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9th Air Force Europe in August 1944
TUESDAY, 1 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, the XIX Tactical Air Command becomes operational in conjunction with the US Third Army;
the Ninth's fighter and fighter-bomber groups (Ninth Air Force refers to them collectively as fighter-bomber groups) are divided between the IX and XIX Tactical Air Commands;
about 250 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail bridges at Mezieres-sur-Seine, Maintenon, Les Ponts-de-Ce, Chartres, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Bouchmaine, Nogent-sur-Loir, and Bourth; XIX Tactical Air Command fighters carry out armd reconnaissance and rail bombing missions in the Alencon, Dreux, Chartres, Nogent-sur-Loir, Le Mans, Sable-sur-Sarthe, Laval and Sille-le-Philippe areas, while IX Tactical Air Command fighters fly armored column and assault area cover, and armed reconnaissance in the battle areas;
and HQ 71st Fighter Wing moves from Ecrammeville to St-Pierre-Eglise.
In France during Aug, HQ IX Fighter Comand moves from Les Obeaux to Canisy and HQ 354th Fighter Group moves from Criqueville to Gael.
WEDNESDAY, 2 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, the IX Bomber Command halts bombing of bridges, fuel dumps, and similar targets in Brittany except on the request of the 12th Army Group, as the US Third Army wants the use of bridges access to all fuel they may find in their advance across France;
around 300 A-20s and B-26s attack bridges at Mezieres-sur-Seine, Mainvillers, Cinq Mars-la-Pile, Nantes, and Lisle, and ammunition dumps at Caudebec-les- Elbeuf and Le Lude;
fighters fly armed reconnaissance in wide areas surrounding Paris and the SW as far as Laval, escort IX Bomber Command aircraft, and provide cover for armored columns and close support for ground forces;
HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Les Obeaux to Canisy;
HQ 84th Fighter Wing moves from Houesville to Criqueville;
HQ 303d Fighter Wing moves from La Combe to Houesville;
and the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army) moves from Nehou to Le Bepas with L-5s.
THURSDAY, 3 AUGUST 1944 TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 180+ A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridges, overpasses, and junctions at Mantes-la-Jolie, Chartres, La Chenaie and Merey, fuel dump at Maintenon, and alternate rail targets in N France;
fighters escort IX Bomber Command bombers and a few C-47s, provide cover for ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of N and W France;
and the 22d and 23d Fighter Squadrons, 36th Fighter Group, move from Kingsnorth, England to Brucheville with P-47s.
FRIDAY, 4 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 62 A-20s and B-26s bomb rail bridges at Oissel, Epernon, and Saint-Remy-sur-Avre and an ammunition dump and bivouac area in Foret de Sille;
fighters furnish cover over the battle area and for an armored column, fly sweeps, dive-bomb enemy positions and also fuel dumps at Angers, attack an ammunition dump at Tours, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Quimper-Nantes, Amines, and Saint-Quentin areas;
HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Criqueville to Villedieu les Poeles;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Le Repas to Beauchamps with L-5s.
The 596th and 598th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 397th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Rivenhall to Hurn, England with B-26s.
SATURDAY, 5 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In order that operations controlled by the Ninth Air Force be developed in close association with HQ 12th Army Group, the Ninth's HQ at Uxbridge and Grandcamp-les-Bains are closed and a single HQ opened the following day (6 Aug) at Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin, France near both Advance HQ 12th Army Group and Advance HQ Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF).
HQ 50th and 53d Troop Carrier Wings of the IX Troop Carrier Command are attached to the Mediterranean Allied Air Force (MAAF) for the purpose of forming, with HQ 51st Troop Carrier Wing, a Provisional Troop Carrier Air Division to handle the airborne phase of the invasion of S France;
and HQ 406th Fighter Group moves from Ashford, England to Tour-en- Bassin.
In England, HQ 397th Bombardment Group (Medium) and 597th and 599th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Rivenhall to Hurn with B-26s.
In France, 300+ A-20s and B-26s bomb Saint-Malo harbor and Foret de Sille fuel dump during the night of 4/5 Aug, and during the day, rail bridges at 6 cities in N and W France, and marshalling yard at Compiegne; fighters furnish cover for ground forces and fly armed reconnaissance over wide areas of N France.
SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, A-20s and B-26s hit bridges, fuel and ammunition dumps, and a locomotive depot at Beauvais, Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, Courtalain, Foret de Perseigne, and Blois;
fighters escort IX Bomber Command and furnish cover to ground troops in the Vire, Rennes, and Redon areas;
HQ 474th Fighter Group and 428th, 429th and 430th Fighter Squadrons move from Moreton, England to Neuilly with P-38s;
a detachment of the 112th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force, based at Heston, England begins operating from Valognes with L-5s;
and the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command, moves from Vouilly to Canisy with L-5s.
In England, the 90th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, based at Greenham Common, begins operating from Welford Park with C-47s.
MONDAY, 7 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
To maintain close a association with ground forces, HQ IX Tactical Air Command and HQ XIX Tactical Air Command constitute mobile units to accompany Advance HQ of the US First and Third Armies, respectively, as they advance rapidly to the E; Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton relinquishes command of the Ninth Air Force to become Commanding General First Allied Airborne Army.
In France, 380+ A-20s and B-26s bomb bridges at Nogent-sur-Seine and Neuvy- sur-Loire;
fighters escort IX Bomber Command aircraft, furnish defensive cover in the Vire, Laval, and Rennes areas, and support ground forces in the assault area;
HQ 71st Fighter Wing moves from St-Pierre-Eglise to Ecrammeville;
and the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command, moves from Beauchamps to Poilley with L-5s.
In England, the following squadrons begin operating from Ramsbury with C-47s:
- 93d Troop Carrier Squadron, 439th Troop Carrier Group, based at Upottery
- 98th Troop Carrier Squadron, 440th Troop Carrier Group, based at Exeter
- 301st Troop Carrier Squadron, 441st Troop Carrier Group, based at Merryfield
The 306th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442d Troop Carrier Group, based at Weston Zoyland, begins operating from Ramsgate with C-47s.
TUESDAY, 8 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
Lieutenant General Hoyt S Vandenberg assumes command of the Ninth Air Force.
In France, 406 B-26s and A-20s bomb a rail embankment and bridges at 8 locations in N and W France, attack radar installations between Argentan and Alencon, and give tactical support to ground forces near Saint-Malo;
fighters escort IX Bomber Command aircraft, give defensive air cover, and fly armed reconnaissance E of Paris and in the battle area;
and HQ 100th Fighter Wing moves from St-Pierre-Eglise to Rennes.
WEDNESDAY, 9 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, close to 400 B-26s and A-20s attack an ammunition dump in Foret de Blois, shipping at Brest, and other targets, including rail bridges at 10 locations in N and W France;
fighters escort IX Bomber Command aircraft, cover ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance in the wide areas of N France (around Paris, as far S as Orleans, and as far NE as Reims and Chalons-sur-Marne).
THURSDAY, 10 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, almost 200 B-26s and A-20s bomb rail bridges and embankments in wide areas around Paris;
fighters escort bombers, support ground forces, give defensive cover, and fly armed reconnaissance in battle areas and around Amiens, Paris, Cambrai, Meaux, Dijon, and Troyes;
HQ 362d Fighter Group and 379th Fighter Squadron move from Lignerolles to Rennes with P-47s;
and the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), move from Chalgrove, England to Rennes with F-6s and A-20s, respectively.
FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, A-20s and B-26s attack bridges at Montrichard, Oissel, Fismes, and Creil/Saint-Maximin, gun defenses at Ile de Cezembre and Saint-Malo, and an ammunition dump at Foret de Roumare;
fighters cover the assault area, escort IX Bomber Command aircraft, and fly armed reconnaissance in the battle area and extensively over N France;
HQ 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron move from Chalgrove, England, Le Molay and Chalgrove respectively, to Rennes with F-6s and F-5s;
the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Canisy to St Pois with L-5s;
and the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s.
SATURDAY, 12 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, A-20s and B-26s attack Oissel rail bridge, Corbeil-Essonnes refueling siding, and numerous points along highways in the Argentan area with the aim of bottling up enemy troops;
fighters fly ground forces cover and armed reconnaissance over wide areas of W and N France, also escort IX Bomber Command aircraft;
HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Canisy to Coulouvray;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Poilley to St Germain with L-5s;
and the 377th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, moves from Lignerolles to Rennes with P-47s.
The 425th Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Scorton to Stoneman Park, England with P-61s.
SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, around 575 B-26s and A-20s with fighter escort bomb fuel storage at Les Buissons, points along highways around Lisieux and SE to Rugles with the aim of containing the enemy in the Falaise pocket, railroad targets at Peronne, Doullens, and Corbeil- Essonnes;
fighters cover ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance in the Alencon, Le Mans, Domfront, and Chartres areas;
about 125 C-47s fly ferry and evacuation missions;
during the night of 13/14 Aug, 28 B-26s bomb the Foret de Halouze ammunition dump and bivouac area;
and the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, moves from Ligneroller to Rennes with P-47s.
MONDAY, 14 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, A-20s and B-26s with fighter escort hit several highway and rail bridges, junctions and sidings mostly beyond the battlelines to delay and complicate the German retreat;
fighters fly armed reconnaissance over the Falaise, Broglie, and Chartres areas, and support ground forces, especially 7 armored and infantry divisions, over wide areas of N and W France;
a XIX Tactical Air Command squadron uniquely effects the surrender of a number of German ground troops, Germans on roads being strafed by the squadron NE of Carrouges wave white flags, whereupon the planes buzz the road and shepherd the enemy troops into a column which then proceeds to US lines to surrender;
HQ 358th Fighter Group and the 365th, 366th and 367th Fighter Squadrons move from Cretteville to Pontorson with P-47s;
HQ 367th Fighter Group moves from Beuzeville to Cricqueville;
and the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s.
TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
The 50th and 53d Troop Carrier Wings, on loan to the Mediterranean Allied Air Force (MAAF), participate in the invasion of S France as part of the Provisional Troop Carrier Air Division.
In France, 330+ A-20s and B-26s with fighter escort bomb Marseille-en-Beauvaisis and Foret de Chantilly ammunition and fuel dumps, rail bridges at Auvers-sur-Oise and L'Isle-Adam, Serqueux marshalling yard, and coastal defense at Saint-Malo; fighters fly cover for 5 infantry and armored divisions, and fly extensive armed reconnaissance over N and W France;
HQ 365th Fighter Group and 388th Fighter Squadron move from Azeville to Lignerolles with P-47s;
HQ 370th Fighter Group and the 401st, 402d and 485th Fighter Squadrons move from Cardonville to La Vielle with P-38s;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from St Germain to La Bozoge with L-5s;
the 33d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Chalgrove, England to Le Molay with F-5s;
the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, moves from Cricqueville to Gael with P-51s;
and the 392d, 393d and 394th Fighter Squadrons, 367th Fighter Group, move from Carentan to Cricqueville with P-38s.
WEDNESDAY, 16 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, about 130 B-26s and A-20s, with fighter escort, hit a Foret de Roumare ammunition dump and rail bridges at Pont-Audemer, Thibouville, Brionne, Nassandres, and Le Bourg;
fighters give air cover to an armored division and infantry forces, and fly patrol and armed reconnaissance over N and W France;
HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Villedieu les Poeles to Le Teilleul;
and HQ 50th Fighter Group and the 10th, 81st and 313th Fighter Squadrons move from Carentan to Meautis with P-47s.
The 93d Troop Carrier Squadron, 439th Troop Carrier Group, based at Upottery, England, ceases operating from Ramsbury and begins operating from Membury.
THURSDAY, 17 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 400+ A-20s and B-26s bomb road bridges at Montfort-sur-Risle, Pont-Audemer, Nassandres, Beaumont-le- Roger, Le Bourg, Brionne, and Beaumontel, and a rail bridge at La Ferriere- sur-Risle;
fighters fly ground force cover over Saint-Malo and Dreux and armed reconnaissance in NW France;
IX Tactical Air Command fighters attack and severely damage Gestapo HQ near Chateauroux;
and HQ 406th Fighter Group and 512th, 513th and 514th Fighter Squadrons move from Tour-en-Bassin to Cretteville with P-47s.
FRIDAY, 18 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, nearly 100 B-26s and A-20s strike a fuel dump, ammunition dump, rail and road overpass, rail embankment, and junction beyond the battleline to disorganize retreating German forces;
1,000+ fighters fly cover over ground forces in the Argentan-Paris area, along the Seine River, and armed reconnaissance over N and W France;
the 31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Chalgrove, England to Rennes with F-5s;
and the 425th Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Stoneman Park, England to Vannes with P-61s.
SATURDAY, 19 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
The 50th and 53d Troop Carrier Wings, on loan to the Mediterranean Allied Air Force (MAAF) to participate in the invasion of S France, are ordered to return to UK.
No IX Bomber Command operations. In France, fighters cover ground forces in the battle areas and fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River and surrounding areas and in wide areas around Paris, Orleans, and Tours;
and HQ 373d Fighter Group moves from Tour-en-Bassin to St-James.
SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 61 B-26s bomb troop and equipment concentrations waiting at Foret de la Lande to be ferried across the Seine River;
fighters fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River, support ground troops in the battle area, and fly an escort mission to 100+ C-47s on a supply and evacuation run;
HQ 71st Fighter Wing moves from Ecrammeville to Rennes;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from La Bozoge to Dampierre with L-5s;
the 410th, 411th and 412th Fighter Squadrons, 373d Fighter Group, moves from Tour-en-Bassin to St-James with P-47s;
and the 584th and 585th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Holmsley, England to Tour-en- Bassin with B-26s.
MONDAY, 21 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
Bad weather grounds all bombers and fighters;
in France, less than 20 C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions.
TUESDAY, 22 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
IX Bomber Command operations are cancelled because of weather. In France, fighters fly sweeps, provide air cover for 2 infantry and 1 armored division, strafe numerous military and transportation targets, and fly armed reconnaissance from Evreux to Troyes;
HQ IX Tactical Air Command moves from Coulouvray to Haleine;
HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Le Teilleul to Aillieres;
HQ 387th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Stony Cross, England to Maupertus;
and the 380th Fighter Squadron, 363d Fighter Group, moves from Maupertus to Azeville with P-51s (the 380th will be redesignated 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 25 Aug).
The 93d Troop Carrier Squadron, 439th Troop Carrier Group, ceases operating from Membury and returns to base at Upottery, England with C-47s.
WEDNESDAY, 23 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 4 B-26s drop leaflets in the Lisieux-Bernay area;
fighters fly ground forces cover, sweeps, armed reconnaissance over the battle areas and along the Seine River, and attack artillery positions;
150+ C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions and several hundred reconnaissance aircraft fly tactical, visual, photographic, and artillery adjustment reconnaissance missions;
HQ 98th Combat Bombardment Wing (Medium) arrives at Lessay from Beaulieu, England;
HQ 36th Fighter Group moves from Brucheville to Le Mans;
HQ 363d Fighter Group and the 381st and 382d Fighter Squadrons move from Maupertus to Azeville with P-51s (the 363d will be redesignated the 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group and the 381st and 382d Fighter Squadrons to 161st and 162d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons on 25 Aug);
HQ 368th Fighter Group moves from Cardonville to Chartres;
the 125th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force (attached to Ninth Army), based at Erlestokes, England begins operating from bases in France with L-5s;
the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from St Pois to Couterne with L-5s;
and the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, moves from Cardonville to Chartres with P-47s.
The 98th Troop Carrier Squadron, 440th Troop Carrier Group, ceases operating from Ramsbury with C-47s and returns to base at Exeter, England.
The following units that have been operating from bases in Italy with C-47s since Jul return to the bases indicated:
- 76th and 78th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 435th Troop Carrier Group, from Tarquinia to Welford Park
- 79th, 80th and 81st Troop Carrier Squadrons, 436th Troop Carrier Group, from Voltone Airfield to Membury
- 83d, 84th, 85th and 86th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 437th Troop Carrier Group from Montala Airfield to Ramsbury
- 87th, 88th and 89th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 438th Troop Carrier Group from Canino Airfield to Greenham Common
THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, weather cancels a IX Bomber Command mission against 4 fuel dumps N of the Seine River;
fighters give air cover to ground forces, mainly for 3 armored and 2 infantry divisions, bomb Seine River bridges, and fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine and around Troyes, Orleans, and Tours;
about 270 C-47s fly supply and evacuation missions;
HQ 303d Fighter Wing moves from Houesville to Rennes;
HQ 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) and 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron move from Rennes/St-Jacques to Chateaudun with F-6s;
and HQ 366th Fighter Group and 389th and 391st Fighter Squadrons move from St Pierre du Mont to Dreux/Vermouillet with P-47s.
In England, the 90th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, that has been operating from Welford Park returns to Greenham Common.
The following units that have been operating in Italy with C-47s return to base:
- 91st, 92d and 94th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 439th Troop Carrier Group, from Orbetello Airfield to Upottery.
- 95th, 96th and 97th Troop Carrier Squadrons, 440th Troop Carrier Group, from Ombrone Airfield to Exeter.
- 99th, 100th, 301st and 302d Troop Carrier Squadrons, 441st Troop Carrier Group, from Grosseto to Merryfield.
- 304th, 305th and 306th Troop Carrier Squadron, 442d Troop Carrier Group, from Follonica to Weston Zoyland.
FRIDAY, 25 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, about 240 A-20s and B-26s attack various enemy strongholds in and around Brest supporting the ground forces' attempt to capture Brest harbor;
fighters provide air cover for 5 divisions, fly armed reconnaissance along the Seine River, and sweeps in wide areas around Paris which is liberated;
fighters of the IX Tactical Air Command raid, and set afire with napalm tanks, the reported HQ of Field Marshall Walter Model (Commander-in-Chief West) and Verzy;
HQ IX Air Defense Command moves from Ecrammeville to Rennes;
HQ 394th Bombardment Group (Medium) moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Dampierre to Courcy with L-5s;
the 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-5s;
the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to First Army), moves from Couterne to Maillebois with L-5s;
and the 390th Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, moves from Pierre du Mont to Dreux with P-47s.
The 303d Troop Carrier Squadron, 442d Troop Carrier Group, that has been operating from Follonica, Italy with C-47s, returns to base at Weston Zoyland, England.
SATURDAY, 26 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
HQ IX Troop Carrier Command is relieved of its assignment to the Ninth AF upon transfer of the command and its service organizations from the IX Air Force Services Command to HQ First Allied Airborne Army commanded by Lieutenant General Lewis H Brereton.
In France, IX Bomber Command, with fighter escort, strikes fuel dumps at Saint-Gobain, Fournival/Bois-de-Mont, and Compiegne/Clairoix, and troop and equipment concentrations at Rouen;
fighters fly ground forces and assault area cover, and armed reconnaissance in the Rouen, Dijon, Chatillon-sur-Seine and S Loire areas;
HQ 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) and 453d, 454th, 455th and 456th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium) move from Beaulieu, England to Lessay with B-26s;
and the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-6s.
SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, the IX Bomber Command attacks troop concentrations in the Rouen area, Rouen bridge, Boulogne-sur- Mer/Boursin navigational beam station, and Bucy-les-Pierrepont and Foret de Samoussy fuel dumps;
fighters cover ground forces and fly sweeps and armed reconnaissance in the Senlis area and S of the Loire River claiming 16 aircraft (11 in the air) destroyed, and losing 6;
the 31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with F-5s;
the 112th Liaison Squadron, Ninth Air Force, moves from Heston, England to Jullouville with L-5s;
and the 395th and 396th Fighter Squadrons, 368th Fighter Group, moves from Cardonville to Chartres with P-47s.
MONDAY, 28 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, B-26s and A-20s escorted by fighters bomb fuel dumps at Doullens, Barisis-aux-Bois, an ammunition dump at Querrieu, an ammunition and fuel dump at Compiegne/Foret de Laigue, and an alcohol distillery and fuel storage depot at Hamm;
fighters escort about 400 C-47s on supply and evacuation runs, attack airfields at Bourges and Peronne, support ground forces, and fly armed reconnaissance from Amiens to E of Dijon;
the 155th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), moves from Rennes to Chateaudun with A-20s and F-3s;
the 422d Night Fighter Squadron, IX Air Defense Command, moves from Maupertus to Chateaudun with P-61s;
the 507th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter Group, moves from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s;
and the 514th Fighter Squadron, 406th Fighter Group, moves from Cretteville to St Leonard with P-47s.
TUESDAY, 29 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, bad weather allows only minimum bomber and fighter operations;
B-26s attack 1 fuel dump while a few fighters fly sweeps over NW France;
100+ C-47s complete supply and evacuation missions;
HQ 48th Fighter Group and 492d, 493d and 494th Fighter Squadrons move from Deux Jumeaux to Villacoublay with P-47s;
HQ 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and 107th and 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons move from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-6s.
HQ 404th Fighter Group and the 506th Fighter Squadron move from Chapelle to Bretigny with P-47s;
HQ 474th Fighter Group moves from Neuilly to St Marceau;
and the 586th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin with B-26s.
WEDNESDAY, 30 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, about 75 A-20s and B-26s bomb a fuel dump near Arques-la-Bataille, Rouxmesnil-Bouteilles, and gun positions around Ile de Cezembre;
weather grounds the fighters;
HQ 84th Fighter Wing moves from Criqueville to Aillieres;
HQ 100th Fighter Wing moves from Rennes to Le Mans;
the 14th Liaison Squadron, XIX Tactical Air Command (attached to Third Army), moves from Courcy to St Maurice-aux-Riches-Hommes with L-5s;
the 33d Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, moves from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-5s;
the 313th Fighter Squadron, 50th Fighter Group, moves from Meautis to Orly with P-47s;
and the 596th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), moves from Hurn, England to Gorges with B-26s.
The 82d Troop Carrier Squadron, 436th Troop Carrier Group, that has been operating from Voltone Airfield, Italy, returns to base at Membury, England with C-47s.
THURSDAY, 31 AUGUST 1944
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Ninth Air Force):
In France, 99 B-26s and A-20s bomb an ammunition dump at Foret d'Arques and gun positions at Ile de Cezembre;
fighters fly armed reconnaissance in the Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Albert, and Arras areas, ground forces cover for 3 armored divisions, battleship cover, and also dive-bomb Ile de Cezembre;
HQ 70th Fighter Wing moves from Aillieres to Versailles;
the following squadrons assigned to the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group move:
30th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron from Le Molay to Toussus le Noble with F-5s;
and the 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from Toussus le Noble to Buc with F-6s;
the 386th and 387th Fighter Squadrons, 365th Fighter Group move from Azeville to Lignerolles with P-47s;
the 587th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 394th Bombardment Group (Medium), moves from Holmsley, England to Tour-en-Bassin with B-26s;
and the 597th, 598th and 599th Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 397th Bombardment Group (Medium), move from Hurn, England to Gorges with B-26s.
Source:
COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)
1955-59
used sources by McKillop:
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the
Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973
