RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi Neil, I was doing some reading in D Day Gliders by Philippe Esvelin and found this image of a Horsa glider with the heavy marking "35" (PG113). This Horsa (Jeanie 1) was brought in by Darlyle Watters, 436thTCG 81st TCS. I don't see a "dot" but, there could be on the other side....or faded..or? This shows more of the heavy markings that are noted on other 436th gliders. Is the location known for the Watters glider? According to the notes, FO Robinson took the photograph on June 7/8. Thank you Be Well Dave
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi Dave, I've just checked the photograph in the book and there may be a hint of a dot underneath the 35. I'll send a message to Philippe for him to check for us. Neil.
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi all, I agree that there is a hint of a dot on Horsa #35. I see a faint marking on the photo in Esvelin's D-Day Gliders, as well as on the thumbnail image Dave presents. Charles
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi all, I agree that there is a hint of a dot on Horsa #35. I see a faint marking on the photo in Esvelin's D-Day Gliders, as well as on the thumbnail image Dave presents. Below is the image at issue, with some adjustments to brightness and contrast. Not really clear, but if you manipulate your computer screen a bit, a dot seems to possibly be there. I'm interested in what Philippe can tell us. Charles
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Neil and Charles, I missed it but, with your help, thought I would try a closer look. With an attempt (and I mean attempt) work in Photoshop from me, bit more of a hint of a "dot" seems to come out. Thank you Be Well Dave
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Yes, Dave. The spot under #35 seems to be looking more and more like a "dot". Nice work. Charles
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Thick set digits and a dot underneath signifies another 436th TCG Horsa in my book.
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi Dave, I don't know that we know the location of 35. An intact Horsa, the trees in the background, and what maybe looks like a rubber boat behind it... Sounds like a challenge guys John
RE: New Horsa Chalk markings? Hi John, I recall seeing in some film footage, "37" and "40"(?). I wonder if "35" might be in close proximity? I'll have to do some looking. Also, do you think this photo may be cropped? Thank you Dave
Hi Neil, This seems to be a new angle of #14 at La Londe There is a photo from the port side on the forum somewhere where we see the name 'SPOOK' John
John, you're quite correct about it being named 'SPOOK'. I posted this screenshot on the Thomas Moore thread.
Hi All, I was looking at the panning shot again on the Critical Past site and I think 'Spook' has a RAF serial number JF 950 (not sure about the J): The number is not listed in the 82nd glider load manifests, but there are gaps therein. Regards, Pat
Unfortunately none of the serial numbers for the 436th Serial 32 Horsas are listed. Looking at the serial numbers of the Horsas from the other Troop Carrier Groups, LF 950 could be a possibility.
A few new D-Day Horsa photos appeared on Ebay last week and adds to my theory that the chalk markings for the 436th TCG during Mission Elmira was a large number with a dot underneath it. Chalk #48 is a new one to me and having showed the photo to John Szweda, it's new to him too. With luck we should be able identify its location due to the barn in the background plus there is a CG-4A with Chalk #35 behind the Horsa. New photos have been few and far between but in my next post, I'll add a photo taken at Membury prior to the glider launch which probably confirms my theory.
Earlier this year I received a wonderful collection of photos taken by 81st TCS C-47 Crew Chief, T/Sgt Cater Jones and amazingly he had taken a few photos on the evening of the 6th June 1944 with the Serial 32 of Mission Elmira all lined up on Membury's main runway. Horsa Chalk #40 is plain to see and the dot is clearly evident so I'm 100% convinced that the dot Horsas seen around the north of St Mere Eglise and stretching towards la Londe farm are the 436th TCG.
Thank you for posting this information Neil. Good news on the 436th chalk markings. Also neat to know there may be more photographs out there somewhere. Be Well Dave