I think the return was in March, 1944. I started to look up some of the names of crew mention in Tranor's book. Here is an article about Barton which appeared March 20, 1944.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8820...-sun-bulletin/
Several articles about Necrason discussing conditions in Burma (he may have been interviewed in Washington D.C.) appear at the same time.
This article about Whistle mentions he returned in March 1944 (see bottom of first column).
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6067...and-joy-visit/