Operation Cadillac

Operation CADILLAC was one of four supply drop missions by the 447th during 1944. The objective of the mission was to provide much-needed supplies to the French Resistance, in a remote area of south central France. Through a unique partnership, 447bg.com and Club du Theil have been able to jointly gather the following materials to commemorate this mission on Bastille Day, July 14, 1944.

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We are located in France, near Limoges (Limousin, Haute-Vienne). During WWII, the 447th BG dropped containers to French interior forces, on 'Bastille Day', 14 july 1944, during the Mission 'Cadillac.'

One of the DZ for the containers was located near our area, in Limousin, Correze to be even more precise, and around Sussac to be exact.

I'd like to know if you have any information on which of the 447th aircrafts was ordered to drop their containers there. It would be really helpful, as one of our member is thinking about making a diorama of one of these aircrafts to commemorate this local event.

Bye.
Alexandre Mazin
webmaster of French Aircraft Modelers Association 'Club du Theil'

The club's interest prompted me to write the Modelers' Guide to the 447th, containing material and details I had collected. Over the months, Club du Theil and 447bg.com have corresponded about several details of the mission and the aircraft. Working together we have compiled this amazing collection.

"Strike Photo" dated July 14, 1944
from The Pictorial History of the 447th Bombardment Group (1946)

As seen from the ground
taken by a member of the Resistance, and provided by Alexandre Mazin

"This was our 5th mission, we were flying AC#016 which still had a gun installed in the radio room. The gun was operated through an open hatch in the roof. Normal procedure was to have the radio operator open his door to the bomb bay to check that all the bombs (in this case canisters) dropped free. On this mission one of the clevis pins that held the canister parachutes had pulled out, and when George Schwegle opened the door the chute billowed out into the radio room and out the gun hatch just about taking George's head off. He was able to cut the shroud lines and we dragged the chute all the way back draped over the vertical fin. The Maquis were already running out into the drop area when we made our pass and somebody could have been hit by an un-chuted canister."

Delivery complete, turning for the RP
from the collection of Lars Schjøring Knudsen

Members of the Resistance gathering the supplies
photo provided by Alexandre Mazin, Club du Theil
(streaks are due to poor conditions when originally processed)

MISSION NO. 109 (Area No: 10, Cadillac) 14.7.44 
   The 447th "A" Group took off twelve aircraft plus one airborne 
spare between the hours of 0342 and 0459 hours and made a bad weather 
assembly over the field at 17,000 feet. Take-off was delayed due to 
aircraft damaged on runway and 447th "A" Group leader with over half 
of the aircraft scheduled to take off from Rattlesden were one hour 
late taking off. Assembly was made using the same plan which First 
Division is now using cutting some forty minutes off the time allotted 
us for this mission. Wing assembly was cut out to make up the addit- 
ional time lost and Reading, (1st point on Division assembly) was made 
on time and on course and at proper altitude. No flak or enemy fighters 
were observed. All aircraft returned to base. 
    Twelve aircraft of the 447th "B" Group plus one airborne spare 
took off between the hours of 0355 and 0457 to form the low Group of 
the 4th "C" Wing which was third of the Third Divisions forces. Wing and 
Division assemblies were as briefed except that the Group leader was 
delayed in take off and effected his assembly with the Group at ass- 
embly point Z. Group assembly was difficult because of the darkness 
at assembly time. One aircraft did not attack; one aircraft returned 
with a container which failed to drop. No flak or fighter opposition 
was encountered and all aircraft returned to the base. 
    Thirteen aircraft of the 447th "C" Group plus one airborne spare 
took off between the hours of 0330 and 0345 to form the high Group of 
the 4th "C" Wing. Bad weather assembly was made over the field at 
17,500 feet; difficulty was had in Wing assembly due to late take-offs 
in the lead Group. Division assembly times were made good with other 
wings, but Division was a few minutes early at all control points on 
route to the target. The Wing went south of the target to miss clouds 
and the target time was a few minutes late. The route back was as 
briefed, except for a short cut after the rally point to make up lost 
time. All aircraft returned safely to the base.

447th Bombardment Group Summary of Operations, 7.44 (pp 14-15)

If you have additional information or personal recollections of this mission,
Please let us know!

Any commercial use or republication of these images
requires the explicit written consent of the contributors.