A-20G 43-10189
The 409th Bombardment Group (409th BG), a medium bomber unit of the Ninth Air Force, played a critical role in the Allied air operations during World War II. Initially equipped with A-20 Havoc bombers and later transitioning to A-26 Invaders, the group was actively engaged in the European Theater, providing crucial support to the Allied ground forces.
Operational History
Formation and Early Combat (1944):
- After arriving in England in March 1944, the 409th BG commenced operations on 13 April 1944. The group’s early missions focused on bombing coastal gun batteries, V-weapon launch sites, airfields, and other strategic targets in France in preparation for the D-Day invasion.
- One of the group’s early significant actions was a raid on the Amiens rail yards on 27 May 1944, where it suffered its first substantial losses.
Support for Ground Forces:
- In the period following D-Day, the 409th BG provided direct support to the Allied ground forces. The group targeted enemy defenses, lines of communication, and transportation routes, playing a crucial role in the success of the offensives at Caen and St. Lo in July 1944.
Move to France and Continued Operations:
- With the Allied forces firmly established in France, the 409th BG relocated to France in September 1944 to better support the advancing Third Army. The group continued its bombing missions, contributing to the Allied push through France and into Germany.
Transition to A-26 Invader:
- In December 1944, the 409th BG transitioned from the A-20 Havoc to the more advanced A-26 Invader aircraft. The group flew these aircraft during the critical Battle of the Bulge, where it targeted enemy supply lines, troop concentrations, and other strategic points in Germany.
Final Missions and Post-War Activity:
- The 409th BG continued its operations against German targets until its final mission on 3 May 1945, when it bombed an ammunition dump in Czechoslovakia.
- After the war in Europe ended, the group began preparations to return to the United States in June 1945. Its A-26 Invaders were sent to the Far East to participate in the ongoing war against Japan, although the conflict ended before they saw action there.
Squadrons and Codes
- 640th Bombardment Squadron (BS): W5
- 641st Bombardment Squadron (BS): 7G
- 642nd Bombardment Squadron (BS): D6
- 643rd Bombardment Squadron (BS): 5I
Bases
- England:
- Little Walden, Essex: 7 March 1944
- France:
- Bretigny, Ile-de-France: 18 September 1944
- Laon/Couvron, Picardie: 12 February 1945 – 25 June 1945
Commanding Officers
- Col. Preston J. Pender: Initial commander, June 1943
- Col. Thomas R. Ford: Took command on 4 July 1944 and led the group until its disbandment.
Aircraft
- A-20 Havoc: March 1944 – December 1944
- A-26 Invader: December 1944 – June 1945
Aircraft Markings
- The 409th BG aircraft were marked with a distinctive yellow band along the trailing edge of the tail rudder, approximately 30-36 inches wide. This marking was consistently applied to both the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader, aligning with the standard medium bomb group markings within the Ninth Air Force.