38 Group Halifax & Stirling identity request

[ashley356]

Hi

I have recently been shown a photograph taken at Martlesham Heath on 18 September 1944 which shows a 38 Group Halifax and Stirling IV along with two Horsa gliders. The Halifax has a collapsed port undercarriage but the Stirling appears undamaged as are the two Horsas.

I can only assume these were both aircraft that had to abort during Operation Market Garden; are there any 38 Group experts out there who may be able to identify the aircraft and/or crews involved? The Halifax must be from either 298 or 644 Squadron but my investigations to date have drawn a blank.

Thanks

Ashley

[Steve Smith]

Dear Ashley,

If no one on this site can help, perhaps you should try the following site which specialise in No.38 Group.

http://www.raf38group.org/

The site is run by Bruno Lecaplain who I am sure can help you.

Kind regards

Steve

[BC]

Ashley and steve:
Tarkey Barker is inquiring with the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society's archivist so you may have some gen coming from that source soon.

Regs,

BC

[ashley356]

Thanks Steve and Bob for your input; I will see if Tarkey turns anything up if not try the 38 Group site as suggested.

Regards

[Larry]

Stirling LJ843 of 196 Sqn had to let go of a badly loaded Horsa at Martlesham on 18th Sept 1944. The Stirling was flown by Sgt CRJ Green.

[ashley356]

Thanks Larry, that ties in with the photo. Just the Halifax to pin down now!

Regards

Ashley

[Larry]

Another Stirling LK130 of 299 Sqn had its glider cast off due to turbulence and it also landed at Martlesham on 18th Sept 1944. LK130 then landed and reconnected the glider and flew on to Holland where the glider was released at a place called Son.

Out of interest Martlesham Heath also had a glider cast off on 17th Sept 1944 by Dakota KG563 of 437 Sqn RCAF, so was quite busy in this respect.

As for the Halifax I'm wondering if it was from Bomber Command, as I can find no trace of an abort for one on 18th Sept. Are you certain your photo was taken on 18th and not on subsequent days of the Operation?

[Graham Boak]

Bomber Command were completely given over to the Mk.III Hercules variant by September 1944: I'm not certain but think this a little bit early for these to be in Airborne hands. The photo will presumably show the engines - and undercarriage - which will permit the mark to be identified, which should help a little.

[ashley356]

Larry/Graham

Thanks for the additional info on this enquiry.

I'll check re the Halifax later on (am at work currently) though from recollection i'm sure it had Hercules engines. Therefore as you have both suggested the 38 Group link on my part could be a red herring as I believe they were still exclusively using the B.V in September 1944?

The two Horsas could therefore be the ones detailed by Larry above and the presence of the Hlaifax in close proximity just a coincidence.

More follows.....

Regards

Ashley

[Graham Boak]

I've found that Merrick states (in his recent "Halifax: From Hell to Victory and Beyond")that the conversion to the A Mk.III began in October, with the first aircraft arriving for experimental work on the 28th September.