Photograph of John Thompson and the 245 Squadron in 1945
Photograph of John Thompson and the 245 Squadron in 1945.
John Thompson served in the 245 Squadron of the Second Tactical Air Force in the Northwest European Theatre of Operations as a Typhoon pilot. Specifically, this squadron served in the Battle of Normandy, also known as Operation Overlord and D-Day, which took place between June and August 1944. About 150,000 members of the forces landed on five beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword) along the heavily fortified coast of Normandy. While soldiers attempted to storm the beach, members of the air force, including members of the 245 Squadron, provided support by gathering intelligence, crippling enemy transportation and battling enemy forces. D-Day was one of the largest military assaults from water to date, providing a foothold to attack France and influential in the eventual Allied victory. The squadron was disbanded following the end of the war.
City of Vaughan Archives: MG 43
Photograph of John Thompson and the 245 Squadron in 1945
Photograph of John Thompson and the 245 Squadron in 1945.
John Thompson served in the 245 Squadron of the Second Tactical Air Force in the Northwest European Theatre of Operations as a Typhoon pilot. Specifically, this squadron served in the Battle of Normandy, also known as Operation Overlord and D-Day, which took place between June and August 1944. About 150,000 members of the forces landed on five beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword) along the heavily fortified coast of Normandy. While soldiers attempted to storm the beach, members of the air force, including members of the 245 Squadron, provided support by gathering intelligence, crippling enemy transportation and battling enemy forces. D-Day was one of the largest military assaults from water to date, providing a foothold to attack France and influential in the eventual Allied victory. The squadron was disbanded following the end of the war.
City of Vaughan Archives: MG 43