Spitfire Mk V W3405 SM-G of the 67th TRG, 15thTRS 1944 2

Spitfire MkV W3405 67th TRG, 15th TRS 1944

The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group (67th TRG) was a key unit within the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, conducting a wide range of critical reconnaissance missions that supported Allied operations in the European Theater. Originally assigned to the 8th Air Force, the group was transferred to the 9th Air Force in October 1943, where it continued its vital reconnaissance work throughout the war.

Deployment and Operations

Transfer to 9th Air Force: The 67th Reconnaissance Group was reassigned from the 8th Air Force to the 9th Air Force in October 1943. This transfer allowed the group to focus on tactical reconnaissance missions in support of ground operations as the Allies prepared for the invasion of Europe.
Early Operations: Beginning in December 1943, the group, which included the 12th, 107th, 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons (TRS), and the 153rd Liaison Squadron (LS), initiated operations using aircraft such as the P-38, P-51, and F-5. These aircraft were employed for a variety of missions, including artillery adjustment, photo-reconnaissance, weather reconnaissance, and raid assessment sorties.
Pre-Invasion Reconnaissance: In the lead-up to the D-Day invasion, the 67th TRG carried out hazardous low-level photographic reconnaissance missions along the French coast. These missions were crucial for gathering intelligence on enemy defenses and preparing for the upcoming landings.

Normandy Invasion and Aftermath

D-Day Support: On June 6, 1944, the group provided direct support for the Allied landings in Normandy. Their reconnaissance efforts played a vital role in guiding the invasion forces and assessing the success of the landings.
- Squadron Reassignments: On June 13, 1944, the 12th and 15th TRS were transferred to the 10th Photo Reconnaissance Group (PRG), although they remained attached to the 67th TRG for a period. The 30th PRS joined the group during this time.
Advancing Across Europe: After the Normandy landings, the 67th TRG continued to support the Allied advance across France. They provided reconnaissance over the Siegfried Line from September to December 1944 and played a significant role during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945.
Final Operations: As the Allies advanced into Germany, the group assisted in operations across the Rhine and deeper into German territory.

Post-War Activities

Redesignation: After Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the group was redesignated as the 67th Reconnaissance Group in June 1945, reflecting its continued focus on reconnaissance missions.
Wind-Down and Return: The group began winding down its operations in July 1945, with various squadrons such as the 33rd PRS being transferred or returning to the United States.

Key Details

Squadrons and Codes:
- 12th TRS: [ZM]
- 15th TRS: (SM)
- 30th PRS: [I6]
- 33rd PRS: [SW]
- 107th TRS: [AX]
- 109th TRS: [VX]
- 153rd LS: [ZS] (Independent from December 12, 1943)
Squadron Markings:
- 12th TRS: Yellow spinner and nose band
- 15th TRS: Blue spinner and nose band
Bases:
- Headquarters:
  - Membury, UK: October 1942
  - Middle Wallop, UK: December 1943
  - Le Molay, France: July 1944
  - Toussus-le-Noble, France: August 1944
  - Gosselies, Belgium: September 1944
  - Vogelsang, Germany: March 1945
  - Limburg an der Lahn, Germany: April 1945
  - Eschwege, Germany: April 1945 – July 1945
- 12th TRS:
  - Greenham Common, UK: December 16, 1943
  - Aldermaston, UK: January 9, 1944
  - Chilbolton, UK: March 1, 1944
  - Middle Wallop, UK: March 14, 1944
  - Le Molay, France: July 5, 1944 – August 11, 1944
- 30th PRS:
  - Middle Wallop, UK: May 17, 1944
  - Le Molay, France: July 3, 1944
  - Toussus-le-Noble, France: August 31, 1944
  - Gosselies, Belgium: September 22, 1944
  - Vogelsang, Germany: March 24, 1945
  - Limburg an der Lahn, Germany: April 2, 1945
  - Eschwege, Germany: April 10, 1945 – July 1945
- 33rd PRS:
  - Chaigrove, UK: April 27, 1944
  - Le Molay, France: August 15, 1944
  - Toussus-le-Noble, France: August 30, 1944
  - Gosselies, Belgium: September 21, 1944 – November 5, 1944
  - Eschwege, Germany: May 17, 1945 – July 5, 1945
- 107th TRS:
  - Membury, UK: August 1, 1943
  - Middle Wallop, UK: December 11, 1943
  - Deux Jumeaux, France: June 28, 1944
  - Le Molay, France: July 5, 1944
  - Toussus-le-Noble, France: August 29, 1944
  - Gosselies, Belgium: September 16, 1944
  - Vogelsang, Germany: March 23, 1945
  - Limburg an der Lahn, Germany: April 4, 1945
  - Eschwege, Germany: April 9, 1945 – July 5, 1945
- 109th TRS:
  - Membury, UK: May 15, 1943
  - Middle Wallop, UK: December 12, 1943
  - Le Molay, France: July 4, 1944
  - Toussus-le-Noble, France: August 29, 1944
  - Buc, France: August 31, 1944
  - Gosselies, Belgium: September 20, 1944
  - Vogelsang, Germany: March 23, 1945
  - Limburg an der Lahn, Germany: April 4, 1945
  - Eschwege, Germany: April 9, 1945 – July 5, 1945
- 153rd LS:
  - Membury, UK: October 3, 1943
  - Keevil, UK: November 28, 1943 – December 12, 1943 (Independent thereafter)

Commanding Officers:

Col. Frederick R. Anderson
Col. George W. Peck: December 6, 1943
Lt. Col. Richard S. Leghorn: May 11, 1945 – unknown

Aircraft:

12th TRS: Spitfire, F-6, P-51
15th TRS: Spitfire, F-6, L-4, L-5, P-51
30th PRS: F-5, P-38
33rd PRS: F-5, P-38, P-51
107th TRS: Spitfire, F-6, P-51
109th TRS: Spitfire, F-6, L-4, P-51
153rd LS: A-20, L-4