Greatest Air-Rescue of Downed Airmen Ever (Op. Halyard, 1944)

[FrankPilot]

Operation Halyard (1944) in WW2 was the largest and most successful air-rescue of downed Allied airman in the history of aviation. Over 500 downed airmen in Nazi-controlled Yugoslavia were rescued by Dakotas, protected by Mustangs and Lightnings, flying from Italy. Serbs were the main group who protected the Airmen until they were rescued and taken to Italy. The aircraft types involved are available in MSFS and are shown in a simulated Operation Halyard flight. At the end of the video, there is some footage from the movie Heroes of Halyard. Hope you enjoy.



View: https://youtu.be/eSx2vhIE7o4?si=xgtlQTF3FSgGNC9u

 

[Bolingbroke10070]

I would have thought Operation Reunion was larger.it was my buddy's dad Lt Col James Gunn that orchestrated the whole thing.

Operation Reunion - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[smutny]

The CAF C-47 based at Airbase Arizona is reportedly one of the aircraft used in Halyard. Later on converted to executive interior by Hoover. But, if you ever want to ride in a piece of history and are in Phoenix, see if they're doing a rides.

I went up last February for a night flight. That was fun, never flown in a radial at night, the glowing exhaust was very cool to see.

Lights were on in the cabin so there's a weird reflection from the upholstery (which is being replaced right now).

 

[FrankPilot]

I would have thought Operation Reunion was larger.it was my buddy's dad Lt Col James Gunn that orchestrated the whole thing.

Operation Reunion - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Yes, Reunion was a bit more than twice the size of Halyard, and somewhat different circumstances. Reunion was a repatriation of POWs, mainly airmen, who were freed in Romania when it changed sides to the Allies in 1944. They had to be repatriated before the Soviets took over Romania. Halyard was a rescue from Nazi-controlled Yugoslavia. Both fantastic efforts! Cheers.