C-47 42-100921 W6-A “Captain Jack” of the 440th TCG England

C-47 Captain Jack 440th TCG England

C-47 Captain Jack 440th TCG England

The 440th Troop Carrier Group (440th TCG) – overview:

Operational History

Arrival and Early Operations (March – June 1944)

  • March 1944: The 440th TCG arrived in England, having completed training on C-47 Skytrain aircraft in the United States.
  • Bases:
    • Bottesford, Leicestershire: Arrived on 11 March 1944.
    • Exeter, Devon: Moved to this base on 26 April 1944.

D-Day and Normandy Campaign (June – August 1944)

  • 6 June 1944 (D-Day):
    • Mission: The 440th TCG dropped paratroops from the 101st Airborne Division near Carentan, Normandy.
    • Casualties: Three aircraft were lost during the operation.
    • Next Day: Vital supplies were airlifted to the same area.
    • Recognition: The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its exemplary performance during these operations.
  • Subsequent Weeks:
    • Continued resupply missions to support the Allied forces in Normandy.
  • Detachment to Italy (July – August 1944):
    • 18 July – 24 August 1944: The 95th, 96th, and 97th Troop Carrier Squadrons (TCS) were detached to Ombrone, Italy.
    • Operations: Participated in the invasion of southern France, including dropping paratroopers near Le Muy on 15 August 1944, and towing gliders carrying reinforcements.

Operations in France and Beyond (August 1944 – March 1945)

  • 10 August 1944:
    • Mission: A detachment of the group dropped supplies to an infantry battalion under siege in northern France.
  • 25 August 1944: The group reunited and soon moved to France in September to support the advancing Allied armies.
  • 17 September 1944:
    • Mission: Paratroops of the 82nd Airborne Division were dropped near Groesbeek during Operation Market Garden in Holland.
    • Following Days: The 440th towed 168 CG-4 gliders carrying reinforcements to the area.
  • Battle of the Bulge (December 1944):
    • Mission: The group played a vital role in resupplying the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne by hauling supply-carrying gliders during the Ardennes counteroffensive.

Final Operations and Post-War Activities (March – October 1945)

  • March 1945:
    • Mission: The group towed 90 CG-4 gliders carrying 17th Airborne Division troops across the Rhine River during the assault on Wesel.
    • This was the group’s final major operation.
  • April – May 1945:
    • The group continued flying missions to deliver supplies to the front lines and evacuate casualties until VE-Day on 8 May 1945.
  • Post VE-Day:
    • The 440th TCG was involved in transporting freed prisoners and displaced persons.
    • October 1945: The group was disbanded.

Squadrons and Codes

  • 95th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 9X
  • 96th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 6Z
  • 97th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): W6
  • 98th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): 8Y

Bases

  • Bottesford, Leicestershire (England): 11 March 1944
  • Exeter, Devon (England): 26 April 1944
  • Reims, Champagne, Alsace (France): 11 September 1944
  • Le Mans, Pays-de-la-Loire (France): 30 September 1944
  • Orleans, Bricy, Centre-Val-de-Loire (France): 2 November 1944

Commanding Officers

  • Col. Frank X. Krebs: 7 July 1943 – 29 October 1944
  • Lt. Col. Loyd C. Waldorf: 18 September 1944 – (served until the group’s disbandment in 1945)

Aircraft

  • C-47 Skytrain: Primary transport aircraft used for troop drops, supply runs, and towing gliders.
  • CG-4 Glider: Used for transporting troops and equipment during airborne operations.

Unit Decorations

  • Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for extraordinary heroism during operations in France on 6-7 June 1944.

Motto

  • Nunquam Non Paratus (Never Unprepared)

Aircraft Markings

  • Camouflage: Standard USAAF two-color camouflage.
  • Squadron Codes: White or sky-colored squadron code letters were placed on the forward section of the fuselage.
  • Call Letters: Positioned on the tail just above the aircraft serial number.

Published at 1349 × 1030 px.
Link to full-size photo:
C-47 42-100921 W6-A “Captain Jack” of the 440th TCG England

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