World War Photos

F-6C Mustang 42-103213 8V-I 31st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron

The 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) played a significant role during World War II, primarily focusing on reconnaissance missions for the 9th Air Force. Here’s a detailed summary of its operations, deployments, and organizational structure based on the information you provided:

Formation and Early Operations

• Transfer to England: The 10th PG moved from the United States to England in January and February 1944, with its headquarters established at Chaigrove.
• Initial Squadron Activations:
  • The 30th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS) was activated on February 1, 1944, and assigned to the 10th PG three weeks later.
  • The 31st PRS joined the group on March 31, 1944.
  • The 34th PRS was assigned on March 29, 1944.
• Additional Squadron: The 155th PRS was initially based at Charmy Down but was absorbed by the 10th PG on May 17, 1944, and moved to Chaigrove three days later.

Pre-D-Day Operations

• Up to D-Day (June 6, 1944), the 10th PG was heavily involved in photographing strategic targets across Europe, including airfields. For a particularly successful low-level sortie, the group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) at the end of May 1944.

Post-D-Day Operations

• After D-Day, the 10th PG supported the Allied advance through France, conducting both day and night photo missions as well as artillery direction.
• Squadron Changes (June 1944):
  • On June 13, 1944, the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) and 15th TRS from the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group (TRG) were absorbed by the 10th PG, although they remained attached to the 67th TRG temporarily.
  • On the same day, the 30th PRS was relinquished to the 67th TRG.
  • The 33rd PRS, which joined the 10th PG on May 1, 1944, was also transferred to the 67th TRG but remained attached to the 10th PG until August 11, 1944.

Later War Operations

• The 10th PG played a key role during significant campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945) and the crossing of the Rhine River in 1945.

Post-VE Day Activities

• Group Reorganization: After Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8, 1945, the 10th PG began to disband. It was re-designated as the 10th Reconnaissance Group (10th RG) in June 1945.
  • The 15th TRS was the first to return to the United States in June 1945.
  • The 34th PRS, transferred to the 67th TRS on April 20, 1945, returned to the 10th RG on July 11, 1945, and was inactivated in Germany on November 22, 1945.
  • The 31st PRS was inactivated in Germany on the same day.
• The 12th TRS and 155th TRS remained in Europe under the control of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) after the 9th Air Force was inactivated.

Squadrons and Codes

• 12th TRS: [ZM] – Yellow spinner and nose band.
• 15th TRS: [5M] – Blue spinner and nose band.
• 30th PRS: [16]
• 31st PRS: [8V]
• 33rd PRS: [SW]
• 34th PRS: [S9]
• 155th PRS: Formerly the 423rd, later the 45th.

Bases of Operations

The group and its squadrons were stationed at various bases throughout the war:

• Chaigrove (England)
• Rennes/St. Jacques (France)
• Chateaudun (France)
• St. Dizier (France)
• Conflans/Doncourt (France)
• Trier/Evren (Germany)
• Ober Olm (Germany)
• Furth (Germany)

Each squadron followed a slightly different path, often moving to several locations as the Allied front advanced across Europe.

Aircraft

The 10th PG operated a variety of aircraft tailored to its reconnaissance mission:

• 12th TRS: F-6, L-4, P-51, Spitfire
• 15th TRS: F-6, L-4, L-5, P-51, Spitfire
• 30th PRS: F-5, P-38
• 31st PRS: F-5, F-6, P-38, P-51
• 33rd PRS: F-5, P-38
• 34th PRS: A-20, F-5, P-38
• 155th PRS: UC-64, F-3, L-4, L-5