The distinction of being the first R.A.F. unit to operate from
French mainland soil since the Fall of France in 1940 went to
Johnnie Johnson's 144 Canadian wing on June 10th, 1944. It was
a milestone in the hard-fought air war against the Luftwaffe
which had commenced with the air battles over France a long four
years before.
Constructed in three days by R.A.F. servicing Commandos, the
first temporary airstrip in Normandy received its Mark IX Spitfires
on D-Day-plus-four marking the beginning of R.A.F. Fighter Command's
aggressive thrust through France and across the Rhine to final
victory. Signed by: Johnnie Johnson - Danny Browne - Larry Robillard. |