While many thought at the end of 1944 that World War Two would soon be over, the German onslaught around the Belgian town of Bastogne showed it would take a little while longer. In seeking to stand their ground, US Army troops ran desperately low on ammunition, supplies and medics — this was where Douglas C-47 transports and Waco CG-4A gliders came in
C-47A serial 42-24051 of the Aldermaston-based 434thTroop Carrier Group’s 73rd Troop Carrier Squadron overflying the snow-covered countryside near Bastogne during a supply drop, withother Skytrains in the distance.
ALL PHOTOS NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
For the men of the US 101st Airborne Division, Christmas 1944 was a difficult time. Instead of resting they had to fight to the utmost, trying to stand their ground in the almost pulverised town of Bastogne in the Ardennes. Missions were planned to resupply the troops using transport gliders.
