14th PS, 7th Photo Reconnaissance Group Spitfire Mk XI MB946 at Mount Farm – color photo
The 7th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) was an essential unit in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, particularly within the 8th Air Force, where it was tasked with vital aerial reconnaissance missions. The group’s work provided critical intelligence, supporting major operations throughout the European Theater.
Unit Overview:
- Activated: 1 May 1943 at Peterson Field, Colorado.
- Assigned to Eighth Air Force: 7 July 1943.
- Stations:
- Mount Farm: 7 July 1943 – 22 March 1945.
- Chalgrove: 22 March 1945 – 25 October 1945.
- Hitcham: 25 October 1945 – 21 November 1945.
- Combat Aircraft Operated:
- F-4A Lightning (from March 1943)
- F-5A Lightning (from June 1943)
- F-5B Lightning (from December 1943)
- F-5C Lightning (from March 1944)
- F-5E Lightning (from May 1944)
- Spitfire IX (from October 1943)
- P-51D/K Mustang (from January 1945)
- Component Squadrons:
- 13th Photographic Squadron
- 14th Photographic Squadron
- 22nd Photographic Squadron
- 27th Photographic Squadron (detached to operate with the 9th Air Force from January to March 1945)
- Command Assignments:
- 325th Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance): From 9 August 1944.
Key Operations and History:
- First Operation: 28 March 1943 by the 13th Photographic Squadron.
- Last Operation: Late April 1945.
- Total Credit Sorties: 4,247.
- Aircraft MIA: 58 (including 5 P-51s).
- Major Awards:
- Distinguished Unit Citation for photo sorties in support of the Normandy invasion (31 May – 30 June 1944).
Key Commanding Officers:
- Col James G. Flail: 7 July 1943 – 14 September 1943.
- Col Homer L. Saunders: 14 September 1943 – 31 December 1943.
- Col Paul T. Cullen: 1 January 1944 – 17 February 1944.
- Lt Col George A. Lawson: 17 February 1944 – 7 May 1944.
- Lt Col Norris E. Hartwell: 7 May 1944 – 9 August 1944.
- Lt Col Clarence A. Shoop: 9 August 1944 – 25 October 1944.
- Col George W. Humbrecht: 25 October 1944 – 18 June 1945.
- Maj Hubert M. Childress: 19 June 1945 – September 1945.
Operational Achievements:
- The group took over three million intelligence photos during its operational history, covering 4,251 sorties that were deemed effective.
- The group was pivotal during the Normandy invasion, providing critical reconnaissance that supported the Allied advance across Europe.
Post-war History:
- After VE Day (Victory in Europe), many personnel were transferred out, and the aircraft were sent to depots for disposal in August and September 1945.
- The remaining personnel moved to Hitcham Air Depot near Wattisham in late October 1945.
- The 7th Photographic Group was inactivated on 21 October 1945 at Hitcham.