C-47 of the 59th TCS, 61st TCG at Chipping Ongar, X5-J
The 61st Troop Carrier Group (61st TCG) was a vital component of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, playing a significant role in airborne operations in Europe. The group had extensive experience from its operations with the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean before being transferred to the European Theater in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.
Deployment and Operations
- Arrival in England: The 61st TCG arrived at Barkston Heath, England, from Sicily in February 1944. Initially, operations were limited as the airfield was not fully operational, but the group soon ramped up its activities as preparations for the invasion of Europe intensified.
D-Day and Normandy Invasion
- June 5/6, 1944: The 61st TCG played a crucial role on D-Day, beginning just before midnight on June 5, 1944. The group’s C-47 aircraft took off, carrying paratroopers from the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. A total of 72 aircraft participated, with their paratroopers being dropped near Sainte-Mère-Église, a key location in the early stages of the invasion.
- Casualties and Damage: One C-47 was shot down during the operation, and several others were damaged, including the aircraft carrying the group’s commanding officer, Colonel Willis W. Mitchell. Despite these losses, the mission was a success.
- Resupply Missions: The following morning, 52 aircraft from the 61st TCG carried out resupply missions to support the airborne troops. However, three of these aircraft were so badly damaged that they were forced to ditch in the English Channel.
Operation Market Garden
- September 17-18, 1944: The 61st TCG was heavily involved in Operation Market Garden, the ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure a series of bridges in the Netherlands. On September 17, 1944, the group’s 72 aircraft departed Barkston Heath, carrying British paratroopers for the initial assault. The next day, they towed 123 CG-4 gliders, which transported reinforcements to the Arnhem area.
Crossing the Rhine and Later Operations
- March 1945: In the final stages of the war, the 61st TCG moved to France to participate in the airborne crossing of the Rhine River. During this operation, the group once again dropped British troops to support the Allied advance into Germany.
- Post-Rhine Operations: After the Rhine crossing, the 61st TCG transitioned into a transport role, carrying essential supplies such as food and fuel and evacuating wounded personnel from the front lines.
Post-War and Final Movements
- May 1945: With the war in Europe ending, the 61st TCG was reassigned to Trinidad, where it concluded its World War II service.
Key Details
Squadrons and Codes:
- 14th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): [3I]
- 15th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): [Y9]
- 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): [3A]
- 59th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS): [X5]
Bases:
- Barkston Heath, England: (February 18, 1944)
- Abbeville, France: (March 13, 1945 – May 19, 1945)
Commanding Officers:
- Col. Willis W. Mitchell
- Col. Edgar W. Hampton
Aircraft:
- C-47 Skytrain: Primary troop and cargo transport aircraft.
- C-109 Liberator Express: A cargo aircraft variant of the B-24 used primarily for transport duties.
- CG-4 Glider: Gliders used to carry troops and equipment during airborne operations.