C-46D 44-77519 N3-K of the 313th Troop Carrier Group, 47th TCS, ETO
The 313th Troop Carrier Group (313th TCG) was an essential component of the Allied airborne operations during World War II, playing a significant role in the invasion of Europe and subsequent operations. Below is an overview of its key operations, organization, and the aircraft used during its service:
Operational History
Transfer to Europe: The 313th TCG’s headquarters and one squadron transferred from the 12th Air Force in Sicily to join the IX Troop Carrier Command (IX TCC) at Folkingham, England, on 4 February 1944. The remaining three squadrons joined the group in early March.
D-Day Operations: On 6 June 1944 (D-Day), the 313th TCG participated in the invasion of Normandy by deploying 70 C-47 and C-53 aircraft over the drop zone near Picauville, France. These aircraft delivered paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division. Despite losing three aircraft during this operation, the group successfully completed a crucial re-supply mission the next day with 52 aircraft. For these efforts, the 313th TCG was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Operation Market Garden: Training continued until 17 September 1944, when the 313th TCG took part in Operation Market Garden. The group deployed 90 aircraft to transport British paratroopers to the Arnhem area. On 18 and 23 September, the group also towed 180 gliders to the same area, delivering much-needed supplies and reinforcements.
Transition to Heavy Glider Towing: After Arnhem, it was decided that the 29th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) would transition to towing the heavier CG-13A glider using C-87 aircraft. However, when the crews learned that they would be transporting fuel rather than towing gliders, their enthusiasm waned. A C-109 was stationed with the 29th TCS for this purpose until the end of the war.
Airborne Crossing of the Rhine: In January 1945, the group received a CG-13A glider and began transitioning to the C-46 aircraft. Despite this, they continued with general transport and casualty evacuation missions. In February and March 1945, the 313th TCG relocated to France to participate in the airborne crossing of the Rhine River. On 24 March, the group carried paratroopers from the 17th Airborne Division, who were dropped near Wesel, Germany.
Final Operations: The group’s final notable mission occurred on 10 May 1945, shortly after VE Day. C-46s from the 313th TCG transported British troops to Stavanger, Norway, from Barkston Heath. These troops established a mobile air traffic control unit at Stavanger/Sola airfield, where they were observed by still-armed Luftwaffe personnel. Over the following days, the 313th carried members of the British 1st Airborne Division to liberate the area. In August 1945, the 313th TCG returned to the United States, its wartime duties complete.
Organization
- Squadrons and Codes:
- 29th TCS: [5X]
- 47th TCS: [N3]
- 48th TCS: [Z7]
- 49th TCS: [H2]
Bases
- Folkingham, England: The primary base for the 313th TCG during its operations in the UK.
- Achiet, France: One of the forward bases used after the move to continental Europe in 1945.
Commanding Officers
- Col. James J. Roberts Jr.: Led the group during a significant portion of its operations.
- Lt. Col. William A. Filer: Served as a commanding officer later in the war.
- Lt. Col. Paul W. Stephens: Another key leader within the group.
Aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain: The primary transport aircraft used by the 313th TCG, known for its reliability in airborne operations.
- C-53 Skytrooper: A variant of the C-47, specifically designed for paratroop operations.
- C-46 Commando: Introduced later in the war for heavier transport duties, including towing larger gliders.
- CG-4 Glider: Used extensively in airborne operations, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
- CG-13A Glider: A heavier glider introduced later in the war, necessitating the use of more powerful aircraft like the C-46.