354th FG Mustangs on 5th / 6th June 1944

[Larry]

It is said that 354th FG Mustangs took off at 21.00 hours on the 5th of June 1944, to escort Douglas C-47 to Normandy for the airborne operations starting at around 00.30 hours on 6th June.

I appreciate that there was double summertime in use during the war, so what time in use in the UK / Normandy would it get dark, and when would it be sun rise?

Apparently the 354th FG were diverted to Christchurch due to bad weather and arrived overhead in the dark, and despite there being a pundit light set up to guide them many carried on circling till they could have just a bit more daylight to land.

Out of interest (or ignorance) would a 9pm take-off on 5th June be too early, and warn the Germans of our intentions? And what use the escorts in the darkness?

[MW Giles]

Taking into account BDST Sunset at sea level on the 5th June 1944 for 5300N 0000E (South Lincolnshire) was 22:20 hrs adn sunrise in the same place was at 05:37 hours

The times get later the further west you go and there are less hours of daylight the further south in summer . Altitude also extends the amount of daylight seen.

There is a difference between sunset and the various twightlights (civil, nautical and astronomical too)

I am primarily intersted in Bomber Command, which is why I only have figures for Lincolnshire

The RAF troop carriers did not take off until after 22:25 hrs on 05.06.44. But there were enough fighters and aircraft movements throughout May and June 44, another raid is not going to signal Invasion

Martin

[Larry]

Thanks Martin.

The 354th FG took off from their home base at Lashenden, Kent (Station 410). and I guess headed inland to meet the C-47s which could have been coming from RAF or US bases in the west or Oxfordshire or South Midlands, (from where I know not) so at slow cruising speed and circling to form up they might have 'used up' 1.5 hours but it still seems too early.

Perhaps the take off time for the 354th was later?

Was the Luftwaffe active during the times you mention and would the 354th expect much 'trade'?

[KM1957]

According to 354th records, take-off was at 2057 from Lashenden. R/V was made at 2200 near Portland Bill and the C-47's were left early, due to bad weather, at 2300 near Isle de Tatihou. The controller Casey diverted the group to land at Stoney Cross which was considered better equipped to handle the weather/dark landings (although four pilots did make it back to Lashenden) and John Rody of the 353rd had a slight landing accident at Stoney Cross at 2355. The records say the group was all down by 0030 hours on June 7. Cannot vouch for accuracy of the times, just presenting what was recorded.

Kent