C-47 42-68737 435th TCG
The 435th Troop Carrier Group (435th TCG) was another key unit in the U.S. Army Air Forces that played a significant role in the airborne operations of World War II. This group, like its counterparts, was heavily involved in training and preparation before executing several critical missions in the European Theater.
Operational History
Arrival and Training:
- The 435th TCG arrived in England in October 1943 and immediately began a rigorous training program. This training included large-scale glider-towing and navigation exercises, with a special emphasis on night towing operations. The group also practiced mass glider cast-offs and landings at their base in Welford.
D-Day Operations:
- On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 435th TCG was tasked with dropping paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division near Cherbourg. Later that same day, and continuing into the next, the group towed 12 CG-4 and 38 Horsa gliders carrying reinforcements to the same area. The group’s successful execution of these operations earned it the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC).
Support After Normandy:
- With the Normandy beachhead secured, the 435th shifted its focus to transporting essential supplies—such as radar sets, clothing, rations, blood, and ammunition—to the Allied forces in France. In July 1944, a detachment from the group was sent to Italy to participate in Operation Anvil-Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. On August 15, 1944, this detachment dropped paratroops into the invasion area and the next day towed gliders carrying supplies. The detachment also performed general transportation missions before returning to England at the end of August.
Airborne Assault on Holland:
- In September 1944, during the airborne assault on Holland (Operation Market Garden), the 435th TCG was involved in dropping paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. The group also towed 121 gliders carrying reinforcements, playing a crucial role in this ambitious but ultimately costly operation.
Crossing of the Rhine:
- The group participated in the Rhine crossing operation on March 24, 1945, during which each of its 72 C-47s towed two CG-4 gliders. This operation was vital in helping the Allies penetrate deeper into Germany.
Final Operations:
- In the final week of the war, the 435th TCG was primarily involved in transporting supplies to Allied troops in Germany. After VE-Day, the group shifted to evacuating prisoners of war and continued this mission until their departure for the United States at the end of June 1945.
Squadrons and Codes
- 75th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): SH
- 76th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): CW
- 77th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): IB
- 78th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): CM
Bases
- Langar, Nottinghamshire: 3 November 1943
- Welford Park, Berkshire: 25 January 1944
- Bretigny, Alsace (France): 13 February 1945
- Detachment to Tarquinia, Italy: 20 July 1944 – 23 August 1944
Commanding Officer
- Col. Frank J. MacNess: February 25, 1943
Aircraft
- C-47 Skytrain
- C-53 Skytrooper
- CG-4 Waco Glider
- Horsa Glider
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): Awarded for operations in France, 6-7 June 1944.
Aircraft Markings
- The aircraft of the 435th TCG followed the standard USAAF two-color camouflage scheme. Squadron codes were painted in white or sky color on the forward fuselage, with the aircraft call letter positioned on the tail just above the serial number.