482nd Bomb Group-Alconbury

H2X Radar Retractable Aerodome in nose of a B-17G (Above-Top), and H2X Scope Screen (Above-Bottom) from inside B-17G and read by The Navigator of the Bomber.  The B-17 below the Bomber is clearly seen on H2X Radar Screen.  The H2X Radar Screen was retro-fitted in the radio operator's area of the B-17.  The apparatus that the H2X was connected to was referred to as "The Mickey".

"The Mickey"

[Mike was trained and certified in the use of The H2X at Alconbury].

The 482d Bomb Group was unique among Eighth Air Force units in that it was the only one to be officially activated in the UK from scratch.

The 482d BG provided pathfinder (PFF) lead aircraft for other bomb groups throughout the winter of 1943/44. As lead aircraft, 482 BG B-17s and B-24s usually flew missions from stations of other groups with some key personnel of the host group flying in the

[B-17G Nose Detail]

pathfinder aircraft.

In March 1944, the 482d BG was taken off combat operations and became a training and development unit for various radar devices, but continued to undertake special operations, notably D-Day when 18 crews were provided to lead bomb groups.

The 482d BG was transferred to Composite Command in February 1944 when emphasis shifted to training radar operators. The 482d began an H2X training school on 21 February 1944, initially using RAF instructors. It graduated a class of 36 radar navigators each month, as the PFF was decentralized first to the air divisions and then to the combat groups, where each assigned one squadron to be its PFF unit. Training and experimentation remained the chief role of the 482d BG for the remainder of war.

In March 1944, the 482d BG was taken off combat operations and became a development unit for various radar devices in addition to its training function, but continued to undertake special operations. With radar, photographed parts of France, the Low Countries, and Germany for training and briefing combat crews. While on experimental flights, often bombed bridges, fuel depots, power plants, and railroad stations. On 6 June, it provided 18 crews to lead bomb groups in support of the Allied invasion of Normandy, on pathfinder missions to bomb coastal defenses and attacks on traffic centers behind the beachhead.

From August 1944 to April 1945, the 482d BG conducted 202 radar scope and 'pickling' sorties over hostile territory without loss, dropping 45 tons of bombs in Nazi controlled territory. In November 1944, the group was re-designated as the 482d Bomb Group (Heavy).

Redeployed to the US in May 1945. The aircraft departed between 27–30 May 1945. The ground unit sailed on the Queen Elizabeth from Gourock on 24 June 1945. The group re-established at Victorville AAF, Ca. on 5 July 1945, but inactivated on 1 September 1945."

[Once Mike was stationed in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) War Zone, and in combat, his letters had to be carefully worded for security purposes. 

While stationed at Alconbury, Mike flew 12 recorded Missions.  The first Mission was flown on September 1, 1944.  Five years to the day that Hitler invaded Poland. 

Mike had plenty of flight time between his arrival at Alconbury on June 2, 1944, and his first Mission on September 1, 1944.  In the month of July, Mike clocked 49 hours 35 minutes with the flights averaging 3 hours and 20 minutes.  In the month of August, Mike's flight time dropped to 21 hours 5 minutes with the longest flight being 5:25 minutes.  This time must have been for training/test missions before the first Combat Mission on 9/1/44.]

Many of Mike's letters from England were written on V-Mail

The first letter home from England is V-Mail and not dated.  It is written to Mary and Mickey.  Mike tells them that at last he has a chance to write and tell them he is OK.  The trip over was carried out safely.  Mike says he is somewhere in England, and that everything there is nice and green.  He says the countryside is really beautiful.

Mike gives them the address to write to him:

Lt. Michael J. Halaiko

0-731507

482nd Bomb Group

A. P. O. 936

% Postmaster N.Y., N.Y.

He asks that they write as often as they can, and tells them that he has received no mail for quite a long time.

"Tell Jerome that I have been thinking about him quite a lot and have been wondering how he is going to like school this fall.  Tell him I wish him good luck.  Love, Mike"

The second letter home to Mary and Mickey was V-Mail also and dated June 20, 1944.

Mike tells them that everything is all right but the weather.  It was cold there in spite of the fact that it was the middle of June.  Mike says, "I'm still cold, just as I was when I first hit this place.  I'm wearing my winter Underwear."  He goes on to tell them that he visited Cambridge a few days earlier and got the inside dope on how the English live.  Mike says the people are very friendly, and there are plenty of girls there.  The buildings are all real old and are either stone or brick.  "You ought to see how old some of these churches are." Mike adds.

"I hope you are all well, and that Jerome is as lively as ever.  Tell Jerome that I want him to write me a long letter, and tell me about his daily experiences.  That's all for now.  Write.  Love, Mike"

In V-Mail, on June 27, 1944, Mike writes to Mary and Mickey that, "Once again I have a little time to write you a few words to let you know how things are.  So far everything has been all right.  Things are going pretty good over here."

Mike wants to know how Jerome is getting along.  He asks them to tell Jerome that he often thinks of him and wonders what he is doing.  "He should be a pretty big boy by now."  Mike says. 

Mike goes on to tell them that there isn't much he can write in these letters except that he is well.  He says everything is more or less routine, and he will have a lot to say later on.

Mike concludes with:  "Hope you go out to visit dad and mother often.  Write and let me know how things are with you.  Love, Mike"

On July 12, 1944, Mike wrote Mary and Mickey to correct his address.  It should have been 482nd Bomb Group, A. P. O. 639 %Post Master N.Y., N.Y.

He tells them that this address will probably change in a couple of weeks, and he will let them know what it is as soon as he finds out.

Mike says things are going pretty good over there.  In fact, it was going much better than he expected.

Mike bought a bicycle to travel back and forth from the flight line.  Mike says that you need something like this because the field is all spread out, and the countryside is gently rolling, just like Ohio.  Some of the hills are pretty hard to make on a bike, but Mike has mastered the art now and the hills are nothing at all.  The bike cost Mike 8 pounds or $32 in American money.

That was another thing that Mike says you have to get accustomed to, the money values.  "At first it was quite a problem trying to figure one coin from another, but after you get stuck a few times, you learn."  Mike adds.

Mike then explains the British Currency System:

"The coin values are the half penny which equals the American One Cent.  The Penny equals two American Cents.  The three pence (pronounced thrupence) equals our nickel.  The six pence our dime.  The shilling is 20 cents.  Then the next coin is a 2 shilling piece or 40 cents American.  The half crown is 50 cents.  This is all the coin.  Now the paper money starts with a 10 shilling note or $2.00 American.  Then comes the famous pound which is approximately $4.00 American.  There are 5 pound notes etc.  What a different system from ours."

Mike goes on to say that the weather is rather funny too.  Mike says there is rain and fog most of the time.  Nevertheless, the flights go on.

Mike has visited Cambridge, Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Bedford.  Lately, he has been quite busy and hasn't been able to go anywhere.  He would like to go to London before long if possible.

He asks that they say hello to Jerome and tell him that he thinks of him often.

He tells them to write often and closes:  "Love, Mike"

On July 20, 1944, Mike wrote to Rose Mary, Betty, Father&Mother, Andy&Esther.

Mike says that Betty's Letter came today with the snapshots enclosed.  He tells them how good they all look.  He says, "Pop is a really good looking old gent (what am I talking about-old).  He's young looking. He really looks good."

Father

Mother

                                    Father and Rosie                                                                             Mother and Betty

The Farm House

Mike adds that Mamma looks good, and that they all do.  Mike bets that it is really nice out there on the farm.  He says that where he is located now is the worst climate in the world.

Mike says that when he flies he wears long underwear, and that it sure feels good.  He says that even while on the ground, long underwear is comfortable.  Mike declares that he has never seen such weather.

While flying, Mike tells them, they wear electrically heated suits.  These suits have little wires running through them, and they are really warm.

Mike continues that it was pretty good to hear that K. White has done so good.  He says he would like to see him and Warren [Cady] both, but guesses that he won't get to.  Mike had written Warren a letter, but had received no answer, so Mike speculated that Warren must be in France.  He asks if they have heard from Warren.

Mike concludes with, "Things have been going good here so far.  But then things are pretty good all over.  Write again.  I'm waiting for those cookies you are sending.  Love, Mike"

On July 24, 1944, Mike writes Mary and Mickey and tells them that their letter arrived the other day.  The one in which they told about being out to visit dad and mother.  Mike says he really enjoyed that letter.  He wishes that more of those letters would come.  Mike tells them that everything is still OK where he is stationed.  Mike believes he may get a few days off soon and would like to go to London to see what that place looks like.  Mike adds that some of the boys have been there and say that it is quite a nice place.

Mike refers to some snapshots that Betty sent him of when they were out at the farm.  Mike says that Jerome is certainly getting to be a big boy, and Mike bets that Jerome gets a big kick out to the farm.  He tells them to let Jerome know that his Uncle Mike thinks of him often.

And then a humorous comment to Mary before closing:  " So, you are getting to be a painter, Mary.  When the big barn at home needs painting again, we will get you for the job.

I wish that I could write more but I can't so the stuff I write is really limited but I'll keep in touch with you as often as I can.  Love, Mike

P. S. My bicycle is OK too.  4 wheel brakes."

[Mike's First Combat Mission was flown between the letter written above and the next letter which is dated September 7, 1944 to Mary and Mickey.  

The date of Mike's First Mission was September 1, 1944 to somewhere in Belgium.  The record reads "Spec. Mission Belgium".  The record shows that this Mission took 6 hours and 45 minutes.

This could be a description of his First Mission:

"Mission 599: 3 of 3 B-17s fly a Micro H mission to attack a fuel dump in the Bois del la Haussiere, Belgium without loss. Escort is provided by 2 of 2 P-51s."

The above description is taken from:  http://www.8thafhs.com/get_one_mission.php?mission_id=1456

From yet another source on just what was Micro H Bombing:

http://forum.armyairforces.com/What-is-Micro-H-Used-on-the-Feb-19-1945-mission-m216960.aspx

Mike had a total of 53 hours and 20 minutes of flying time for the month of September, 1944.  He flew thirteen days out of the thirty in that month.  This is speculation, but these other flights could have been flights around the British Isles as tracking enemy Naval activity.  Some of the flights were very close in length to the Belgium Mission of 9/1/44].

From the http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/5562 web site, we find the following information about this time around 9/1/44:  "On 1 September 1944, allied troops cross the Belgian border at diverse places. The 2nd British army of general Sir Miles Dempsey frees Tournai (2.9), [all dates are September Dates (e.g. "2.9" is September 2nd)] Brussels (3.9) and Antwerp (4.9). On 8 September, the 2nd army crosses the Albert Canal at Geel. The first US army frees Mons (2.9), Liège (6.9), Verviers and Arlon (7.9). It crosses the Albert Canal near Hasselt (7.9) and in the region of Maastricht (8.9). Then, it crosses the Dutch border in Maastricht (9.9), frees Luxemburg (10.9) and crosses the German border in the region of Aachen (11.9)."]

Mike starts out this September 7th Letter with, "Add another city to my list."  Mike's two day pass was spent in London.  "What a place that is."  Mike says.  Mike and two other guys took a cab all over the town to see all the places of importance.  They visited Buckingham Palace, West Minster Abbey, The House of Parliament, The Tower of London, and a lot of other places.  "Oh yes," Mike adds, "I saw Churchill's abode, 'No.10 Downing Street', Trafalgar Square, where Nelson's Column stands, and I also saw Leicester Square and Picadilly."

Mike tells them that most of the bomb damage has been repaired, but there is still slight evidence of The Blitz and Buzz Bombs.  Mike says there were no Buzz Bombs while he was there.

Mike concludes that he hopes all is well with them, and that all is well with him.  Mike says Bing Crosby was at his base the previous week and he saw him.

"Tell Jerome I think of him often and can't wait to see him again.  Write soon.  Love, Mike"

On September 14, 1944, Mike wrote Mary and Mickey, and began with, "Hello to you.  Your letter enclosing Jerome's picture came today.  He certainly does look good.  I wish I were there to race with him.  Tell him he could probably beat me with his bike because there are three wheels on it.  I only have two on my bicycle."  Mike goes on to tell them that his bike is out of commission with a flat tire, and he is not sure where he is going to get another one.

"How did Jerome like the first day of school?"  Mike asks.  "l'll bet he was really a good boy.  Just tell him to keep singing.  That's the best thing that he could do.  Tell him that I like, 'Swinging on a Star'."

Mike tells them that he saw Bing Crosby's Picture, "Going My Way", and recounts that he saw Bing when he visited the base about two weeks earlier.  Mike finishes with, "Well, don't worry about a thing.  All is well with me.  I am sure looking forward to the time when I will be able t tell you the things that I saw instead of writing.  Goodnight now.  Write soon.  Love, Mike"

On October 8, 1944, in a letter to Mary and Mickey, and 12 days after Mike's 25th Birthday, Mike writes:  

"Hello Folks.  All is still OK with me. So far I have been really fortunate, and I know that is because someone is really praying for me.  I lost one of my best buddies about three weeks ago.  I just hope he is a prisoner of war and is still OK."

Mike asks about the weather back there and whether they are having an Indian Summer.  Mike reminisces about the beauty of home this time of year especially the farm.  He thinks of the trees turning a nice variety of colors and the corn being cut.  Mike imagines the pumpkins being ripe now too and asks if there are many pumpkins at the farm this year.  "Nothing like pumpkin pie.  Is there?"  he asks.

Then Mike wants to know how Jerome is doing, and if he likes his school.  Mike adds that he should be a pretty good student, and "...as soon as he is able, have him write me a letter."

Next Mike asks about a person referred to as "Lawrence", and wants to know if he is still in England or across in France somewhere.  Mike says that if he knew where he was, he could try to look him up and maybe get together with him and do a little talking.

Mike thanks them for the birthday greetings.  He says he was very happy to receive them.  "That's all for now. Write soon and often.  Love, Mike"

In Mike's October 20, 1944 Letter to Mary and Mickey, Mike sounds more than a little frustrated with the weather.  He says that he hasn't heard from them for awhile and wants to know if everything is OK.  Mike supposes that they are busy with everything.  He asks how Jerome likes school and thinks that Jerome must be pretty far along in his work by now.  Mike tells them not to forget to tell Jerome to write him a nice long letter as soon as he can.

Mike says that everything is all right with him there.  Sometimes things have been pretty rough, but Mike says he has really been lucky so far.

He tells them that they are getting quite a lot of rain lately.  The rainy season has started.  He says that it sure can be miserable there when it rains, and the cold can be so penetrating because it is so damp.  Mike adds that they do have good barracks and sleeping quarters though.  He wraps up with, "That's the good thing about the Air Corps, when you get back it is nice.  The food is very good.  We even have ice cream once a week.  That's not too bad, you know.

Not having more to write, I will close now.  Write soon.  Love, Mike"

Three days before Mike's Second Combat Mission to Ruhland, Germany on November 22, 1944, Mike wrote his parents on November 19, 1944.  In the upper right corner of the letter, Mike printed:  "E.T.O. 19th Nov. 1944".  "Dear Father and Mother:"  Mike writes.  He tells them that this day is a Sunday, and they weren't flying, so he had a time to go to church for a change.  "Mass is at 11 o'clock."  He tells them.  "Usually we fly on Sunday morning, and I don't get the chance to go to church."

"This morning we had fresh eggs for breakfast." Mike says, and the reason that he is telling them this is it is very seldom that they have fresh eggs.  This was the first time that they had them for a long time.  Another thing they don't get is milk.  They do have cream for their coffee, but milk is really scarce.  Mike tells them that that is something he really misses.  Mike says that the coffee is very good, and they get all of that that they want.  "You'd like this coffee, Ma."  Mike tells her.

Mike says that June sent him a nice box that arrived the day before, and he adds that June is really a good kid.

Then Mike mentions his first cousin (his father's sister Krysztina's son):  "It is too bad about Johnny Smreck being missing in action.  He is probably all right though."  [Johnny Smreck was a Navigator on a B-24.  After his B-24 was shot down, Johnny was pronounced MIA for the required time, and then was pronounced killed in action.]

Mike concludes with, "This is all I have for now.  Write soon.  Love, Michael"

One Day before Mike's 2nd Combat Mission to Ruhland, Germany, Mike wrote to Mary and Mickey:  "Hello again.  Everything is still all right with me over here. That is all except the weather, and that really is terrible.  The last few days we haven't done a lot."

Mike says that he is glad to hear that Jerome is having a good time in school and so forth.  Mike asks that they tell Jerome that he can't wait until he gets home, so that he and Jerome can go and see some good ball games together.

Mike tells Mary that he really doesn't need anything, but if she would like to send some cookies or candy or canned food it would be all right with him. Mike says that if Mary can get some cheese or sardines, they really go over good as a night snack.  "I'd like that very much."  Mike adds.

Mike says they usually have a snack every night at their club.  "I never did tell you about our squadron club did I?"  Mike asks.  "They call the club the 'Ten Tenths Casino'." Mike relates.  He says that the club consists of a small bar, a kitchen, reading room, and a pool table.  Mike says that this is where everyone goes to relax, and there are two fireplaces, and three stoves in it, and it is quite cozy on those cold nights.

He explains that the reason they call it the "Ten Tenths Casino" is because cloud cover is usually described as one-tenth, two-tenths, or three-tenths thick.  Ten-Tenths is a complete fog or overcast.

"Well, Mike concludes, I hope you get what I mean.  Write soon.  Love, Mike"

Alconbury Officer's Club Bar

The Ten-Tenths Club?