C-47 Skytrain Formation Carries 82nd Airborne to Holland 17 September 1944, Operation Market Garden
The 315th Troop Carrier Group (TCG) had a significant role in World War II, initially serving with the 8th Air Force in England before moving to Algeria in May 1943 to join the 12th Air Force. In November 1943, the Group’s HQ returned to England, becoming part of the IX Troop Carrier Command (TCC) at Welford, while two of its squadrons remained in Blida. By February 1944, all units were reunited at Spanhoe, where they were joined by two additional squadrons from the United States in April. The Group’s primary mission during this time was to train for the upcoming D-Day operations.
On June 6, 1944, the 315th TCG participated in Operation Neptune, the airborne component of D-Day, dropping paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division at Sainte-Mère-Église. This mission, along with subsequent resupply missions, earned the Group a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC). Following D-Day, the Group continued to train for further airborne operations as the Allies advanced in Europe.
A tragic accident occurred on July 8, 1944, during a practice drop at Wittering Airfield, when two C-47s from the Group collided, resulting in the deaths of eight crew members and 26 paratroopers, with a few survivors. Despite this setback, the 315th TCG continued to play a crucial role in subsequent operations, including Operation Market Garden in September 1944, where they again dropped troops from the 82nd Airborne Division and conducted reinforcement sorties.
Throughout the next few months, the Group carried out general transport missions, and in December 1944, four C-109s (converted B-24s) were added to their fleet for carrying liquid fuel. The final major operation for the 315th TCG in Europe was Operation Varsity in March 1945, which involved the crossing of the Rhine River. During this operation, the Group transported British Sixth Airborne Division troops from Boreham.
After Operation Varsity, the Group engaged in casualty evacuation missions and moved to France in April 1945. Their stay in France was brief as they were reassigned to Trinidad in May 1945.
Squadrons and Designations:
- 34th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) [NM]
- 43rd Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) [UA]
- 309th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) [M6]
- 310th Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) [4A]
Bases:
- Welford (HQ): November 6, 1943
- Spanhoe (HQ and two squadrons): February 7, 1944
- Spanhoe (complete Group): April 21, 1944
- Amiens, France (F): April 6, 1945 – May 1945
Commanding Officers:
- Col. Hamish McLelland
- Col. Howard B. Lyon: September 27, 1944
- Lt. Col. Robert J. Gibbons: March 27, 1945 – May 1945
Aircraft:
- C-47 Skytrain
- C-53 Skytrooper
- C-109 (converted B-24 for fuel transport)
- Oxford
- L-4 Grasshopper
- CG-4 Waco (glider)
- Horsa (glider)
The 315th TCG played a crucial role in airborne operations across Europe, supporting key missions that significantly impacted the success of Allied forces during World War II.