Customer Reviews

Squadron of Deception: The 36th Bomb Squadron in World War II

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Stephen Hutton takes us on his own journey of discovery into his father's WWII experiences aboard a B-24 LIberator out of England. Intrigued by one particular war story his dad told him about another taking his B-24 and never returning, Mr. Hutton begins a life-long quest to uncover the role his father's squadron played in air war over Europe. Mr. Hutton has amassed a great deal of information, including documents only declassified in the 1970's, along with personal accounts from the men who flew these secret missions.

The book is packed with detailed information you won't find elsewhere, along with wonderful photographs. This is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the Pathfinder missions and the air campaign to liberate Europe. I highly recommend it.

I had an uncle who served in this history making unit and was anxious to read this book. The author's father also served in the squadron and he has done a good job, not only of researching the unit, but in rounding up scores of personal accounts from others who served. There are plenty of photos, especially of the various crews and personnel. Enjoy!

this book has Helped Me understand some of the things My Father { Control Officer Capt Dennis R Scanlan} did over there. My Father Before He Passed away told Me some of the same type of stories that I read Here, But it was good to get details. Thanks Stephen for this wonderfully written book .. James

From Stephen Hutton:

The 36th Bomb Squadron (H) Radar Countermeasure Unit, (36BS RCM) initially began as the 803rd Bomb Squadron (Provisional) and was the 8th Air Force's only electronic warfare squadron. This secret unit was first placed under the 8AF Composite Command (Mar 44) for administration and later re-designated as the 36BS RCM (Aug 44). Next the 36BS was assigned to the 8AF Fighter Command (Oct 44) for administration, then the 1st Air Division (Jan 45) and finally assigned to the 482BG (Feb 45). In all instances the 36BS was assigned to these organizations only for administration purposes. Operational control for its special missions and training was exercised by 8th Air Force Headquarters in England. The first half of the missions the squadron flew were with the Royal Air Force 100 Group on nights. 8AF HQ coordinated these missions with RAF Bomber Command.

At the end of the war in Europe, all the Liberators were stationed with the 482nd Bomb Group at Station 102 Alconbury, England.

Added Info From Tom Brittan:

With the withdrawal of 492nd BG at North Pickenham from daylight bombing operations, 801st BG (P) at Harrington became the 2nd Organisation of 492nd BG. The four squadrons at Harrington were redesignated as follows:

36th became 856th BS (As Stephen Hutton has explained, 36th became the redesignation of 803rd BS (P) (Radar Counter Measures) at Cheddington)

850th became 857th BS (850th was reformed in its original 490th BG at Eye, flying the B-17)

406th became 858th BS (406th became the redesignation of the 858th BS (Night Leaflet) at Cheddington)

788th became 859th BS (788th was reformed in its original 467th BG at Rackheath)