World War Photos

B-26B “Barbara Ann” 42-96195, 4T-P of the 585th Bombardment Squadron, 394th BG

Key Operations and History:

• Arrival and Initial Operations:

  • The 394th BG arrived in England in March 1944, after training on B-26 Marauder bombers in the United States. They quickly began operations targeting V-weapon sites, railway yards, airfields, bridges, and other key defensive positions. Their first mission was part of the broader Allied air campaign to weaken German infrastructure in preparation for the D-Day invasion.

• D-Day Operations:

  • On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), the 394th BG’s aircraft attacked German gun batteries at Cherbourg and other coastal defenses to support the Allied landings in Normandy. Unfortunately, the Group suffered significant losses on D-Day, with four aircraft and 23 men lost. Notably, there was a tragic mid-air collision between two aircraft of the 587th Bomb Squadron (BS) over Gillingham, Kent, and other crashes occurred in Ashburnham Park, Sussex, and near Battle.

• “Bridge Busters” Reputation:

  • The Group earned the nickname “Bridge Busters” due to their precision bombing of bridges, which were vital to disrupting German troop movements and supply lines. A notable mission was the successful bombing of a railway bridge near Cloyes, France, on January 14, 1944, which earned the Group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for their accuracy and impact.

• Further Operations and Movement to France:

  • After D-Day, the 394th BG continued to target enemy positions, including the elimination of heavy gun positions at Fort d’Octeville near Cherbourg on June 24, 1944, aiding in the advance of ground troops. The Group also played a role in the breakthrough at St. Lo on July 25, 1944, before moving to Holmsley South in Hampshire on July 24, 1944, and later to France in August 1944 to be closer to the front lines.

• Battle of the Bulge and Final Campaigns:

  • The 394th BG participated in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945, attacking heavily fortified German positions and transportation networks. They continued their relentless bombing campaign against German transportation facilities until the war’s end in Europe. The Group also undertook psychological operations, such as dropping propaganda leaflets.

• Post-War Activities and Deactivation:

  • After the war ended, the 394th BG remained in Europe, stationed in Germany until the inactivation of the Ninth Air Force in December 1945.

Organizational Details:

• Squadrons and Codes:

  • 584th Bombardment Squadron (BS) K5
  • 585th Bombardment Squadron (BS) 4T
  • 586th Bombardment Squadron (BS) H9
  • 587th Bombardment Squadron (BS) 5W

• Bases:

  • Boreham, Essex, England – March 11, 1944
  • Holmsley South, Hampshire, England – July 24, 1944
  • Tour-en-Bessin, Basse-Normandie, France – August 25, 1944
  • Orleans/Bricy, Centre-Val-de-Loire, France – September 18, 1944
  • Cambrai/Niergnies, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France – October 8, 1944
  • Venlo, Limburg, Netherlands – May 2, 1945

• Aircraft:

  • The 394th BG utilized B-26 Marauders throughout their combat operations, which were medium bombers known for their speed and durability.

• Commanding Officers:

  • Col. Thomas B. Hall (April 6, 1943 – January 24, 1945)
  • Col. Gove C. Celio Jr. (circa January 24, 1945)

Aircraft Markings:

• The 394th BG’s aircraft featured a distinctive white diagonal stripe across the fin and rudder, approximately 24 inches wide, with 3 to 4-inch diagonal border stripes. This marking was designed to be easily recognizable and was applied consistently across all aircraft within the Group.

Unit Decorations:

• Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): France, August 7-9, 1944.
• French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Awarded for operations in France from June 6 to September 14, 1944.

Motto and Sobriquet:

• Motto: “Readiness Strengthens Liberty”
• Sobriquet: “Bridge Busters”