SICILY   BURMA   NORMANDY   SOUTHERN FRANCE   HOLLAND   BASTOGNE   RHINE CROSSING   LUZON

SICILY GLIDER SERIALS: 22 American Glider Pilots committed to Ladbroke 4 committed to Fustian

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
1943-07-09	A	60	Ladbroke	A-El Djem Base	28	0		2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment	3
Glider Chalk #1-28 plus Z 29 took off towed by C-47's, one broke loose from tow. Tow ship landed and took off with same glider.
1943-07-09	B	60	Ladbroke	B-El Djem No 1	29	0		2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment	3
Glider chalk #29-54a plus X 29 took off towed by C-47's, one broke loose from tow. Ship landed and took off with reserve glider.
1943-07-09	C	62	Ladbroke	C-El Djem No 2	25	0		1st Battalion of the Border Regiment	2
7th TC Squadron furnished twelve (12) AP and Gliders - chalk #55 to 67 Inclusive 8th TCS furnished thirteen (13) AP and Gliders - chalk #68 to 80 Inclusive- Take off order is 7th, 8th, 51st then 4th.
1943-07-09	D	62	Ladbroke	D-Goubrine Base	26	0		1st Battalion of the Border Regiment	2
51st TC Squadron furnished thirteen (13) AP and Gliders -chalk #81 to 92 Inclusive 4th TCS furnished twelve (12) AP and Gliders - chalk #93-101, 101A, 102- 104 Inclusive- One broke loose from tow. Ship landed and took off with reserve. Take off order is 7th, 8th, 51st then 4th.
1943-07-09	E	295	Ladbroke	E-Goubrine No 1	0	8		A Company 2 South Staffords	1
Glider chalk # 128- 135
1943-07-09	F	296	Ladbroke	F-Goubrine No. 2	25	0		1st Battalion of the Border Regiment	2
Glider chalk# 105 - 127 plus Y 26 attempted to take off towed by 26 Albemarles, but only 20 actually got off. One tow ship caught fire, two pilots released becasue of fright, one broke landing gear on take off and two others came loose from tow.
1943-07-13	E	296	Fustian	E-Goubrine No 1	8	0		1st A/L Anti Tank Battery	8
Glider chalk # 114 - 118c
1943-07-13	F	296	Fustian	F-Goubrine No. 2	0	11		1st A/L Anti Tank Battery	7
Glider chalk # 119 - 129 26 attempted to take off towed by 26 Albemarles, but only 20 actually got off. One tow ship caught fire, two pilots released because of fright, one broke landing gear on take off and two others came loose from tow.

BURMA GLIDER SERIALS:

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
1944-02-29	Dixon	1AC	29 February 1944	-Lalaghat	1	0		Delivering Boats to the Indian Division	Chi
Landing Zone was the bank of the Chindwin River. Single glider mission.
1944-03-05	1	1AC	Thursday	-Lalaghat	60	0		111th Brigade	Bro
Broadway was the Landing Zone
1944-03-06	Chowringhe	1AC	Chowringhee	-Lalaghat	12	0		bulldozers and equipment to construct a proper landing strip 20 miles southeast of Katha to get C-47s in and out.	Cho

NORMANDY GLIDER SERIALS:

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
1944-06-06	27	434	Chicago	467-Aldermaston	52	0	101	155 men: 2 Btys 81st AA Bn, Engineers Elmts 327th GIR (anti-tank plat. Hq Co.) Signal 1 surgical unit Staff pers. 1 Bulldozer 16 x 57mm guns 25 vehicles	E
Chicago Serial -- Details---Mission
1944-06-06	28	437	Detroit	469-Ramsbury	52	0	82	Btry A & B 80th Abn AA Bn Hq 82nd Abn Div 82nd Abn Div Arty 82nd A/B Sign Co	O
1944-06-06	29	434	Keokuk	467-Aldermaston	0	32	101	157 men: Signal Medical & Staff pers. 40 vehicles 6 guns 19 tons of equipment and supplies	E
Keokuk Serial (Neptune) 11 C-47’s towed 11 Horsa to LZ on Cherbourg Peninsula. All gliders hit landing area and all power crews returned without a casualty. Major Hansley flew as Group Deputy Commander and the 72nd Lead the Group. Summary of Keokuk Mission
1944-06-06	30	437	Elmira	469-Ramsbury	8	18	82	Btry C 80th Abn AA Bn Hq 80th Abn AA Bn 82nd Abn Div Arty 82nd A/B Signal Co	W
1944-06-06	31	438	Elmira	486-Greenham Common	14	38	82	82nd Abn Recn Platoon 82nd Signal Co Hq 82nd Abn Div 307th ABn Medic Co	W
1944-06-06	32	436	Elmira	466-Membury	2	48	82	319th GFA Bn 320th GFA Bn 307th Abn Medic Co Co A 307th Abn Engr Bn 82nd Abn Div Arty	W
1944-06-06	33	435	Elmira	474-Welford	12	38	82	320th GFA Bn	W
78th TC Squadron, 435th TC Group Report
1944-06-07	34	437	Galveston	469-Ramsbury	32	17	82	1/325th GIR Co A 307th A/B Engr Bn	W
All Planes in this First Serial were flying at very low altitudes, due to bad weather when starting out. Altitudes ranged between 100 to 200 feet and at these heights the gliders could glide only half a mile or remain in the airborne more than 30 seconds. All but six of the gliders released too soon and landed between the two southern causeways leading inland from Utah Beach toward LZ E. The gliders landing east of LZ E encountered minor sniper fire, but suffered numerous landing accidents. Nine WACOs and 10 Horsas were destroyed, while 22 gliders were damaged. Personnel losses were heavy. Seventeen troops were killed and 85 more were injured. -World War II Glider Pilots pg24
1944-06-07	35	434	Galveston	467-Aldermaston	50	0	82	Hq & Hq Co 325th GIR Co A 307th Abn Engr Bn 82nd Abn Recn Plat 82nd Abn Div Arty Cmd Veh 508 Prcht Inf	W
74TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON: Fifty C-47s and fifty CG-4As took off from Aldermaston at 0432 on 7 June for LZ on Cherbourg peninsula near previous LZ. They carried 251 personnel, 24 jeeps, 11 guns and 10,370 pounds of ammunition in addition to other supplies. Forty-eight gliders were released at the LZ. One lost an aileron, cutting loose and landed successfully at "Flatbush" (near coast of England). One landed at (37.2 - 95.8) a little north of LZ W. There were no navigational aids or markers at the LZ but gliders made successful landings. Small arms fire was intense and many planes received small damage from bullet holes. One Radio operation in the 74th TC Squadron was wounded in the leg. 72nd Major Hensley lead the 72nd squadron which flew third spot in the group formation. This was his second mission into Normandy. USAFHRA 434th Troop Carrier Group Summary of Operational Missions Summary of Galveston Mission
1944-06-07	36	439	Hackensack	462-Upottery	20	30	82	2/325th GIR 2/401st GIR	W
1944-06-07	37	441	Hackensack	464-Merryfield	50	0	82	Hq 2/325th GIR Hq 2/401st GIR Serv Co 325th GIR Cmd Veh 505, 507 & 508 Prcht Inf	W
100th TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON: At 0715 hours, June 7, twelve planes took off towing twelve GC-4A Gliders on a glider airborne mission. Once in the air the aircraft found that they were to have good fighter cover: P38s, P46s, and P51s escorted them. The aircraft arrived over the GLZ (glider landing zone) at 1900 hours. The GLZ was located one mile due South of Ste. Mère-Église. There was no enemy air opposition encountered. However, over the Cherbourg Peninsula and drop zone small arms fire was constant. The twelve gliders were released, and it was observed that they descended in an excellent landing pattern, and in an area that did not appear to be saturated with craft previously landed. They were dropped at an altitude of 700 ft. The twelve gliders were expended with one glider pilot being killed in a crash landing, and two other glider pilots wounded: F/O Hubert W. Lindsey was Killed in action in glider no 43-19874, F/O Drew C Walker sustained fractures of both legs (flying glider no 43-19874, as Co-pilot), and F/O Ralph J Kester, although no confirming data on him has been available, was reported on June 9th to be still in France with a broken right ankle. The mission was successful, the tug planes circled, dropped the nylon ropes, and made a 180 degree turn with the express purpose of executing that military move strategically known as "getting the Hell out!!" The gliders came down with all cargo usable, and all airborne personnel were delivered without loss. (though many of them were doubtless shaken up a bit, for many of the gliders were forced to semi-crash land by the unexpectedly tall hedges, and surprisingly small fields in which to stop.) The total cargo weight (including airborne men) ferried by the gliders amounted to 45,535 lbs. The equipment carried was principally ammunition, 1/4 ton trailers, five gallon water cans, and 81 mm CL HE. 100th historical narrative, Capt. Joseph C. C. Paradis, Air Corps, Intelligence Officer. 99TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON Five Officers and Nineteen Flight officers on detached service with the 82nd Airborne Division in Cherbourg Peninsula. AIR ACTIVITY: Thirteen planes and twelve gliders loaded with special supplies and equipment's took off for Cherbourg peninsula. Returning planes reported only sporadic small arms fire and very good excellent fighter coverage for our transports. All gliders reported cut loose at proper Landing Zone. Lead ship, not towing glider, was flown by Lt. Col T. G. Kershaw, Commanding Officer of the 441st Troop Carrier Group who used our plane as lead plane for entire Group Operation. In preparation for Hackensack 12 Glider Pilots were briefed in advance as to what to expect and what to look for. Escape kits and purses were handed out as usual. The Glider Pilots and their Co-pilots wore field equipment and were prepared for any eventuality that might befall ground troops as they landed with their airborne passengers and must be prepared to defend themselves or in any way aid the troops. Photo interpretation had shown the Glider Pilots pictures of fields they were to land in but had erred in interpreting the natural fence around the fields. What were thought to be high hedges, turned out to be tall trees, which had been clipped, and many fields were found to be studded with strong poles, making landing in them almost impossible. However, with a great deal of luck and skill all our gliders were crash landed with a minimum damage to their precious cargoes of men and supplies. Although the landing was "rough", none of the pilots were injured and almost all of them were able to lend a helping hand to the ground troops in the unloading of the gliders and then some of the pilots even volunteered to stay and help as ammunition bearers in order to help during the crucial hours. 99th historical Diary June 7, 1944

SOUTERN FRANCE GLIDER SERIALS:

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone	Time LZ
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone	Time LZ
1944-08-15	14	435	Bluebird	-Tarquinia	0	35	2nd (Independent) Parachute Brigade Group	330th Antitank Air Land Battery, 64th British Light Artillery Battalion	O	18:14:00
Fog over LZ caused C-47s and glider to returned to Tarquinia. Two gliders released over Corsica. Take off again was at 18:00 hours ten minutes before Dove mission was due to take off.
1944-08-15	15	436	Bluebird	-Voltone	40	0	2nd (Independent) Parachute Brigade Group	64th Airlanding Light Battery, RA, Q 1st ABTF with 512th Aiborne Signal Co.	O	08:22:00
Troop Carrier Narrative #1 for 15 August 1944 Serial 15 was accomplished with 40 C-47's towing 40 CG-4A Gliders of which three of the gliders were non-effective. Of the three, one lost a wing in the air in the Corsica area, losing both crew and airborne pssengers; a second was lost soon after take-off but made a successful landing on the water, crew and passengers being rescued; the tird was unable to take-off but joined another serial with the 437th Troop Carrier Group. Confusing orders scrubbing the mission and later orders to continue to destination involved a delay in the Corsica area of sustantially an hour. The ground haze and fog had burned off entirely by the time the LZ was reached and 37 gliders were released over the LZ and all appeared to make a successful landing. The fighter cover was excellent and nothing outside of routine appeared other than above noted. the weather conditions were extremely favorable. No ground fire was encountered and little activity observed on the inland roads. Capt B. L Lengyel and Major S. M Bryan went on the mission as intelligence observers. --S. M. Bryan, Major, Air Corps Groups S-2. --AFHRA 436th Mission report.
1944-08-15	17	442	Dove	-Folonica	47	0		550th Glider Infantry Battalion	O	18:19:00
1944-08-15	18	441	Dove	-Grossetto	48	0		1st Co 550 Bn 602 FA Bn	O	18:27:00
This Groupo was split to different LZs; 99th TC Squadron/441st TC Group, Chalk 1-12
1944-08-15	18	441	Dove	-Grossetto	36	0		1st Co 550 Bn 602 FA Bn	A	18:28:00
This Serial was split to two different LZ; 100th TC Squadron/ 441st TC Group, Chalk 13-30: On the afternoon of August 15th, at 1544 hours the eighteen planes took off anew [after dropping paratroopers], this time towing eighteen CG-4A gliders. The thirty-six GPs (glider pilots) carried full field equipment, plus, hand grenades, smoke grenades, BAR rifles (Browning Automatic rifles) and ammunition, and .45 caliber pistols. The gliders were loaded with personnel of the 1st Airborne Task Force and their equipment. The ceiling and visibility were unlimited (cavu). No enemy aircraft were encountered. En route there was an escort of P47s, and numerous P51s were descried at the LZ. The gliders were over the target at 1550 hours, and were released at an altitude of 700ft. above the terrain The LZ was located near the town of Saint Sauvear, France. The LZ was accurately located, and the Radar worked perfectly. The glider carried 33,399 lbs. of equipment, including jeeps, litters, machine guns, medical chests, radios, trailers, water cans, and rations. The gliders landed in good pattern. The eighteen planes returned at 2330 hours. On August 18th, the 36 glider pilots were picked up at Corsica. There were two casualties among the glider pilots: FO Ruehlman injured his right arm (between the wrist and the elbow) when the weapons carrier which he was driving in Southern France hit a land mine; F/O Roberts received a broken leg while en route to Corsica. The glider pilots were flown to an ATC base by three of the Squadron's planes from Grosseto, and from there (the ATC base) the glider pilots returned to England, and to Merryfield. 302nd TC Squadron/ 441st TC Group, Chalk 31-48:
1944-08-15	19	440	Dove	-Ombrone	48	0		30 gliders - 602nd Field Artillery Battalion 18 gliders-Antitank Co., 442nd “Nisei” Infantry Reg.	A	18:36:00
1944-08-15	20	439	Dove	-Orbertello	21	0		Sig Co Co A Chem 2nd Pltn Co A Chem	O	18:23:00
Split Group to two different LZs
1944-08-15	20	439	Dove	-Orbertello	26	0		Sig Co Co A Chem 2nd Pltn Co A Chem	A	18:44:00
Split serial to two different LZs
1944-08-15	21	438	Dove	-Canino	47	0		14 gliders - 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, A Co. 8 gliders - 512th Airborne Signal Co. 25 gliders - 676th Medical Collecting Co., 164th Medical Battalion	O	18:51:00
In the 438th only the 87th, 88th and 89th were sent to Italy. The 90th TC Squadron did not fly Southern France.--A0994-369-371 --89TH TCS, 438TH TCG. Upon the return of the ships form the first mission, the planes were refueled and marshalled for the glider mission. At 1359 hours the first ship from the squadron took off with its glider tow, quickly followed by the remainder of the ships. The glider behind tow ship #767 was found to be nose heavy and the freight had to be transferred to another glider and the ship and glider took off at 170 hours, flying the entire route alone. Each ship towed a C-4A glider containing a total of 68 men, 40,584 pounds of equipment and supplies. All gliders were towed to LZ O successfully, and all ships returned to this base without mishap. The first ship was over the LZ at 1850 hours and with the exception of ship #767, all the other planes cut their gliders within five minutes thereafter. Both missions were highly successful and there was no loss of plane or life.
1944-08-15	22	62	Dove	-Galera	48	0	1st Airborne Division	24 gliders - 887th Airborne Aviation Engineer Co. 18 gliders - HQ, 1st ABTF: 6 gliders Military Platoon, 1st ABTF	O	18:59:00
62nd Troop Carrier Group: Order of Formation was: 8th TC sqd chalk 1-12 , 51st TC sqd chalk 13 - 24, 4th TC Sqd chalk 25- 36, 7th TC sqd 37 - 48. 51st TC Squadron Report 51st TC Wing to the 62nd TCG; Order Number 4, para (e) Altitude of release over LZ's "O" and "A" - 1,000
1944-08-15	23	64	Dove	-Ciampino	47	0		10 gliders - 887th Airborne Aviation Engineer Co. 30 gliders - 83rd Chemical Martar Battalion, D Co. 7 glider - Division Order Detachment.	A	19:03:00
HEADQUARTERS 64TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP 21 August 1944 Operation Dove: Gliders were assigned Numbers 49 thru 95. The flight itself was uneventful. Many of the glider pilots said it was the smoothest flight they had ever been on. As they neared the coast dense smoke made them anxious as to what awaited them, but no enemy opposition developed. Over the target, which was obscured by smoke drifting in from the coast until they were almost over it, the scene was one of confusion. Gliders of preceding waves had apparently taken all available landing space. The glider pilots released however, and as they circled down small openings presented themselves. The air was full of gliders, each following its own pattern, trying to lose altitude quickly and get into very restricted spaces. Many were just about to set down in a small clear spot only to have a glider come in from another direction and beat them to it. To add to the confusion, vegetation which they had been told was grape vines turned out to be small trees. Sharpened 4x4 poles 12 to 15 feet high strung with wire appeared, ready to gut and destroy luckless gliders. Most of the casualties occurred on the landing. Several Pilots suffered broken legs as the unprotected noses of the gliders plowed into vines or furrows. Some were crushed as the load in the glider, torn loose by the shock of a crash landing, hurtled forward through the plywood noses. At the high altitude of release casualties would have been heavy if the enemy had opposed the landing with fire, but it this respect our men were lucky. The majority landed without injury t the occupants, although most of the gliders were damaged...

HOLLAND GLIDER SERIALS:

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
1944-09-17	A28	439	16332	482-Balderton	50	0	82	A/80 AA-AT Bn. & various	N
1944-09-17	A29	437	16332	469-Ramsbury	35	0	101	Various elements	W
1944-09-17	A30	437	16332	469-Ramsbury	35	0	101	Recon Pl. + Regiment jeeps	W
1944-09-18	A35	434	16333	467-Aldermaston	40	0	101	1/401s GIR & HQ/327 GIR	W
74th TCS Diary: 18 September 1944 - Tactical Glider Tow Mission - Twenty (20) planes of this squadron towed a like number of gliders piloted by members of the 72nd TC Sq. Serial A-35 of “Market” Operations. LZ’s were located in the vicinity of Eindohoven, Holland.
1944-09-18	A36	439	16333	482-Balderton	50	0	82	B/80th AA&AT Bn., jeeps	N
1944-09-18	A37	435	16333	474-Welford Park	30	0	101	Elms 326 Md Co	W
1944-09-18	A38	313	16333	484-Folkingham	42	0	82	307th A/B Med. Co., 307th A/B Engr. Bn. and Btry. A, 320th GFAB	N
SERIAL A-38: 313TH TC GROUP: 40 C-47’s, 2 C-53’s, and 42 CG-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “N”. TOT 1109 D Plus 1. TOD 1431 to 1435. Load: 172 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., and 73,780 lbs. of equipment of the 307th A/B Med. Co., 307th A/B Engr. Bn. and Btry. A, 320th Glider FA Bn. Haze was encountered along the entire route. One A/C became separated from the formation, rejoined an unknown formation of A/C and gliders, and proceeded to LZ “W”. Where glider was given signal to cut loose with rest of formation. Aids were good. Rebecca in lead A/C burned out at March. One Rebecca picked up Antiqua 85 miles out. GEE worked well to Coast of Holland; A/C proceeded on pilotage thereafter. Aids on LZ were as anticipated, but no reception on the radio compass. Forty-one gliders were released at or in vicinity of LZ “N”. One A/C is missing, reported to have been seen to crash and explode. 7 A/C hit by ground fire.
1944-09-18	A39	438	16333	486-Greenham Common	40	0	101	HQ/377 PFa	W
1944-09-18	A40	61	16333	483-Barkstone Heath	40	0	82	B/320th GFAB -109 troops for the 82nd A/B Div., 17 jeeps, 7 trailers, 1 75 mm. howitzer and 33,301 lbs. of other combat equipment	T
SERIAL A-40: 61ST TC GROUP. 40 C-47 ’s and 40 CG-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “T”. TOT 1130 D Plus 1. TOD 1437. Load: 109 troops for the 82nd A/B Div., 17 jeeps, 7 trailers, 1 75 mm. howitzer and 33,301 lbs. of other combat equipment. All A/C released gliders on LZ “T”. Two A/C were shot down. One crashed on the LZ; the other was seen going doan at railroad between LZ “N” and LZ “T”. Twelve AC hit by ground fire.
1944-09-18	A41	442	16333	404-Chilbolton	40	0	101	HQ & Sv Co + A/326 Eng	W
When the crews of the power planes returned some five and a half hours later, this was the way the story fitted togethe: One glider had aborted over England when the tow rope broke about five minutes after leaving Chilbolton, but the pilot and 2nd. Lt. Ryser, landed safely with glider and cargo intact. The remaining 79 tow ships and gliders of the two Serials flew in by the northern route, encountering very little enemy fire in contrast with the previous day. There was but a single misadventure. About 3 miles from LZ-W, a random flak burst struck the wing of the Glider flown by Flight Officer Noel McCann, of the 306th TC squadron. The Glider literally disintegrated in mid air, caring flight officer McCann and to airborne troopers to an almost certain death. He is at present listed as missing in action. The remaining 78 Glider is landed in LZ-W without mishap. Three C-47’s failed to return to base at the completion of the mission. One landed at Gosfield in the U.K. with one engine out and a flat tire, while a second landed at Woodbridge as a result of flak damage. The third plane number 43-15139, Piloted by first Lieutenant William J McCormick, Jr was obliged to ditch in the channel on route home. The crew was picked up after about 18 minutes by Air-Sea Rescue, and came through with only minor injuries. The leader of the first glider serial, A-41, was 1st Lt. Lloyd A West, Ass't Group Glider Officer, while the lead glider of the second serial, A-53 was piloted by 1st Lt. Robert Neville. The contribution which had been made to the First Airborne Army's operations on D plus 1 by the 442nd T.C. Group could be broken down into the following statistics: ---314 Troops of the 306th Engineer Bn and the 506th Glider Unit carried into battle. ---25 jeeps delivered. ---81,830 pounds of combat equipment and rations delivered.
1944-09-18	A42	316	16333	489-Cottesmore	42	0	82	HQ/319th GFAB & 175 troops of the 82nd A/B Div. 2 photographers, 21 jeeps, 2 75 mm. howitzers, 4,266 lbs. of ammunition and 13,532 lbs. of combat equipment	T
SERIAL A-42: 316TH TC GROUP. 40 C-47 ’s, 2 C-53 ’s, and 42 CG-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “T”. TOT 1135 D plus 1. TOD 1441 to 1450. Load: 175 troops of the 82nd A/B Div. 2 photographers, 21 jeeps, 2 75 mm. howitzers, 4,266 lbs. of ammunition and 13,532 lbs. of combat equipment. One CG-4A broke lose 16 minutes out over the English Channel and ditched. The glider pilot and all five passengers were picked up within 2 minutes by Air Sea Rescue Service. The power pilot reports sudden prop wash encountered. The glider pilots’ reports that he experienced extreme difficulty in keeping the glider under control as it swerved off course at a severe angle necessitating a release. The ditched glider carried 5 troops and 2, 075 lbs. of combat equipment. One squadron reports all gliders cut loose of their own accord immediately south of DZ “O”. The error was due to the lead glider pilot who saw gliders from previous serials on LZ “O” and cut loose thinking he was at the correct LZ. Following glider pilots cut loose at the same time. Several pilots neared of formation seeing glider ahead cut loose gave the green light to their own gliders. Two pilots informed gliders the LZ “T” was 8 miles East but to go ahead and release. Similar land marks (Bridge,, town and bend of river) may have contributed to the error although the markings observed on LZ “O” were not the same as those which were supposed to have been on the correct LZ. The lead pilot reports that an amber 5-minute warning light was given approximately 1 minute before the gliders cut loose, but no green light. Since the interplane communication system was out, the only communication was by the light which could have been missed by the glider pilots. One A/C is missing from this serial. It was last seen over the coast of Holland. Thirteen A/C were unserviceable due to flak; 6 others were slightly damaged by flak.
1944-09-18	A43	436	16333	466-Membury	40	0	101	2/327 GIR	W
1944-09-18	A44	440	16333	488-Fulbeck	40	0	82	B/319th Gfa	W
1944-09-18	A45	437	16333	469-Ramsbury	40	0	101	Div HQ + Div Signal + 1/401 GIR	W
1944-09-18	A46	441	16333	490-Langar	40	0	82	Signal Co. & 307th Med & jeeps	N
1944-09-18	A47	434	16333	467-Aldermaston	40	0	101	327 GIR + 401 GIR	W
1944-09-18	A48	313	16333	484-Folkingham	40	0	82	137 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., and 97280 lbs. of equipment of the 320th Glider FA Bn., and 307th A/B Engr. Bn.	N
SERIAL A-48 313TH TC GROUP: 39 C-47's, 1 C-53 and 40 CG-4A gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “N”. TOT 1209 D plus 1. TOD 1532 to 1535. Load: 137 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., and 97280 lbs. of equipment of the 320th Glider FA Bn., and 307th A/B Engr. Bn. Thirty-nine A/C released their gliders on the LZ. One glider was abortive. It cut loose at approximately 1316 hours. the pilot of the glider returned to the station at 1700 hours an reported as follows: About 10 miles after passing MARCH, he was flying glider in formation behind tow plane when an airborne soldier who was in the co-pilot, suddenly began to yell, “Flak! Look at it”, and then yanked the glider tow release, cutting the glider loose from its tug plane. The glider pilot landed the glider in a field and put the airborne private under arrest, later turning him over to MP's at Station 484. One C-47 was hit in each wing and in gas tank by small arms fire, and one of the crew was slightly wounded. 4 other A/C received minor damage.
1944-09-18	A49	453	16333	474-Welford Park	30	0	101	Elms 326 Med Co.; Pltn 50th Field Hospital; 502 PIR jeeps	W
1944-09-18	A50	61	16333	483-Barkstone Heath	40	0	82	Load: 108 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., 319th GFAB, 17 jeeps, 7 trailers, 1 75 mm. howitzer, 3 105 mm. Howitzers, and 33,300 lbs. of other combat equipment.	T
SERIAL A-50: 61ST TC GROUP: 40 C-47's and 40 CG-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “T”. TOT 1237 D plus 1. TOD 1537. Load: 108 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., 17 jeeps, 7 trailers, 1 75 mm. howitzer, 3 105 mm. Howitzers, and 33,300 lbs. of other combat equipment. Thirty A/C released their gliders on LZ “T”. Of the remaining 10 gliders the lead glider cut off at 51° 37' 30" N - 04° 57' 00" E due to enemyu hits by AA. The tug plane returned to its home station. the next plane in the formation, without navigator and radar equipment, led the remaining 9 A/C with gliders to the IP. leaving the IP he flew slightly south of the prescribed course and released the gliders 12 miles southeast of LZ “T”. there were no A/C losses.
1944-09-18	A52	316	16333	489-Cottesmore	40	0	82	HQ/320th GFAB	N
SERIAL A-52: 316TH TC GROUP; 38 C-47's and 40 GC-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “N”. TOT 1235 D plus 1. TOD 1434 to 1552. Load: 209 troops of the 82nd A/B Div., 17 Jeeps, 11 trailers, 3 75 mm. howitzers, and 26,160 lbs of ammunition and combat equipment. GEE equipment was jammed and the Eureka-Rebecca at LZ could not be picked up. Beacons in the UK and at “TAMPA” were effective. The lead glider released without signal when flak position opened up on the formation NW of GENNEP. The gliders following, 17 in number, released at the same time and landed 4 to 5 miles southeast of LA “T”. The location of 9 gliders is unknown, pilots either MIA, or hospitalised and unretunred. It was reported that one glider was seen to crash into a house; another glider was seen to receive a direct hit, knocking off a wing [glider was flown by F/O Noel C McCan of the 306th TC Squadron with two airborne troopers] and causing the glider to dive straight into the ground. Six gliders landed on or bordering the LZ. One glider hit by flak cut loose and landed on DZ “O”. Four gliders landed 4 miles from LZ. Two gliders released from 20 to 25 miles SW or LZ: one because of glider hitch failure; the other because its tug plane was shot don. One glider landed within Germany. The glider pilot has returned. Four C-47's were lost due to Flak.
1944-09-18	A53	442	16333	404-Chilbolton	40	0	101	B/326 Eng + 506 jeeps	W
When the crews of the power planes returned some five and a half hours later, this was the way the story fitted togethe: One glider had aborted over England when the tow rope broke about five minutes after leaving Chilbolton, but the pilot and 2nd. Lt. Ryser, landed safely with glider and cargo intact. The remaining 79 tow ships and gliders of the two Serials flew in by the northern route, encountering very little enemy fire in contrast with the previous day. There was but a single misadventure. About 3 miles from LZ-W, a random flak burst struck the wing of the Glider flown by Flight Officer Noel McCann, of the 306th TC squadron. The Glider literally disintegrated in mid air, caring flight officer McCann and to airborne troopers to an almost certain death. He is at present listed as missing in action. The remaining 78 Gliders landed in LZ-W without mishap. Three C-47’s failed to return to base at the completion of the mission. One landed at Gosfield in the U.K. with one engine out and a flat tire, while a second landed at Woodbridge as a result of flak damage. The third plane number 43—15139, Piloted by first Lieutenant William J McCormick, Jr was obliged to ditch in the channel on route home. The crew was picked up after about 18 minutes by Air-Sea Rescue, and came through with only minor injuries. The leader of the first glider serial, A-41, was 1st Lt. Lloyd A West, Ass't Group Glider Officer, while the lead glider of the second serial, A-53 was piloted by 1st Lt. Robert Neville. The contribution which had been made to the First Airborne Army's operations on D plus 1 by the 442nd T.C. Group could be broken down into the following statistics: ---314 Troops of the 306th Engineer Bn and the 506th Glider Unit carried into battle. ---25 jeeps delivered. ---81,830 pounds of combat equipment and rations delivered.
1944-09-18	A54	440	16333	488-Fulbeck	40	0	82	B & C/456 Pfa & Div. Arty HQ	T
NINETY-EIGHTH TC SQUADRON: September 18 found us prepared for the Glider Mission which departed Fulbeck at 1205 with twenty- of our aircraft participating in a Group formation of eight planes. To the Officer and Enlisted Men back at Fulbeck, things began to look bad when we accounted for only nineteen planes returning, but much to our surprise and through the skillful Piloting of 1st Lt Richard R LUNDREN, we later learned that our missing plane had landed safely at an airport in England with one Engine and the Hydraulic system shot out. Our record of not having lost any aircraft or personnel had not yet been broken
1944-09-18	A55	436	16333	466-Membury	40	0	101	2/327 GIR	W
1944-09-18	A56	441	16333	490-Langar	40	0	82	A & B/456th Pfa	N
1944-09-18	A57	437	16333	469-Ramsbury	30	0	101	1/401 GIR	W
1944-09-19	A72	434	16334	467-Aldermaston	41	0	101	81 AA/AT Bn	W
1944-09-19	A73	435	16334	474-Welford	31	0	101	1/401 GIR	W
2 Losses
1944-09-19	A74	438	16334	486-Greenham Common	40	0	101	81 AA/AT Bn	W
1944-09-19	A74	442	16334	404-Chilbolton	40	0	101	1/327 GIR	W
2 loses
1944-09-19	A75	442	16334	404-Chilbolton	40	0	101	1/327 GIR	W
Status of A-75 and A-81
1944-09-19	A76	436	16334	466-Membury	41	0	101	1/327 GIR	W
1944-09-19	A78	434	16334	467-Aldermaston	40	0	101	HQ/321 Gfa	W
19 September 1944 from the 74th TCS Diary: Tactical Glider Tow Mission - Twenty-three (23) planes of this Squadron towed eighteen (18) gliders piloted by members of the 74th TC Sq., and 2 gliders piloted by members of the 72nd TC Sq. IN this same Serial the 72nd TC Sq towed twenty (20) glider piloted by glider pilots of the 74th TC Sq. Serial A-78 of “Market” Operations - LZ’s were located in the same vicinity as those in Serial A-35.
1944-09-19	A79	435	16334	474-Welford	31	0	101	377 Gfa & 81 AA/AT Bn	W
1944-09-19	A80	438	16334	486-Greenham Common	40	0	101	321 Gfa & HQ/907 Gfa	W
1944-09-19	A81	442	16334	404-Chilbolton	41	0	101	B/907 Gfa + HQ/907 GFa	W
Status of A-75 and A-81
1944-09-19	A82	436	16334	466-Membury	41	0	101	a/907 Gfa + HQ/907 Gfa	W
1944-09-23	A105	436	16338	466-Membury	47	0	101	a/907 Gfa + HQ/907 Gfa	W
1944-09-23	A106	438	16338	486-Greenham Common	38	0	101	B/907 Gfa + HQ/907 Gfa + elem. Div	W
1944-09-23	A88	313	16338	484-Folkingham	49	0	82	325th GIR	O
SERIAL A-88: 313TH TC GROUP; 47 C-47’s, 2 C-53s and 49 GC-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “O”. TOT 1210 D plus 6. TOD 1603 to 1610. Load: 403 troops and 72,929 lbs of equipment of the 325th Glider Inf. Twenty-eight gliders were released on LZ. Two gliders towed by A/C which were shot down landed 20 miles southwest of LZ. Three other gliders cut loose prematurely 7 to 8 miles from the LZ because of incorrect signal given by the tug plane. Another glider in this formation was cut loose prematurely by enemy fire which severed the tow rope 7 miles from LZ. The balance of the formation, 15 gliders, then cut loosed landing from 3 to 6 miles from the LZ. All personnel proceeded t the A/B CP. 10 A/C were damaged by enemy fire.
1944-09-23	A89	61	16338	483-Barkstone Heath	43	0	82	325th GIR	O
SERIAL A-89: 61ST TC GROUP; 43 C-47’s, and 43 GC-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “O”. TOT 1255 D plus 6. TOD 1602 to 1607. Load: 547 troops, 82nd A/B Div., 1,600 lbs. of ammunition, 500 lbs. of signal equipment, jeep and trailers weighing 3,670 lbs., and 50 lbs., of water. One glider was abortive because its tow rope pulled loose over ENGLAND. A second glider cut loose on red light and a third glider cut loos of VEGHEL, when enemy flak disabled the right aileron. One glider was released 10 miles from the LZ because the tow plane was shot down. Thirty-nine A/C released their gliders on LZ.
1944-09-23	A90	316	16338	489-Cottesmore	41	0	82	325th GIR	O
SERIAL A-90: 316TH TC GROUP; 41 C-47’s, and 41 GC-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “O”. TOT 1300 D plus 6. TOD 1616 to 1620. Load: 519 troops, 82nd Glider; 18,915 lbs of combat equipment, ammunition, and medical supplies. No aborts. One C-47 last due to flak. Navigational aids worked successfully. Twelve A/C received battle damage. Because of crowded traffic conditions about LZ one glider pilot landed in a good field 2 miles northeast of LZ.
1944-09-23	A91	440	16338	488-Fulbeck	40	0	82	325th GIR	O
1944-09-23	A92	441	16338	490-Langar	40	0	82	325th GIR	O
1944-09-23	A93	313	16338	484-Folkingham	49	0	82	325th GIR	O
SERIAL A-93: 313TH TC GROUP; 48 C-47’s, and 49 GC-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “O”. TOT 1310 D plus 6. TOD 1658 to 1703. Load: 621 troops and 31,121 lbs of equipment of the 325th Glider Inf. Forty-six gliders were released on LZ “O”. One glider released 12 miles SW of LZ when its tug plane was hit by flak. One glider released 5 miles SW of the LZ, its tow rope cut by flak. One glider released 1 mile north of EINDHOVEN: when hit by flak the glider got out of control. One C-47 is missing due to flak; 3 A/C were damaged.
1944-09-23	A94	316	16338	489-Cottesmore	48	0	82	80th AA&AT Bn & Div Recon Plt	O
SERIAL A-94: 316TH TC GROUP; 46 C-47’s, 2 C-53&dsquo;s and 48 CG-4A Gliders. Glider tow and release on LZ “O”. TOT 1345 D plus 6. TOD 1708. Load: 195 troops, 82nd Glider; 112,085 lbs of combat equipment, 5,325 lbs of ammunition. No aborts. Slight deviation from briefed route. Acting upon advise of several unidentified outbound A/C the element changed its course approximately 15 miles before reaching EINDHOVEN. These A/C reported a heavy concentration of enemy fire in the vicinity of EINDHOVEN. Navigational aid worked successfully. One C-53 A?C was lost due to flak. All gliders landed on the LZ.
1944-09-23	A95	440	16338	488-Fulbeck	48	0	82	80th AA&AT Bn & Div Recon Plt	O
NINETY-EIGHTH TC SQUADRON: In preparation for the next Glider Mission which was to tow our Glider Pilots, our Squadron marshaled twenty-two planes on September 20th. Everyone was alerted and was instructed to wait for the weather to clear up. On September 23, when the weather finally cleared, our aircraft departed Fulbeck with gliders in tow at 1245. All of our aircraft returned safely, though a few were shot up, with the exception of one which was later found to have landed near Brussels with the left engine out of commission due to Enemy ground fire. One of our Glider Pilots did not return from this mission, and has since been listed Officially as mission in action, his name is Flight Officer Herbert J Wasson. Serial Information
1944-09-23	A96	441	16338	490-Langar	50	0	82	80th AA&AT Bn & 307 Eng	O

BASTOGNE GLIDER AND PARA-PACK SERIALS :

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone
1944-12-23	12	437	Repulse	469-Ramsbury	0	0	101	Ammunition Parapacks and door loads dropped to the 101st located in the Bastogne area in Belgium.
437th C-47 resupply Mission Order #12 The first mission identified as #12 was completed on the 23rd December 1944. The prescribed route was followed and upon reaching the LZ it was found to be well marked by red smoke flares and panels. Th-eight ships in the formation completed the mission and dropped 384 bundles in the LZ. Two ships turned back due to mechanical failure. Light enemy fire was encountered southeast of the landing zone but no battle damage was incurred. All planes returned safely and the mission was considered successful.
1944-12-24	13	437	Repluse	469-Ramsbury	0	0	101	Ammunition Parapacks and door loads dropped to the 101st located in the Bastogne area in Belgiu
437th C-47 resupply Mission Order #12 The location and purpose of the mission was identical mission #12. The first aircraft took off at 1025 hours and reached the LZ at approximately 1338 hours. The LZ was again well marked and identified and forty-three planes completed the mission dropping 92,508 lbs. of ammunition to the 101st Airborne Division. One ship turned back due to mechanical failure. Enemy action in the nature of small arms fire was encountered northeast of Bastogne but battle damage encountered was negligible. All planes returned safely and the mission was considered a success. During this mission one crew member was slightly wounded as a result of flak fire.
1944-12-26	1	440	Repulse	A-50-Orléans/Bricy	1	0	101	Medics
The 101st had their Medical unit captured and were in serious need of a surgeon and medical equipment and staff.
1944-12-26	10	440	Repulse	A-50-Orléans/Bricy	10	0	101	Ammunition, Gasoline, med supplies
1944-12-26	14	437	Repulse	469-Ramsbury	0	0	101	Ammunition Parapacks and door loads dropped to the 101st located in the Bastogne area in Belgium
437th C-47 resupply Mission Order #14 The loads were the same as on previous mission with the identical LZ. The landing zone was well marked and all planes involved successfully reached that point, dropping 546 bundles, representing a total of 128,268 lbs. of combat necessities. Enemy small arms fire and light flak was again encountered southeast of Bastogne and fifteen planes incurred a small amount of battle damage. all planes returned safely and the mission was considered a success.
1944-12-27	1117	439	Repulse	A-39-Châteaudun	50	0	101	Ammunition, Gasoline, med supplies
The 440th dispatched 15 aircrafts from their airfield at A-50, Orléans /Bricy, Fr., to A-39 Châteaudun, Fr. The 95th dispatched eight, 96th dispatched seven but two were not needed and returned to A-50. The 440th was marshaled at the end of the airfield behind the 439th.
1944-12-27	15	437	Repulse	469-Ramsbury	0	0	101	Ammunition Parapacks and door loads dropped to the 101st located in the Bastogne area in Belgium
437th Resupply Mission #15 The prescribed route was followed and upon reaching the LZ, which was extremely well marked with red smoke pots, a total of 388 bundles weighing a total 80,522 lbs. were dropped at the desired location. Two ships in the formation were forced to return back due to mechanical failure. Enemy action on this particular mission was very slight and four planes received light battle damage. No combat personnel were injured and all planes retuned safely. Mission was considered a success.

RHINE CROSSING - INVASION OF GERMAN HOMELAND, GLIDER SERIALS: 907 Glider Pilots Committed

Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# AC	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone	First TO	Last TO	Est. Rt	First Rt	Last Rt	Est. OLZ	Actual OLZ
Mission Date	Serial	TC Group	Code Name	Air Field	# AC	# CG-4A	# Horsa	Inf. Div.	Load	Landing Zone	First TO	Last TO	Est. Rt	First Rt	Last Rt	Est. OLZ	Actual OLZ
1944-03-24	A08	437	Varsity	A-58-Coulommiers	40	80	0	17	Co G 194th GIR Chalk 1-14 Co F Chalk 15-28 Co H Chalk 29-50 HQ Co 2nd Bn Chalk 51-79 G-2 Divn Chalk 80	S	07:33:00	07:33:00	08:01:00	12:26:00	12:25:00	10:36:00	10:30:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled TC Group Comment: Code Name VARSITY was performed by this Group in conformance with IX Troop Carrier Command Field Order No. 5...In serial A-8, 72 gliders landed on the designated LZ S; 4 landed just outside the LZ; and the whereabouts of 3 are unknown; and 1 was abortive. Of these, 72 tactical loads and 63 loads of airborne personnel were fully tactical; 14 glider had casualties of airborne personnel.
1944-03-24	A09	437	Varsity	A-58-Coulommiers	40	80	0	17	Co E Chalk 81-93 Regt HQ Co Chalk 94-98, 160 Co A Chalk 99-112 Co C Chalk 113-126 Co D Chalk 127-157 Recce Platoon Chalk 158-159	S	07:45:00	07:45:00	08:30:00	12:38:00	12:25:00	10:48:00	10:42:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: 1 Glider broke loose on take off, no replacement. 1 aircraft towing 2 gliders returned to base as result of oil leak. These two gliders took off at 1023. In serial A-9, 67 gliders landed on LZ S; 7 just outside it, 4 were unknown, and 2 were abortive. 72 tactical loads were successful, 65 loads were without casualties, and 5 had casualties.
1944-03-24	A10	436	Varsity	A-55-Melun	36	72	0	17	Anti-Tank Co Chalk 1, 2, 5, 6, 9 Co B Chalk 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, Co I Chalk 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29 30, 33, 34 Co K Chalk 38, 41, 42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 57, 58, 65 Co M Chalk 63, 69, 70 HQ Co 1st Bn Chalk 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, 48, 51, 52, 55, 56, 59, 60, 64, 67, 68 Regt HQ Co Chalk 71-72	S	08:09:00	08:09:00	08:19:00	12:52:00	12:47:00	11:00:00	10:46:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled. 436th Varsity Narrative for A-10 and A-11
1944-03-24	A11	436	Varsity	A-55-Melun	36	72	0	17	Anti-Tank Co Chalk 88, 91, 92, 95, 96, 99, 100, 107, 108, 111, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 123, 124, 127, 128, 131, 132 Co M Chalk 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93, 94, 97, 98, 101-106, 109 Co L Chalk 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 122, 125, 126, 129, 130, 133 HQ 3rd Bn Chalk 138, 141 Reg HQ Co Chalk 75, 76, 79, 80, 83, 84, 87	S	08:04:00	08:04:00	08:38:00	13:09:00	13:11:00	11:10:00	11:10:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled. 436th Varsity Narrative for A-10 and A-11
1944-03-24	A12	435	Varsity	A-48-Brétigny	36	72	0	17	HQ Co 3rd Bn Chalk 1-27 Regt HQ Co Chalk 27-41 HQ Detachment & Medical Det. 155th AAB Chalk 42-47 Battery B Chalk 48-54 Battery E Chalk 55-72	S	07:55:00	07:55:00	08:25:00	13:23:00	13:06:00	11:20:00	11:13:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: 1 glider broke loose but took off with Serial A-13.
1944-03-24	A13	435	Varsity	A-48-Brétigny	36	73	0	17	Battery E 155th AAB Chalk 73-81 Batteries A & B 681st GFAB Chalk 82-144	S	08:25:00	08:25:00	08:53:00	13:33:00	13:06:00	11:30:00	11:23:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: 1 glider released 2 miles from field, no injuries. 1 glider released over field, no injuries. 2 gliders cut loose 19 miles south-east of Soissons, faulty tow rope on long tow. Short tow glider soon out of control, slipping into long tow rope. Long tow got tangled in rope and broke glider. [Short tow] Glider disintegrated in mid air. 2 glider pilots and 5 Airborne personnel killed. 1 aircraft took off with the glider that aborted.
1944-03-24	A14	439	Varsity	A-39-Châteaudun	36	72	0	17	HQ Battery 681st GFAB Chalk 1-7 Battery A 680th GFAB Chalk 8-72	S	07:43:00	07:43:00	08:01:00	13:12:00	00:00:00	14:27:00	11:35:00
Gliders on double tow 1 aircraft and 2 gliders aborted on ground due to engine trouble. Replaced by 1 aircraft and 2 gliders at 0834. 1 aircraft returned with 2 gliders with hot engines, replaced by 1 aircraft and 2 gliders at 0832.
1944-03-24	A15	439	Varsity	A-39-Châteaudun	36	72	0	17	Battery B Chalk 73-96 HQ Battery Chalk 97-104 Transport 507th PIR Chalk 105-125 Transport 464th PFAB Chalk 126-139 Supplies [Engineers] Chalk 140-144	S	08:01:00	08:01:00	08:18:00	13:21:00	00:00:00	11:50:00	11:40:00
Gliders on double tow IX TCC remarks: 1 aircraft and 2 gliders aborted on take off, were replaced but dropped 1 glider. 1 aircraft dropped 2 gliders 18 minutes from field. Personnel OK
1944-03-24	A16	440	Varsity	A-50-Orléans/Bricy	45	45	0	17	Recce Platoon Chalk 1-2 9th TCC FCVP Chalk 3-8 Co B 139th AEB Chalk 9-45	N	08:31:00	08:31:00	08:48:00	14:24:00	14:49:00	12:00:00	11:55:00
IX TCC remarks: 1 aircraft and glider failed to take off, immediate replaced and took off at 0931 96TH TC Squadron 440th TC Group, Summary, Miscellaneous Observations: --All houses, haystacks, and vehicles from Rhine to LZ were burning...LZ was under 88 fire and was pitted with shell holes. Heavy smoke covered the area, and many gliders were seen burning on the ground. A large percentage of our gliders appeared to have suffered hits in the air. Many Horsas appeared to have overlapped into LZ N. Paratroopers were seen hanging in trees. [A0996 458]
1944-03-24	A17	440	Varsity	A-50-Orléans/Bricy	45	45	0	17	Co’s A & C Chalk 46-77 Battery A 155th AA Bn Chalk 78-9	N	08:48:00	08:48:00	09:08:00	14:31:00	14:30:00	12:07:00	12:06:00
IX TCC remarks: 1 aircraft and glider aborted with engine failure. Glider landed on R.W. Immediately replaced and tookk off at 0921.
1944-03-24	A18	441	Varsity	A-41-Dreux	48	48	0	17	Battery A Chalk 1-8 Battery C Chalk 9-29 Div HQ Chalk 30-48	N	09:05:00	09:05:00	09:32:00	14:24:00	14:30:00	12:14:00	12:08:00
IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled.
1944-03-24	A19	442	Varsity	B-24-St André-de-LéEure	48	48	0	17	Div Artillery Chalk 1-20 517th Signal Co. Chalk 21-48	N	09:03:00	09:03:00	09:21:00	14:28:00	14:20:00	12:21:00	12:15:00
IX TCC remarks: 1 aircraft towing a glider aborted, immediately took off at 1024. 303rd Squadron Chalk 1 - 12, 304th Squadron Chalk 13 - 24, 305th Squadron Chalk 25 - 36 and 306th Squadron Chalk 37 - 48 Colonel Smith, Group C.O., took off in A/C #158 at 0900 as Serial leader of Serial A-19, “Varsity.” Arrived over LZ near Wesel, Germany, at 1215 hours, and all gliders were delivered. Tug planes returned to Station B-24 at 1440 hours. No. losses (31) 186 Troops and 114,194 lbs of combat equipment delivered.
1944-03-24	A20	441	Varsity	A-40-Chartres	48	48	0	17	517th Signal Co Chalk 1-6 224th Medical Co Chalk 7-48	N	09:16:00	09:16:00	09:37:00	14:38:00	14:20:00	12:28:00	12:15:00
24 power crews and 48 glider pilots of the 442nd Troop Carrier Group flew with the 441st out of Chartres and were briefed by the staff from the 441st. --442nd TC Group Varsity Report IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled.
1944-03-24	A21	314	Varsity	B-44-Poix	40	40	0	17	224th Medical Co Chalk 1-8 Transport 513th PIR Chalk 9-29 British Air Support Chalk 30-37 G-4 Support [Ordnance] Chalk 38-40	N	09:30:00	09:30:00	09:51:00	14:14:00	14:04:00	12:35:00	12:32:00
IX TCC remarks: 1 aircraft lost glider on field due to broken tow rope. Immediately replaced at 1024.
1944-03-24	A22	314	Varsity	B-44-Poix	40	40	0	17	Transport 466th PFAB Chalk 41-54 G-4 Support [QM] Chalk G-4 Support [Ordnance] Chalk 61-79 Phantom Chalk 80	N	09:45:00	09:45:00	10:20:00	14:21:00	14:21:00	12:42:00	12:31:00
IX TCC remarks: All aircraft took off as scheduled. 32ND TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON: The Squadron arrived at Station 538, Saltby, England on March 19, 1944. Departure was made from this base on March 2, 1945, whereupon the unit moved to Airstrip B-44 near Poix, France. Losses in action- the following named personnel of this Squadron are now listed as "Missing in Action" after participating as Glider Pilots in a combat mission "VARSITY" on 24 March 1945, in an area approximately 3 1/2 miles North-Northwest of Wesel, Germany: 1st Lt. DUANE E. ELLIS O541640 2nd Lt. LORNE F. BULPITT O926928 2nd Lt. JOHN R. DIVER O2067826 The following named personnel of this Squadron were wounded in action while participating as Glider Pilots in combat mission "VARSITY" on 24 March 1945 in an area approximately 3 1/2 miles North-Northwest of Wesel, Germany: 2nd Lt. LEO A MORIAN O1998303 2nd Lt. HARRY N. HILLAS O1999551 2nd Lt. JOHN N. GABRIEL O1999591