S E C R E T

Auth: CO, 1st CC Gp

Date: 7 July 1945

Initials: ___________

RBS/JEG/rjo

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

1ST COMBAT CARGO GROUP

APO 214

HISTORY

MARCH 1945

During the month of March, Group Headquarters, with the 2d and 4th Combat Cargo Squadrons, the 345th and 347th Airdrome Squadrons, and the 283rd Medical Dispensary, Aviation, operated from Dohazari, India, while the 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron and the 346th Airdrome Squadron operated out of Tulihal, India. The 1st Combat Cargo Squadron and the 244th Airdrome Squadron remained on Detached Service to the Fourteenth Air Force and operated in the China Theater. Personnel under the command of Group numbered 1816 Officers and Enlisted Men.

Operational activities for the three (3) Combat Cargo squadrons operating in the India-Burma Theater were more than doubled due to the British 14th Army’s establishment of four (4) bridgeheads across the Irrawaddy River. There were three (3) vital positions the British had to hold or take in these operations if they were to continue a full scale penetration of Japanised Burma. These were Meiktila, Mandalay, and Chin-Hill Oilfield districts.

In the Meiktila area, which had been taken the previous month, the situation became critical and the strip (Meiktila Main) was subjected to heavy shelling and constant attack by strong enemy forces making landings impossible. To assure a constant flow of supplies to the ground forces, our planes resorted to Drop Missions, and while operating over the area were under continuous enemy ground fire.

In the Mandalay area the Japanese offered stiff resistance and the expansion of the Singu bridgehead southward was at first slow and costly. However, by the end of the month the British overpowered the main force of Jap defenders and swept into the city to capture famed Ford Dufferin, the last point of major resistance.

In the Chin Hills-Oilfield area the situation remained unchanged as the British continued to reduce the remaining enemy forces in that area and store up supplies that were later to be used in their efforts to drive southward on both sides of the Irrawaddy.

Landing grounds and air strips utilized by this organization in support of British ground operations were located at Tada-U, Ngazun, Ywabo, Chaunggwa, Dwehla, Kume, Myotha, Myingyan, Thabutkon, Meiktila, Myitche, Ondaw, Shwebo, Sinthe, Kalamedaung, Alon, Monywa, Sadaung, Singu, and Mandalay North. Supplies were dropped in the Myaungu, Shwebo, Mandalay, Kanye, Taungtha, Mahlaing, Meiktila, Kyaukse, Letse, Linda (Kazunma), and Laungshe areas.

While dropping at Meiktila Drop Zones our aircraft were not only endangered by enemy mortar and gun fire, but also by the lack of air discipline on the part of RAF Cargo planes that were dropping free fall and parapacks from altitudes of 1500 feet. Complaints were made to the proper higher echelon but the error was never quite rectified.

The swiftness of these attacks against the enemy, whose defenses were now in a state of disorganization, caused the amount of commitments to increase over that of any previous month of this organization’s operational activities overseas. Through the zealous efforts of every man, commitments were successfully met, and on come occasions surpassed.

During this monthly period the three (3) Cargo squadrons operating in the India-Burma Theater delivered 14,736-tons of supplies to the British 14th Army,,breaking all records previously established by this organization. The average daily delivery of these squadrons was 475-tons.

Two (2) major accidents occurred during the month. Neither was due to enemy action. On the 16th aircraft #42-34183, type PT-19A crashed while on routine flight. The accident was considered due to pilot error as both pilots thought the other had the controls. Captain Morgan I. Temple, Operations Officer of the 2nd CC Squadron, who occupied the front cockpit, suffered many injuries and lacerations, while 2nd Lt. Jack L. Higgins, who occupied the rear cockpit received only minor injuries. The aircraft was a complete washout.

The second accident occurred on the 23rd when aircraft #43-15900, type C-47A, of the 2nd CC Squadron, crashed and burned on take-off from Dohazari, India. This aircraft was fully loaded wit supplies to be landed at Chaunggwn, Burma. The cause of the accident remains unknown as the surviving crew members stated that everything had happened so quickly there wasn’t time to establish an actual cause. The plane was so completely demolished that little could be done by the investigating Board of Officers to determine the cause of the accident. At time of take-off the weather was bad. Visibility was from one half to three quarter miles in haze and ground fog, and the ceiling was estimated at 300 to 500 feet.

The time of the accident was approximately 0541 IST, and resulted in the death of Lt. Francis J. Fedge, pilot, and T/Sgt. Donald A. Gildea, Aerial Engineer. Sgt. Gildea was killed instantly, Lt. Fedge died enroute to the 142nd General Hospital. F/O Henry T. Cummins, co-pilot, suffered major injuries, and at last report was considered to be in a semi-critical condition. The other two (2) crew members, the radio operator and the assistant aerial engineer received only minor injuries.

Enemy ground fire, estimated to be 25 calibre, struck two (2) aircraft while searching for a Drop Zone along the Nyaungu-Myingyan road. (Reference Intelligence). One (1) aircraft received holes in the fuselage and tail section, but returned to base. The other aircraft, struck by a bullet in the oil line, was forced to land at Myitche, Burma. No personnel were injured.

While operating over the Drop Zone adjacent to the south lake at Meiktila, aircraft #42-14581, piloted by Lt. G. P. Mullaney, 4th CC Squadron, was struck in the wing by a 75 mm shell, which passed through without exploding. The aircraft returned to base and the wing section was repaired, without delay.

On 8 March, during an enemy shelling of the Meiktila (Main) airstrip, an aircraft of the 3rd CC Squadron, was struck by shrapnel in the tail section. This incident occurred during take-up, but the amount of damage incurred did not prevent the aircraft returning safely to base.

The only taxi accident of the month occurred on the 30th at Alon when a pilot of the 3rd CC Squadron dragged a wing tip.

The Group S-2 briefed all mission for the 2nd and 4th Squadrons during the first part of the month, but during the latter portion the briefing of landing missions was taken over by Squadron S-2s, who by this time had become well established and familiar with the situation. The Group S-2 continued to brief all drop missions for these squadrons. Briefing of the 3rd Squadron was the responsibility of the British Air Liaison Officer. The Squadron S-2 of the 1st Squadron handled the briefing for that unit.

On one occasion, through an error on the part of the British communications system, the wrong ground code letters were given to the Briefing officer at Dohazari, who in turned briefed our aircraft to the point specified in the daily commitments. This caused quite a state of confusion among the crews briefed to these drops. While searching for the correct drop area, two (2) aircraft were struck by small arms fire. (Reference Operations).

Enemy ground situation reports, which in many cases were so ancient as to render them valueless, and the Interrogation of crews proved insufficient to properly maintain a situation map. To keep an up-to-date picture of the situation, it was necessary for some member of the S-2 Office to make frequent flight to various points of the forward area.

The base defense plan, which was put into operation during February, proved successful and no breaches in its durability were reported. The defense from air attack was never put to test as enemy aircraft never threatened the vicinity of the base.

For Security we can chalk up a grade of 100%. If there were any violations they were never brought to the attention of the Security Officer.

Censorship violations were only minor, and in most cases, were committed because of a misunderstanding on the part of the individuals concerned. It was found that the best way to “cure” constant offenders was to return the letter for rewriting.

Recommendations for awards of Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals to air crew members of the group were submitted in increasing numbers during the period, and a total of 550 of these awards were actually made.

The increase of replacements of air crews into the group was such that the number of excess crews returned to the Zone of Interior could be notably increased during the month.

During the month of March, there was a continuation of the policy that Group S-4 should continue to supervise the operation of a combined technical supply for the 2d and 4th Squadrons. Due to the fact that the 382nd Air Service Group was not yet established on a satisfactory basis for quick supply of C-47 parts in needed quantities, supervision was necessary to both prevent hoarding and improper stockage, and to expedite procurement which would prevent the APOC status so detrimental to accomplishment of the mission. In assistance to the 382nd Air Service Group, S-4 arranged, in coordination with S-3, for aircraft to bring in parts and necessary supplies for the area. A system of local pick-up on aircraft parts was designed to save time.

Liaison was necessary with British supply sources at Dohazari, Hathazari, and Chittagong for POL and operational supplies not obtainable through normal channels. The active daily supervision of POL was made the responsibility of the Group Engineering Officer, but the overall responsibility remained an S-4 function. Supplies procured included gasoline straining devices, teen-age, transportation, and the advance approval for procurement of ready-packaged rations which might be needed in forward areas.

Rain and wind storms, during the latter part of March, caused many bashas to collapse, and housing became a temporary problem. However, this problem was quickly remedied by the S-4 who utilized favorable liaison with the British to procure teen-age and to have repairs effected by British Engineers.

It was necessary for S-4 to establish a maintenance plan for all vehicles in Group headquarters and to maintain supervision of effectiveness of Squadron motor pools. The most important phase of this work was the procurement of a great many vehicle parts which had caused the dead-lining of all types of General Purpose Vehicles.

A portable machine ship was designed by Lt. Col. Rents and built by the Engineering section. It consisted of 1 - 10” lathe, 1 - precision grinder, 1 - drill press, 1 - 2 wheel grinder, 1 flexible shaft grinder and polisher and assorted equipment.

In many cases APOC time was cut 50% by use of this machine shop which was also utilized in maintaining organizational equipment of the four (4) squadrons stationed with Group Headquarters. It is believed that in the event the other four (4) squadrons under this Group were to operate from this base, their needs could also be handled by this machine shop by merely adding another eight (8) hour working day.

The expense of the equipment in the portable machine shop has been more than realized in time and effort saved in obtaining parts for aircraft which would have been APOC’d for several days.

Twenty-five (25) engines were changed during the month of March by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Squadrons. Records of the 1st Squadron are not available due to their operating in another theater.

Difficulty was encountered with engines as they were being operated at excessive heat temperatures. A course in proper operation of engines was given to the personnel concerned and this discrepancy was rectified.

AIR INSPECTOR

Acting upon the recommendation of the Air Inspector, the 2nd Squadron brought their Air C=Service Command Memorandums up to date.

An inspection of squadron Communication sections showed that personnel did not fully utilize the abundant equipment available to obtain proficiency. As suggested by the Air Inspector, a program was installed to familiarize and train air crew members in the use of their valuable radio equipment.

An instrument training program is in effect and pilots are practicing under the hood, but no records have been kept to show progress. It was recommended by the Air Inspector that a board of experienced pilots be appointed to check the proficiency of pilots in instrument flying and to issue up-to-date instrument cards to qualified personnel in preparation of the coming Monsoon season. This program is under consideration at the present time.

FLIGHT SURGEON

There was no change in the hospital units serving the Group during the month of March. As a result of a Smallpox epidemic in the Calcutta area all personnel under this command were immunized.

There was no undue incident of communicable disease and not one case of malaria was reported during the period indicating proper malaria control and successful atabrine therapy by all units. Venereal disease was confined to four (4) cases of gonorrhea, three (3) of which were contacted by personnel of the units stationed in China.

SPECIAL SERVICE

Special Services reports five (5) Enlisted Men and two (2) Officer day rooms and clubs. Each Enlisted Day Room was supplied with a mechanical Field phonograph, Recording Kits, a Ping Pong table, Dart games, Playing cards, Coca Cola Game Kits, Dominoes, Checkers, and other small games along with publications of Time, Newsweek, Air Force, etc.

A regular supply of three (3) films was received weekly and each picture was shown two (2) nights. This idea was established by popular demand. The Shorts most in demand were those of American Athletics such as Football, Base Ball, Boxing, and Gymnastics.

A direct wire to a Communication radio gave us a daily Stateside broadcast of music and news, and was amplified for all to hear through the theatre system. This service was in addition to Daily news and sports summary recordings. Birth announcements and important achievements were also a part of the program.

Sports including soft ball, volley-ball, tennis, badminton, horse shoes, and ping pong. The second soft ball tournament is under way, and volley-ball games were scheduled with British teams in addition to the inter-squadron games.

A library of approximately 650 volumes is located in the Special Service office for use by all military personnel of the group. This is in addition to the insufficient supply of available current magazines.

CHAPLAIN

Chapel attendance during the period was normal for the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish services. A Sunday afternoon service was held regularly for a small detachment of the 931st Signal Battalion located 18 miles North of Dohazari.

When a C-46 of the 4th Combat Cargo Group crashed in the jungle a few miles South of Bandarban, India, the Group Chaplain participated in the search mission, which prove arduous beyond expectation, and held burial services for members of the crew killed by the crash. A Military funeral was given these crew members who were buried at the scene of the crash as the rugged terrain made it impractical to transport the bodies to a government cemetery for burial.

Thanks to the Chaplain, transportation was arranged for 19 men of Jewish faith to attend Passover observances in Calcutta.

Favorable comments were forthcoming from personnel stationed at Dohazari who were able to attend the Chaplain’s concert of sacred and classical recordings broadcasted over the public address system each Sunday afternoon throughout the month.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross activities for March consisted of confirming the acute illness of the father of Pfc Gilbert R. Bass, a member of the 4th Squadron, who was issued orders on the 26th for a Permanent Change of Station to the Zone of Interior. Only two (2) loans were made during the month, which is about average. It is believed, by the Director, that there will never be a large increase of loans to members of this organization. As further benefit to the members of this Group, aid was given to the Group Special Service Officer in directing recreational sports and the servicing of Enlisted Men’s clubs.

As they look back upon the work accomplished, every member of the 1st Combat Cargo Group feels, and all records available for comparison show, that this organization did a meritorious job during the windy month of March.

JAMES D. GRIFFIN

Major, Air Corps

APPROVED: Historical Officer

WALTER P. BRIGGS

Lt. Col, Air Corps

Commanding

1st Combat Cargo Group, March 1945

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