IX Troop Carrier Command Field Order 1

6 June 1944
A C-47 Skytrain of the 438th Troop Carrier Group tugs a glider, as it takes off from Greenham Common on D-Day. Handwritten caption on reverse: '438 TCG. Greenham Common, 6/6/44.' media-423256.jpg FRE 3381 A C-47 Skytrain of the 438th Troop Carrier Group tugs a glider, as it takes off from Greenham Common on D-Day. Handwritten caption on reverse: '438 TCG. Greenham Common, 6/6/44.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 3381 - A C-47 Skytrain of the 438th Troop Carrier Group tugs a glider, as it takes off from Greenham Common on D-Day. Handwritten caption on reverse: '438...

Official Description

During the preceding fight and during the day over 1,400 C-47’s, C-53’s, and gliders deliver glider troops and paratroops, including 3 full airborne divisions, which are to secure beach exits to facilitate inland movement of seaborne assault troops.



A total of about 30 airplanes, Medium Bombers (fighters and transports) are lost.

Description

IX Troop Carrier Command Field Order No 1 was originally issued on 31 May 1944, before being amended on 4 June 1944. It determined the role that 9th Air Force Troop Carrier Command would play in the assault phase of Operation Neptune- the Normandy Landings on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

Mission Details

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

Description: The Force's mission was to "transport and re-supply parachute and glider elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division". This was accomplished through three phases.

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 2,053,925 Pounds freight dropped
  • Aircraft sent: 2174
  • Aircraft effective: 17
  • Aircraft missing in action: 41
  • Aircraft damaged: 449

PHASE ONE / Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Description: The first phase was accomplished in the early hours of D-Day and involved the delivery of parachute and glider infantry of the two airborne divisions on a total of 6 drop landing zones close to Sainte Mere Eglise where they were to be used to assist the inland progress of the assault troops landing on Utah Beach. In the closing hours of D minus 1 (5 June 1944) C-47 Skytrains and C-53 Skytroopers of 9th Air Force Troop Carrier Command began to take off, some serving as tugs for CG-4A gliders. The Aircraft proceeded to three wing assembly areas over Britain before heading for the coast. From that point the air train proceeded along a 10 mile wide command channel towards the Cherbourg peninsula, avoiding heavy anti-aircraft fire in the Channel Islands. Three naval craft provided with radar beacons marked the course.

Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain

Notes: The force was supported by RAF Stirlings who flew a diversionary mission, and were escorted by night fighters on No 11 Group, RAF.

PHASE TWO

Description: The second phase saw over 400 C-47 Skytrains and C-53 Skytroopers towing as many CG-4A and Horsa gliders in the support missions on the afternoon of D-Day and morning in D plus 1 (7 June 1944) The aircraft were supported by fighter groups of IX Fighter Command

PHASE THREE

Description: Phase 3 concluded the work of 9th Air Force Troop Carrier Command in the assault on Utah Beach. In parallel with the second Phase, the 3rd Phase saw more than 320 C-47 Skytrains and C053 Skytroopers dispatched to resupply the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions on the morning of D plus 1 (7 June 1944). Ground conditions and enemy reactions obstructed the re-supply of the ground troops, as the operation was carried out as pre-planned and was not informed by the situation of the combat troops on the ground. This meant that supplies fell in enemy territory.

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Crew Chief
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32077266
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 45th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Nicknames: Little Samuel
  • Unit: 437th Troop Carrier Group 84th Troop Carrier Squadron
C-47 42-100897
  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Nicknames: Sugar Blues
  • Unit: 75th Troop Carrier Squadron 435th Troop Carrier Group
  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 45th Troop Carrier Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

US Air Force Combat Chronology

9th Air Force History

IX Troop Carrier Command Field Order 1: Gallery (12 items)