Northrop P-61A-10-NO Black Widow, “Sleepy Time Gal”, 422nd NFS 9AF, France 1944, 42-5576
The 422nd Night Fighter Squadron (422nd NFS) was a pioneering unit in the 9th Air Force, tasked with night-time aerial defense and offensive operations during World War II. Its history is marked by adaptation to new aircraft and roles, as well as a significant contribution to the night-time air war in Europe.
Operational History
Formation and Early Challenges (March – July 1944)
- 7 March 1944: The 422nd NFS arrived in England from Florida, initially stationed at Charmy Down, near Bath. This airfield was situated on a hilltop and lacked the advanced aircraft the squadron had trained with, specifically the P-61 Black Widow night fighters.
- Training Challenges:
- Due to the unavailability of P-61s, the squadron had to make do with an Oxford and a UC-78 for continuation training. Some pilots were sent to RAF night-fighter bases to gain experience and understand the requirements of night combat.
- 7 May 1944: The squadron relocated to Scorton in Yorkshire, the northernmost airfield of the 9th Air Force. The first P-61 finally arrived on 23 May 1944, enabling the squadron to begin intensive training.
- Late June 1944: A detachment was sent to Hurn near Bournemouth for four weeks of comparative trials with RAF Mosquitos. The P-61 demonstrated superiority in several aspects.
- 15 July 1944: Another detachment was sent to Ford in Sussex to help defend against V-1 flying bombs. One of the squadron’s P-61s successfully shot down a V-1 over the English Channel.
Combat Operations in France (July 1944 – September 1944)
- 30 July 1944: The 422nd NFS moved from England to Maupertus near Cherbourg in northern France, marking its entry into the continental European theater. The squadron followed the Allied advance, moving closer to the front lines.
- August – September 1944: The squadron relocated to Châteaudun and then Florennes/Juzaine in Belgium, continuing its operations.
Transition to Offensive Operations (October 1944 – March 1945)
- October 1944:
- Due to the reduced threat from enemy aircraft, the 422nd was reassigned from a purely defensive role under the IX Air Defense Command (ADC) to a more offensive role under the IX Tactical Air Command (TAC).
- The P-61s were equipped with rockets, in addition to their 20mm cannons, to conduct night intruder missions—offensive sorties targeting enemy movements and installations during darkness.
- Early 1945:
- The squadron received several A-20 Havocs, which were used for flare-dropping and night attack missions. This addition expanded the 422nd’s operational capabilities during the final phases of the war.
Final Operations and Post-War Activities (April 1945 – May 1945)
- 6 April 1945: The squadron moved to Strassfeld in Germany, and later on 24 April 1945, to Langensalza in Thuringia. From these bases, the squadron continued its dual mission of night defense and offensive operations until the end of the war in Europe.
Unit Decorations
- Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC): The 422nd NFS was awarded a DUC for its actions during the Ardennes Offensive, specifically for missions on 16, 17, 27, and 28 December 1944, where they played a crucial role in defending against German advances during the Battle of the Bulge.
Aircraft and Markings
- Aircraft: The primary aircraft of the squadron was the P-61 Black Widow, which was later supplemented by the A-20 Havoc in early 1945.
- Markings:
- Initially, the squadron’s aircraft were painted in the standard AAF Olive Drab over Neutral Gray as per ANA Directive No.157.
- Following tests at Elgin Field, Florida, a recommendation was made to paint all night fighters in gloss black for better concealment during night operations. By 19 February 1944, General Brereton of the Ninth Air Force requested that all P-61 and P-70 night fighters be delivered with a factory-applied gloss black paint scheme, known as Jet No. 62.
- By the end of the war, all night fighters under the Ninth Air Force, including those of the 422nd NFS, were painted in this gloss black color.
Commanding Officers
- Lt. Col. Oris B. Johnson led the 422nd NFS during its European operations, overseeing its transition from a defensive night-fighter unit to one capable of offensive night intruder missions.
Bases
- Charmy Down, Somerset: Initial base upon arrival in England.
- Scorton, Yorkshire: Where the squadron received its first P-61.
- Maupertus, France: First base in continental Europe.
- Châteaudun, France: Base during the advance through France.
- Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium: Base during the operations in Belgium.
- Strassfeld, Germany: Base in early 1945.
- Langensalza, Germany: Final base during the war.