Carrier Group.
(See Extract Special Order No. 97.) The detachment\n of paratroopers that we
are to carry on the coming invasion moved on the field today and were sealed
off from other personnel. We were notified this evening that one of our men
was in a London hospital suffering from amnesia; he had lost all means of
identification and was identified through the Machine Records Unit. More
promotions of enlisted men came out today. (See Extract Special Order No.
97.) June 2. Major
General RIDGEWAY, Brigadier Generals CLARK and WILLIAMS were on the field
today. There was formation flying in both morning and afternoon; all went
well. Night flying was cancelled. June 3. Unit is
becoming warmer this morning! The field was sealed at June 4. All combat
crews drew full field equipment from supply., There
was a class in ditching procedure in the afternoon. Lt. Col. PETERSON and
crew checked Radar on 43rd lead plane. Major General RIDGEWAY is
on the field and it is understood that he will jump with the paratroopers.
All is in a high state of readiness but high wind might interfere with
tonight’s plans. June 5. This
morning was spent drawing the nec4essary supplies for the ”big”
mission . In the afternoon there was a briefing for all combat crews. General
RIDGEWAY made the briefing slightly more military. Isolation of combat crews
made everything rather certain of “D” day. (See Special Account I.) Catholics
held communion before mission. June 6.
Everything is quiet this morning; everyone that had some part in the mission
is still in the “sack”. We were advised this afternoon that there would be
another mission tomorrow night. Post is still sealed. June 7. Activity
is still quiet. The proposed dor0p of British Paratroops has been cancelled.
Lt. Col. PETERSON was taken to the hospital with a swollen arm, believed to
have been caused by a bug bite. June 8. No
flying. Everyone is still restricted to the post; however, Aldermasten has had its ban lifted. We are expecting our
liberation tomorrow. June 9.
Intelligence summary in the morning. Bad weather cancelled all flying. Major
MATSON, F/O CAMPBELL and Lt. COGGINS went to Burtonwood
and Cottesmore. We seem to be the only Troop Carrier
Group still confined to the post. June 10. We are to
lose all gliders. Engineering has painted blue and white markings on them and
they are ready to go. Group is still on three hour alert. 57 plane mission and
there seems to be some doubt about it coming off. British para-racks have
been loaded and the planes are ready to go. Lt. SANDERS went to Leicester to
arrange for beer for the Squadron party that is to be held the night of the
15th. June 11. Post still
sealed; bad weather cancelled all flying. F/O BROWN, a glider pilot formerly
of our squadron was on the base today. He and the other glider pilots
formerly of our group landed on the continent with the 434th. They
have all returned with the exception of F/O BIRDZELL who is still not
accounted for. Some of them were injured pretty bad, but none wer critically. Major MATSON is to marry a flight nurse
as soon as arrangements can be made. Capt. CARNICK hit a fence on his bicycle
and was badly bruised up—seems as though bicycles are worse than the flak
over the occupied territory. June 12. No
flying; still on that three hour alert. A very good movie was shown to all
personnel in the afternoon, “Battle of Britain”. Softball game between 309th
and 43rd officers; 43rd won 12-7. Six of our former
Flight Officers were sworn in as 2nd Lts.
last night—they were pretty happy boys” We have received our new task force
number and it looks like we might be moving on shortly, rumor has it that
this time it will be a long sea voyage. June 13. Still on
alert. 12 hour passes are now available. Lt. CAMPBELL and Lt. YOUNG were
stranded at Cottesmore for the night. Rumors on,
where, when, and how we are moving are really flying. June 14. Weather
much improved so there was local flying. We received a copy of a letter from
General GAVIN concerning success of 505th Regiment. (See enclosure
for copy of letter.) June 15. Local
flying. More glider pilots arrived from the States and were assigned to the
Group. Squadron activation party was held in the movie room of the Officer’s
Club. (See Special Account II and III for pictures and story of party.) June 16. Local
flying and usual squadron duties. June 17. Local
flying. Glider fell short of field and pick-up was made by Lt. PERKINS. Stag
party at Officer’s Club—plenty of drinks, and games were enjoyed by al. June 18. This is
a big day! Word came through that 50 officers and 60 enlisted men of the
group would be permitted to go home on a 30-day furlough. This is for combat
crews and is based on 800 hours overseas flying time. All of the former
Flight Officers are eligible so it was pretty drunk out tonight. June 19. Local
flying and glider towing. Everyone is sweating it out who is to be on the list
to go home. Restriction had been lifted for 24-hour passes. The Squadron has
been assigned six new glider pilots. June 20. Weather
cancelled all flying. Usual squadron duties. June 21. Weather
cleared so local flying was resumed. June 22. List of furloughs
came in late night. (See IX TCC Ltr dtd 21 June 1944.) There will be ten officers and 23
enlisted men go home from our squadron. Needless to say they are all pretty
happy. On the other side there are a number that are pretty disappointed but
hopes are high that they will be on the next list. All of the men going home
are busy packing; it looks like they will leave Friday. (See Special Account
IV for Group picture.) The dance and going away party for the men was
cancelled due to our flying a supply mission to the beachhead. The post has
been sealed again. June 23. Our ten
planes didn’t come back to the field last night but returned around June 24. Word came
through today that two officers and two enlisted men would be sent to the 9th
Troop Carrier Command rest home tomorrow. We are sending Lt. COGGINS, Lt.
STERLING, S/Sgt. SHAW and M/Sgt. CARTER.
Lt. SEWALL’s promotion to 1st. Lt. came through today. June 25. Orders
came through today promoting Majors STARK and HAMBY to Lt. Colonel. They are
the Commanding Officers of the 309th and 310th
squadrons respectively. Local flying went on all day. June 26. Weather
cancelled all flying. Ground school and squadron meeting. Rumor has it that
more men are to go home and that we are going to move to France. June 27. Local
flying and usual squadron duties. June 28. Capt.
DAVIS and Lt. FITTKAU took mail to men waiting to go home. They are near
Preston at Washington Hall. Col. McLELLAND seems to
be certain all will return. June 29. Local
formation flying. June 30. Bad
weather cancelled all flying. The eagle did it today! |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
(Above) Unidentified
43rd members in front of 309th aircraft. Note nose art “Mild ??? of Bitter” |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
NEPTUNE MISSION On Ambulances had been summoned. The injured
were given first aid and moved to Station Sick Quarters. Two of the paratroopers
had been instantly killed. One of the paratroopers died at Station
Sick Quarters. MSgt. KING was found to be suffering from muscular shock of
the legs. S/Sgt. ZENDER had two metal fragments behind his right ear. With
the exception of our men, all but one of the paratroopers suffered burns and
multiple injuries. The uninjured paratrooper was reassigned to another
aircraft after examination. The injured were transferred to the 303rd
General Hospital./ M/Sgt. KING and S/Sgt. ZENDER were soon released. While
they were at the hospital two more paratroopers died. Despite the tragic beginning, all of our
crews and aircraft completed their mission without casualty or appreciable
damage. The air crews really appreciated the close cooperation of the Air
Support Command and the Bomber Command. The mission was flown almost exactly
as planned. We arrived 2½ minutes early on the E.T/A. However, that was well
under the six minute margin that we were allowed. The route to the DZ was
followed exactly as planned but on the return there was a slight deviation to
avoid large naval units. The long period of training and experience had
accomplished excellent results, as 95% of the 505th Regiment was
dropped in the combat area and in fighting condition. All 43rd men
feel proud of a job well done. |
|||||||||
SQUADRON PARTY “The 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron
was activated The highlight of the evening was the
unveiling of an immense birthday cake baked by Sgt. PHILLIPS and decorated by
Sgt. KULIK, the Squadron painter. Lt. Col. PETERSON, the commanding officer
of the Squadron, cut the cake and presented the first piece to Col. McLELLAND, the Group Commanding Officer. Other
refreshments were: coffee, doughnuts, sandwiches and plenty of beer. The
usual “morning after the night before” appearance of the Squadron was
evidence enough of the good time was had by all.” Now that the Squadron has begun its third
year, it is everyone’s wish to make it our best and most successful year. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
HEADQUARTERS 52ND TROOP CARRIER WIND, AAF G-19 201.22
SUBJECT: Letter of General Gavin TO: Commanding Officers, 61st Troop Carrier Group 313th Troop Carrier Group 314th Troop Carrier Group 315th Troop Carrier Group 316th Troop Carrier Group IX Troop Carrier Command, Pathfinder
School Attached hereto photographic copy of letter
written on the beachhead in France to General H. L. CLARK from General James
L. GAVIN, Commanding Task Force A, which the 52nd Troop Carrier
Wing successfully dropped on the morning of 6 June 1944. By command of Brigadier General CLARK: /s/ A.A.
DECCIO 2nd Lt. AC /t/ WILLIAM F.
NAVRAN, for Major, Air Corps, Adjutant Incl: Copy of Letter DISTRIBUTION: A TRUE COPY: 5
– CO, IX TCC Pathfinder School. 3
– Each Group CO /s/
Benjamin (illegible). 1
– Each Squadron CO for WILLIAM D. McRAE,
Captain, Air Corps. |
|
|||||||
|
(Above) |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Thursday June 9th Dear
Hal Through the courtesy of Col. BIDWELL who is
leaving the beachhead Today I am able to get this short note to you. Task Force “A” has accomplished most of its
objectives, the 505th, carrying out its missions exactly as
planned. St. Mere Eglise was taken two
hours after landing and the 507 and 508 are holding the line of the Merderet. Shanley Lieliet and Timmes are still cut off but we may be Able to pull them
out in the next 24 hours. The accomplishments of the parachute
regiments are due to the conscientious
and efficient tasks of delivery performed by your pilots and crews. I am aware, as we all are, that your wing
suffered losses in carrying out its missions and that a very bad fog
condition was encountered inside the west Coast of the peninsula, yet despite
this, every effort was made for an exact and precise delivery as
planned. In most cases this was
successful. I want to express to you and all of the
officers and enlisted men of your command our appreciation for a job darn
well done. James L. Gavin P.S.
Generally speaking all is going well, the 506th has done
remarkably well although it has taken heavy casualties in spots. Would you pleases call Cl. Crouch and express
to him our appreciation For a job well done. Jim A
TRUE COPY: /s/
Benjamin (illegible) for WILLIAM D. McRAE,Captain,
Air Corps. |
|
|||||||
|
(Above) |
|
|||||||
(July
and August to be added) |
|||||||||
Resume of Months Activity 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron -- 1
September to 30 Sept.1944 During this month we completed 12 Wing
missions. Six of these missions were transport in which we carried 413,881
pounds of petrol and equipment to the continent and returned 200 walking
patients and 23,434 pounds of equipment to bases in England. In five paradrop missions we carried a total of 870 paratroops
and 72,326 pounds of their equipment. The remaining mission was an air
landing task. Sixty-five passengers and 58,928 pounds of equipment were
landed on the continent. These missions were carried out with the loss of
only two aircraft and one crew of four; two officers and two enlisted men. The glider pilots and mechanics were
transferred out and back again numerous times. The end of the month found
them with us again. Several of the glider pilots were commissioned as 2nd.
Lts. The weather seemed to be bad more often
than it was good. But the most was made of those good days. These busy days
are undoubtedly the ones for which we have waited so long. Performing
successful missions and the fine food we are having in our Squadron mess has
put our Squadron morale on an all-time high. |
|||||||||
Daily War Diary – 43rd Troop
Carrier Squadron - 1 September to Sept. 1. No flying
in the morning. All planes in the squadron are having American para-racks put
on. Paratroopers arrived this morning, which leads everyone to believe that
we are about to partake in another invasion of the continent—many rumors as
to when and where. The engineering department spent the afternoon getting the
planes in shape, and also washing the markings off under the wings. In the
evening we had a drawing of the War Bonds that were sold in the Squadron’s
War Bond rally. Tickets were sold to any member of the unit for two shillings
six pence apiece, then with the money from the sale
of tickets the committee bought $400.00 bond, one $50.00 bond and thirty-five
$25.00 bonds. The men thought this was a very good idea so it will be
continued next month. Capt. SAUNDERS, Medical Officer, was transferred to the
9th Troop Carrier Command today; he was replaced by Capt.
FREILLHEIT, a Flight Surgeon. More promotions of enlisted men came out today.
(See Special Order No. 154.) Sept. 2. All flying has been cancelled due
to some very bad weather. If the weather clears, it looks like the mission
will be held tonight. All the combat crews were told to report to the
briefing room at 0200 hours in the morning. At 2400 hours worked came through
that the mission has been postponed; everyone seems rather browned off as
they want to make this drop. Sept. 3. All combat
crews and jumpmasters were in the briefing room at 1000 hours and were
briefed for this mission. The briefing lasted about two hours. After the
briefing all combat crews went to the Intelligence Section and picked up
their escape kits and purses. They were then taken to the Officer’s Club
where they were put under confinement. The paratroopers were seen putting on
their equipment this morning and making those last minute adjustments. Late
in the afternoon word came through that the mission had been scratched—seems
the ground forces have reaches the DZ. Sept. 4. Rain in
both morning and afternoon. All flying for the day has been cancelled. The
paratroopers are gathering up their equipment and preparing to move back to
their own camp. All men are pretty well browned off—seems every time a
mission is scheduled, it is scratched. Sept. 5. The rain
still comes down. All flying has been cancelled for the morning. There was a
French class in the briefing room for all combat crews. Weather not too good but there was some local flying in the afternoon. Sept. 6. A big
practice review in the morning in preparation of our being officially
presented with the Presidential Citation. The actual review is supposed to
come off Saturday when Gen. WILLIAMS will be down to make the presentation.
Local flying in the afternoon. This has been the first good weather we have
had in about a week. Sept. 7. Local
flying in the morning. In the afternoon we had some more English rain, but
there was some local flying. The British Airborne Infantry is practicing
loading their equipment on our planes. They have a 40mm Morris gun that takes
two hours to load and one hour to unload. It is really quire
a sight watching this gun crew go into action when
one of our planes pulls up to a loading ramp. It reminds the watcher of a
football game the way those boys call signals. The glider pilots that we sent
to the 442nd Troop Carrier Group returned today. (See Special
Order No. 157.) Sept. 8. A slight
rain in the morning, but there was some local flying. In the afternoon 18
planes from our squadron took part in a Group formation; all went well. The
British Airborne Infantry are now on the post. All the combat crews are
hoping that this one won’t be scratched. The post is still sealed. Sept. 9. A
wonderful change in the weather today. This is really a lovely day. In the
morning there was a group practice formation. We had 15 planes from our
squadron participating in this; all went according to plan. In the afternoon
word came through that the mission with one British Airborne Infantry has
been postponed till tomorrow morning. We took part in another group formation
this afternoon. Sept. 10. The
mission has been postponed again. There was a football game between our
officers in the morning. Also, there was some local flying. The weather
remains good which is almost unbelievable. In the afternoon we had 18 planes
in another group practice formation. At 1600 hours it was announced that the
mission with the British Airborne troops had been scratched. The restriction
of the post has been lifted so now 6 and 12 hour passes are available. Sept. 11. All
combat crews reported to the briefing room and were briefed on a freight run
to France. At 1100 hours 23 planes from our squadron took off for Wamsbury. From there they proceeded to an airfield near
Rheims, their load consisting of badly needed petrol. At 2130 hours the last
aircraft from our squadron landed here at the base. The consolidated report
for the entire squadron shows that we took over 114,500 pounds of petrol and
we brought back 230 empty petrol cans. All the men said they had never seen
so many transports going into one airfield in all of their
flying career. The talk over there was that General PATTON had been without
petrol for the last three days. Everyone hopes that our little bit will do
him some good. Sept. 12. At 0400
hours the combat crews were gotten up and told to report to the briefing room
at 0515 hours to be briefed on another freight run. At 0700 hours 20 planes
from our Squadron took off for Kemble and were loaded with British
ammunition. All planes were loaded and at 1015 hours they took off for an
airfield just outside of Brussels. We carried over to this airfield 102,000
pounds of ammunition; all of our planes returned empty. When all planes had
returned, the engineering department worked late in the night pulling
inspections, gassing up and generally getting ready for another freight run
in the morning. The passes opened up for all ground personnel; they are now
able to get 24 hours off each week. Ice cream and apple pie was one of the
highlights of the day; this was served at the Sept. 13. Another
mission to the continent again this morning. At 0830 hours nine planes form
our squadron took off for Kemble where they were loaded with ammunition. The
lead plane of this flight, piloted by Lt. Col. LYON, Group Commanding
Officer, took over ammunition and some badly needed maps. They took off from
Kemble at 1430 hours and arrived at an airfield just outside of Brussels at
1700 hours. At 1930 hours four planes of this flight returned back to this
base; the others are staying at Kemble airdrome and will make another trip in
the morning. The four planes that came back to this base carried over to the
continent a total of 19,300 pounds of ammunition. At 1055 hours 11 planes
from our squadron took off on another mission to the continent, led by Lt.
Col. PETERSON, Squadron Commanding Officer. There was a slight “snafu” at the
briefing as Wing sent down the wrong dope on the place and airdrome. The
flight went to Cherbough, arriving there at 1225
hours. They were loaded with 58,080 pounds of petrol and proceeded
on to the briefed airfield which was near Rheims. After landing, they found
out that the airfield they were supposed to go to was up near Brussels. They
took off from Rheims, went to Brussels, delivered their load and arrived back
at base at 2000 hours. Group operations took a great amount of ribbing due to
Wing’s mistake. “We only missed the LZ by a country”, was the comment going
the rounds. Sept. 14. There
were 13 planes scheduled to go to France at 0800 hours this morning but this
was postponed till 1100 hours due to bad weather. At 1100 hours this mission
was called off on Wing’s orders. The five aircraft that stayed at Kemble
overnight in order to make another to the continent arrived back at the field
at 1930 hours with full load. They were over the continent with their load
but had to return due to bad weather. Trucks are starting to bring American
paratrooper’s equipment on the base today; looks like another mission is in
the making. Sept. 15. Local
flying in morning and afternoon. The paratroopers arrived today in very great
strength. Lots of rumors making the rounds as to when and where this next
drop will come off. Sept. 16. The
paratroopers are on the field and ready to go. They all seem very eager to make
this trip as they have been in on so many dry runs lately. At 1200 hours the
post was sealed. In the afternoon all combat crews were given a lecture on
escape. After this lecture they were given their escape purses and kits by
the Intelligence Department. There still seems to be a lot of doubt as to
where the drop will take place. All bets seem to be placed on Holland.
Twenty-two glider pilots left today for the 313th Troop Carrier
Group. (See Special Order No. 102.) Sept. 17. At 0900 hours
the combat crews reported to the briefing room and were told the dope on the
mission. At 1024 hours the first of 23 planes from our squadron took off for
Holland loaded with 241 paratroopers and 120 para-racks weighing 22,245
pounds. Everybody’s really sweating the boys out as this is the first time we
have dropped paratroopers in the daylight over enemy territory. At 1530 hours
the last aircraft of our squadron landed. Three of our planes were hit by
ground fire but none of the personnel were injured. The paratroopers were all
dropped on the DZ which is something that everyone really sweats out. Col. McLELLAND, Group Commanding Officer, and Major MATSON,
Squadron Operations Officer, arrived from their furlough in the States just
in time to watch the boys take off. After the crews were interrogated, they
were told that there would be another mission in the morning—this time with
British paratroopers. There was delicious chicken to be had by all at the
evening meal. Sept. 18. The crews
of the 13 planes that are scheduled to carry the British paratroopers,
were brief at 1000 hours this morning. The first plane of our flight took to
the air at 1125 hours this morning. Our squadron carried a load of 225
paratroopers and 41 para-racks, weighting 12,015 pounds. At 1640 hours the
last plane of the squadron touched the ground, completing what was described
as a mighty tough mission. They said that about ten miles from the DZ a B-17
flew through the formation and from then on in there was plenty of flak. It
is believed that this B-17 was one captured by the “Jerry’s” and was radioing
their height and position to the flak guns. We lost one plane: Lt. SPURRIER’s
plane was hit by flak, hit a high tension wire bellied into the ground and
exploded. It was not known if any of the crew escaped, but there is still
some hope as some of the crews reported seeing parachutes come from the plane
just before the crash. Again, after the interrogation the crews were told
that there would be another drop in the morning, this time with Polish
paratroopers. From the way things are going, this new invasion makes D-Day
look like a tea party. We sent one plane on a supply mission but the weather
over the channel forced this plane to return back to base. Late in the
evening the air crews that had been home on furlough, reported back to this
base. They all said they had had a wonderful time but were just as glad to be
back with the old gang. Sept. 19. Briefing
was originally planned for 0500 hours but due to bad weather it was moved
back to 1000 hours. The briefing over, all of the crews reported to their
planes but weather is so bad that it has been called off until the afternoon.
Everybody’s sweating it out but weather remains bad. At 1430 hours Lt. Col.
GIBBONS, Group Operations Officer, sent around word that it was postponed for
24 hours. (It seems that the Polish troops are a jinx to this Group. The last
time we carried them on a practice mission, two planes from the 309th
Squadron crashed in mid-air. Sept. 20. The
weather still remains bad; briefing was held at 1230 hours and take-off was
scheduled at 1400 hours. At five minutes before take-off the mission was
cancelled, due to the bad weather. We transferred six planes to the 316th
Troop Carrier Group and one plane to the 313th Troop Carrier
Group. It seems these groups had a little tougher luck than we did on this
new invasion. The men that went down to the 316th said that about
every one of their planes that came back looked like a sieve. Sept. 21. The weather is still pretty bad but it
looks like we might have to run this mission with the Polish paratroopers as
they are very badly needed as reinforcements over in Holland. At 1310 hours
14 planes from our Squadron took off for Holland. This was a Group formation
led by our Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. PETERSON. The planes ran into very
bad weather near the coast and after unsuccessfully trying to go and above
this front, the order was given to turn around and go back. One plane,
piloted by Lt. DANIEL, in trying to go up through this front stalled out and
he did a slow roll in recovering control of the plane. The jumpmaster on this
plane must have thought that the time had come, so not wasting any time he
hit the silk. The crew chief said that he would probably wipe out a small
town before he found out he was still in England. All but two planes found
their back to this base. One of these, piloted by Capt, MATSUORFF, sent word
in that he was in Brussels. No word has been received from the other plane,
piloted by F/O COOK and it is feared that he must have crashed. The boys are
going to try again tomorrow. Sept. 22. At 0600
hours this morning all the combat crews were awakened; the crew chefs and
radio operators were told to be out to their planes at 0730 hours. The pilots
were told to be in the briefing room at that time. After much running around,
the mission was postponed for 24 hours—this notice coming from Wing at 0800
hours. The pilots and crews went back to their huts to finish out the night’s
sleep. Then at 0930 hours word came through that the air-landing mission
would come off and they would take off at 1200 hours for Holland. All crew
chiefs and radio operators reported to their planes, the pilots and
navigators were briefed and were out to their planes by 1030 hours. At 1200 hours
the first of 18 planes from our squadron took to the air led by Col. McLELLAND, Group Commanding Officer. Our Squadron carried
to the continent 58,925 pounds of combat equipment and 65 British Airborne
Infantry. They all returned at 1830 hours and the mission was termed a huge
success. We received a copy of a letter sent to Brig. General CLARK by Gen.
GAVIN written in the field while General GAVIN was in Holland. (See
enclosures for True Copy of letter.) Sept. 27. The
weather in the morning was not too good but there was some glider towing. Te Glider Infantry boys came over to the field and got in
their time this morning. In the afternoon we sent eight planes to Brussels
with 40,000 pounds of ammunition for the British 2nd Army. These
planes took off at t1500 hours and arrived back at base at 2210 hours. Sept. 28. All crews
were gotten up early this morning as there is a schedule of 18 planes to go
to an airfield near Nancy. At 0750 hours the planes took off loaded with
89,334 pounds of clothing and tentage. After
unloading at the airfield near Nancy, ten planes of the Squadron took off for
an airfield in the Paris area where they were loaded with 266 walking
patients whom they brought back to this country. The other eight planes
returned from France empty. It seems now that we are really earning that good
chow that our cooks are putting out. Five of our old glider pilots arrived
back from the 316th Troop Carrier Group today. (See Special Order
No. 171) They went into Holland with that Group. Sept. 29. Another freight run to Brussels today. At 0745 hours 15
aircraft from our Squadron took off for Lyneham where they were loaded with
94,958 pounds of petrol. After being loaded, the planes came back to the
base, the trip to the continent being called off due to weather. All men were
put on the alert as the planes are going over to the continent the first
thing in the morning. We received some of our old glider pilots back today.
(See special Order No. 172.) Sept. 30. At 0800
hours the planes took off for Brussels with their load of petrol. At 1030
hours they landed on the continent, unloaded and returned back to the field,
arriving at 1400 hours. Also, we had three other planes on another supply
mission to the continent. They left at 0—2 hours loaded with 19,900 pounds of
petrol for an airfield near Rheims. These planes ran into bad weather and are
saying at an airfield on the continent overnight. At night we had, without a
doubt, one of the best meals since our coming to the ETO. It consisted of
fried steak, French fried potatoes and all the fixings. As usual, the Eagle
did it again today! |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
AIRBORNE AA HEADQUARTERS 82ND AIRBORNE
DIVISION Office of the Division Commander Brig.
Gen. Harold Clark, Commanding
General, 52nd
Troop Carrier Wing. Dear
Hal: Captain THORNTON, Air Liaison Officer on my
staff, is returning
to the Our parachute drops and glider landings
were the best in the
history of the Division. The
courageous performance of your pilots
has been the admiration of all of us.
Thank you very much for all that you have done for us. Hope that we
can all see you soon. Cordially /s/
Jim JAMES M. GAVIN, Commanding A TRUE COPY: /s/ WILLIAM D. McRAE, Captain, Air
Corps. |
|
|||||||
|
(Above)
Letter from Commanding General, 82nd Airborne Div,
to Commanding General, 52nd Troop Carrier Wing (of which the 315th
TCG was part) regarding capture of a German
flag at Nijmemgen during Market Garden |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
STATEMENT OF CPL. RUSSELL M. SMITH My
name is Russell M. Smith, ASN 14050088, 43rd Troop Carrier
Squadron, 315th Troop Carrier Group, At
about 1415 hours I realized that our plane had been hit somewhere in the
right wind and cockpit; my paratroopers were standing up in a jump position;
the radio operator opened the door leading to the cockpit and I could see
there was a fire up front and although I was on the interphone and had had no
orders nor had the jump signal come on, I ordered the paratroopers to jump.
There was some confusion while these men were jumping as one trooper got his
foot fouled in the lines and, before they were all out, we had been hit
numerous other times by gunfire and flak and we were rapidly losing altitude,
I ordered the radio operator to jump and I then followed. I opened my chute
as I left the door, the chute opened just as I hit the ground. I injured my
right ankle and foot in the jump. I had jumped into a field about a mile
south of Opheusden between the I have read the above and it is true: /s/ Russell M.
SMITH Witness:
/s/ WD McRAE /t/
Cpl. Russell M. SMITH /t/ W.D. NcRAE,
Capt. AC Note:
I was told by the underground that Hollis was buried at Opheusden
inside the gate of the civilian cemetery. I don’t know anything definite
about Spurrier. A TRUE COPY: /s/ William D. McRAE, /t/ WILLIAM D. McRAE, Captain, Air Corps. |
|
|||||||
|
(Above)
Statement of Russ Smith, 43rd Crew Chief, on dropping British
Airborne over Tiel (DZ for the Arnhem bridge), 18
Sep 44, during which he was shot down. |
|
|||||||
(October
1944 November
1944 December
1944 January
1945 February
1945 To be
added) |
|||||||||
Resume of Months Activity -
43rd Troop Carrier Squadron -- 1 March to March 1945 was a big month for the 43rd
Troop Carrier Squadron. The most outstanding event of the month was our participation
in combat mission “Varsity”, which was a paradrop
across the Rhine River. In this mission we sustained a greater loss in
personnel and aircraft than our combined losses overseas; a period of 28
months. The total personnel loss was: two wounded and 26 missing. Three
aircraft returned with major damages, six aircraft are missing and the status
of one aircraft, which crash landed on the continent, is undetermined. Even
with such great losses, we successfully dropped our troops. No enemy opposition
was encountered enroute to the DZ. Only after the
DZ as a turn was being made did enemy ground installations claim their great
toll. Throughout the month non-combat missions
played second in the role of importance. We completed 45 non-combat missions.
On the 4th of the month weather became very poor during flight and
one of our aircraft crashed, killing a crew of four. These missions delivered
vast amounts of much needed gasoline and supplies to the allied armies on the
continent. Our aircraft followed routes into Germany to newly established
fields which were often very close to the front lines. Promotions for both officers and enlisted
men became effective this month. Men joined the Squadron and two men were
reassigned to the Infantry. Lt. FULMER, formerly of the Squadron, received
the Distinguished Service Cross for action during the invasion of Holland, in
which he participated with this unit. Recreation during the month consisted on
one enlisted men’s dance party and a stag beer party for both officers and
men. In off-duty hours the enlisted men played baseball, volley ball and
enjoyed the facilities of the Squadron pub. The increased activity of the month
presented the squadron with no great obstacle. The usual high standard of efficiency
was maintained throughout the month. As the Allied armies press deeper into
Germany, we expect additional activities which will consistently successful
handling by the 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron. |
|||||||||
Daily War Diary – 43rd
Troop Carrier Squadron – March 1. Non-combat mission completed after
two nights RON due to flat tire. Local formation flying in afternoon.
Eighteen ship formation flight at night. Enlisted men promoted. (See Appendix
page II.) Capt. MEANS, Squadron Executive Officer, promoted to Major. (See
Appendix page III.) March 2. Two
non-combat missions completed. Glider pilots had a short road march in the
afternoon. March 3. Four
non-combat missions using 18 aircraft were completed. March 4. Eleven
aircraft on non-combat missions. Three aircraft returned, seven RON’d and one plane crashed, killing the crew. (See Part
1 – “Losses in action.) March 5. Usual
squadron activities. Crew killed in crash were identified and burial
arrangements were made.. March 6. Usual
squadron activities. Thirty officers and enlisted men attended burial of crew
which was killed on the 4th. March 7. Usual
squadron duties. Distinguished Service Cross awarded to Lt. FULMER, former
member of Squadron. (See Appendix page I.) March 8. Seven
non-combat missions were begun. All planes returned from one of yesterday’s
missions. One C-46 was assigned to us. Squadron party in the evening. March 9. Missions,
which were begun yesterday, were completed. March 10. Ground
haze prevented morning flights. In the afternoon three missions, using 14 aircraft, were begun. March 11. Weather
good. Two missions, using four aircraft, were begun. Ten aircraft returned
from RON on the continent. Sgt. FENCHAK and Cpl. SACHS went to engine school.
(See Appendix page IV.) March 12. Fifteen
aircraft departed on mission. Fourteen planes returned and one RON’d due to a late start. March 13. Two
missions begun, one glider transport and one freight haul. All aircraft
returned. Lt. TROTMAN assigned to Squadron. (See Appendix page V.) March 14. Twelve
aircraft dispatched on four missions. Eight aircraft RON’d
on the continent. Three officers and two enlisted men went to rest home. (See
Appendix page V.) March 15. Eight
aircraft that RON’d yesterday returned. Nine
aircraft were flown local. Ten men took physical for Infantry. March 16. Eight
aircraft flown locally. Three aircraft dispatched on mission. Lt. TAPLIN,
Glider Engineering Officer, promoted to 1st Lt. (See Appendix page
VI.) March 17. Eight
aircraft dispatched on two missions. Seven aircraft flown locally. Squadron
stag beer party for officers and enlisted men in the evening. March 18. Three
aircraft dispatched on mission. Three aircraft returned after RON. Local flying
of 12 aircraft. Sgt. SPENCER sent to Propeller School. (See Appendix page
VII.) March 19. Flying in
the morning cancelled, due to weather. Two aircraft flown locally in the
afternoon. Lt. Gen. BRERETON was to visit, but did not arrive. March 20. Local
flying and ground training. March 21. Nineteen
aircraft scheduled for DS. (See Part IV – “Combat Operations”.) March 22. Nineteen
aircraft with crews and ground personnel went DS. March 23. Usual
squadron duties in the morning and athletic program during afternoon. March 24. Combat
mission “Varsity” was carried out by 18 of our aircraft DS. Ground personnel
returned from DS. Seven aircraft did not return from mission. March 25. Results
of mission recapitulated. Three officers and two enlisted men who were
reported missing returned and described their experiences. (See Part IV –
“Combat Operations”.) March 26. Usual
squadron duties. March 27. Six
aircraft participated in two non-combat missions. Local flying both morning
and afternoon. March 28. Local
flying and ground training. Two enlisted men transferred to the Infantry.
(See Appendix pages VIII and IX.) Capt. CARNICK assumed command of the 43rd.
(See Appendix page X.) March 29. Local
flying in the morning. Non-combat mission in afternoon. Aircraft on mission
RON; will complete tomorrow. March 30. Aircraft
on mission returned with the exception of one which remained with a damaged
elevator. Changes in officers duties. (See Appendix page XI.) March 31. Aircraft
with damaged elevator returned. Another non-combat mission. Due to
encountering bad weather, aircraft returned to Spanhoe
to RON. |
|||||||||
COMBAT OPERATIONS At 1230 hours At the briefing the details of mission
“Varsity”, Serial B-5, were thoroughly described and outlined. Take-off was
scheduled for 0724 hours When all of the British paratroops which
were assigned to us for this mission were aboard and the final check was
made, 18 aircraft took off as scheduled. When all of our aircraft were off,
preparations were made by the ground personnel to return to Spanhoe where the debriefing would be held upon their
return. At Spanhoe the final preparations for
interrogation were completed. At 1220 hours the first ship aarrived. Only ten of the aircraft had arrived by 1425
hours. During the course of the debriefing, some crews reported having seen
several aircraft catch fire and crash. Some parachutes were seen to open
before aircraft crashed. However, no definite conclusion could be reached
that they were ours. Lt. PERKINS was wounded in the chest and landed at B-77,
from where he was taken to a hospital for treatment. No further word has been
received as yet regarding the results of the operation. Lt. COOK, who was
flying on his wing, also landed at B-77 and, after checking on the extent of
Lt. PERKINS’ wound, returned to Spanhoe with three
passengers: Lt. PERKINS’ co-pilot, navigator and radio operator. The Crew
Chief T/Sgt. REED, remained with his plane on the continent. The weather was very good during the entire
day. Throughout the flight enroute, the weather was
CAVU. Over the drop zone smoke from screening reduced the visibility to from
½ to one mile. However, this obstacle was of a local nature and did not cause
too great a disturbance. Intense flak and small-arms fire was encountered
after the DZ as a turn was being made. It is here that our losses were
believed to have occurred. At 1920 hours Lt. HOFFMAN returned at 2145 hours In this mission we carried 321 Airborne
Troops, of which 319 were dropped on the DZ. Two Airborne Troopers returned
to Spanhoe were unable to jump. Also in this
mission, we carried 1,200 lbs. of medical supplies, 9,400 lbs. of ammunition
and 9,600 lbs. of engineering and combat equipment. With 18effective sorties,
our mission was successful. We have five aircraft that have not returned: one
lost and one awaiting survey. Personnel status is as follows: killed, none;
wounded two; missing 26. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
43RD TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON 315TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP,
A.A.F. SUBJECT:
Statement of 2nd. Lt. GEORGE M. HOFFMAN, O-886877. To: Whom It May Concern I was Pilot of a C-47A type aircraft, Tail
No. 42-92738, of the 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 315th
Troop Carrier Group, on a paratroop mission over Germany on We made our pass over the D.Z., 7 miles ESE
of Rees, The order in which we jumped was: Crew
Chief, Co-pilot, Radio Operator and Pilot. I was told the ship crashed about
200 yards away from the GEORGE M.
HOFFMAN 2nd
Lt. , Air Corps, 43rd
TC Sq., 315th TC Gp. A
TRUE COPY: /s/
Benjamin Samodovitz, BENJAMIN
SAMODOVITZ, 1ST.
Lt., QMC. |
|
|||||||
|
(Above) Statement
of 43rd pilot Lt. Hoffman regarding being shot down during the
Operation Varsity drop of British paratroopers, 24 Mar 45. |
|
|||||||
|
--- END --- |
|
|||||||