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W7 News Return to Normandy 2014 Early on the morning of June 4, 1944, our C-47, chalk number 37, put out 17 paratroopers over Normandy, near Sainte-Mère-Église, as part of the D-Day invasion of France. This aircraft is one of nearly 1,300 that dropped 23,000 members of the 82nd and 101st U.S. Airborne Divisions as well as British and Canadian forces. Today few of these aircraft are left. The 1941 Historical Aircraft Group Museum is fortunate to have this historic airplane. At the time this C-47 was donated to us she had the markings 3H on her nose and different tail markings. Research by our members determined that she was the lead aircraft of the second wave to reach Normandy. We have changed her nose markings to W7, identifying her as part of the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 316th Troop Carrier Group, chalk number 37. Since we acquired W7 we have been taking her to airshows throughout the Eastern US and Canada. Over the last few years we have replaced both engines with overhauled units and inspected the propellers. The latest upgrade includes completely rebuilt landing gear and new tires. In October of 2011 the 37th Airlift Squadron based in Ramstein, Germany sent us an e-mail asking if we could bring W7 to Ramstein to help them celebrate their 70th Anniversary. We concluded that we could not make the trip at that time, but we did determine that the trip was feasible and within our capabilities given enough time to complete our planning and raise the money required. We decided to make the journey in June of 2014 for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. We will Return to Normandy in late May of 2014 and on the 70th Anniversary and again put jumpers out of W7. The drop zone is about three kilometers west of Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy within a few hundred yards of where W7 was on June 6, 1944! The current estimate for the trip is approaching $250,000. To raise this amount we are launching a direct mail campaign of sorts, but using e-mail and the Internet rather than stamps and envelopes. We will send this message and request to veterans groups, aviation organizations, as well as individuals and our members. Our members have been very generous in contributing to the support of the C-47. We hope you will consider this request as well. If you could mention our request to your friends and associates it would be a great help. We are also going to solicit donations from corporations and businesses. As a fundraising incentive all donors will be entered in a drawing to win a trip for two to Normandy in June 2014! We are very excited about this opportunity to honor the memories of all the men and women who took part in the invasion of Normandy nearly 70 years ago. We will keep you posted on our campaign to Return to Normandy 2014!
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The C-47 Dakota was the cargo aircraft which was the workhorse of the Army Air Corps during World War II. It was also affectionately known as the “Gooney Bird.” It served in all theaters of the war and served in civilian capacity to help establish the U.S. airlines. W7 is truly a WWII veteran. This aircraft originally served with the 12th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater in 1943 and the 9th Air Force in England 1944-1945 as part of the 316th Troop Carrier Group. It was one of the lead aircraft of the first strike of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944 over Ste. Mere Eglise, Normandy. It transported paratroopers for the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation NEPTUNE. Flak was very heavy during these missions but this C-47 managed to survive it all. |
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Manufacturer: |
Douglas Aircraft |
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Powerplants (2): |
P&W R-1830-92 Twin Wasp - 1050 hp |
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Wing Span: |
95 ft. |
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Maximum Speed: |
230 mph |
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Weight Empty: |
16,970 lbs. |
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Weight Fully Loaded: |
26,000 Lbs. |
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Service Ceiling: |
23,200 ft. |
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Range: |
1,500 miles |
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