6Q-K 43-10219, 6Q-H and 6Q-D
The 410th Bombardment Group (410th BG) was a light bomber unit in the Ninth Air Force, playing a pivotal role in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The group primarily operated A-20 Havoc aircraft before transitioning to the A-26 Invader late in the war, though the latter was not used operationally before the war’s end.
Operational History
Formation and Early Operations:
- The 410th BG arrived in England between March and April 1944 after undergoing training on A-20s in the United States. After briefly settling at a base, the group began operations in May 1944.
- During the month leading up to D-Day, the group participated in the aerial “softening-up” process over Normandy, bombing enemy defenses and railway yards. On D-Day, the group played a crucial role by bombing strategic enemy positions, helping to weaken the German defenses before the ground invasion.
Support for Ground Forces:
- In July 1944, the 410th BG supported the dramatic Allied breakthroughs at St. Lo and Caen, which were pivotal in advancing the Normandy campaign.
- In the following months, the group focused its attention on the port of Brest and the associated lines of communication, playing a critical role in cutting off German supply lines and hindering their ability to reinforce positions.
Move to France and Continued Operations:
- The 410th BG moved its base to France in September 1944 to better support the advancing Allied forces. From there, it continued to target strategic locations across France, aiding in the overall Allied advance toward Germany.
- Around Christmas 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, the 410th BG was instrumental in the Ardennes counteroffensive. For its exceptional bombing accuracy and effectiveness during this period, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Night Operations and Final Missions:
- In February 1945, the 410th BG conducted several innovative night operations using a combination of B-26 Marauders to drop flares, A-26 Invaders for target marking, and its A-20s for the actual bombing runs.
- Although the group was in the process of fully converting to A-26 aircraft by May 1945, the war ended before they could use these planes in combat.
Post-War Activity:
- After the German surrender on VE-Day, the 410th BG returned to the United States between June and August 1945, where it was inactivated.
Squadrons and Codes
- 644th Bombardment Squadron (BS): 5D
- 645th Bombardment Squadron (BS): 7X
- 646th Bombardment Squadron (BS): 8U
- 647th Bombardment Squadron (BS): 6Q
Bases
- England:
- Birch, Essex: 4 April 1944
- Gosfield, Essex: 16 April 1944
- France:
- Coulommiers, Ile-de-France: 27 September 1944
- Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne: 9 February 1945
- Beaumont-sur-Oise: 22 May 1945 – 25 June 1945
Commanding Officers
- Col. Ralph Rhudy: Initial commander, 17 September 1943
- Col. Sherman R. Beaty: Took command on 3 July 1944
- Col. Robert J. Hughey: Commanded from December 1944 until the group’s inactivation.
Aircraft
- A-20 Havoc: April 1944 – May 1945
- A-26 Invader: May 1945 – June 1945
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for operations in Germany, 23-25 December 1944.
Aircraft Markings
- The 410th BG’s aircraft featured a distinctive marking with a black and white band along the trailing edge of the tail rudder. This marking was similar in appearance to the invasion stripes applied to fuselages. Each squadron used different colors for engine cowlings:
- 644th BS: Red
- 645th BS: White
- 646th BS: Medium Blue
- 647th BS: Yellow
- Squadron codes and call letters were typically applied in white paint on the fuselage.