Cutting the Lines

SOON AFTER THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN WWII THE RAAF COMMITTED 76, 77 AND 82 SQUADRONS AS PART OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OCCUPATIONAL FORCES (BCOF) IN JAPAN.
77 Squadron remained on station and was due to be recalled in 1950, however, this was cancelled on 25th June when hostilities over the Korean peninsula erupted. The Australian squadron led by S/Ldr Louis ‘Lou’ Spence (DFC and Bar, MiD) was immediately committed as part of the United Nation response and became second only to the United States in conducting initial combat operations over Korea. 77 Squadron Mustangs began their duties on 2nd July 1950 escorting American bombers to targets, although close support and strike missions became more prevalent.  Following the tragic loss of Spence in August, command of 77 Squadron was succeeded by the legendary S/Ldr Richard ‘Dick’ Cresswell DFC. During December he had learnt through debriefings that a rail bridge near Sonchon was targeted by B-29s on three separate occasions and all had failed in their task. Sensing an opportunity to enhance the squadron’s reputation, Cresswell volunteered a small flight of Mustangs to undertake the same mission. On 17th December four aircraft including F/Lt Des Murphy in P-51D, A68-756 targeted the bridge. Destruction was attained solely with bombs. This was one of hundreds of routine operations flown by 77 Squadron during the opening stages of the conflict.  77 Squadron received a Presidential Citation from The Republic of Korea for operations over the peninsula along with numerous individual awards and citations for the hard-working crews. It remains one of Australia’s premier fighter squadrons and is currently re-equipping with the F-35.