Douglas C-47 #43 15073 "The SNAFU Special"

04/04/2025

Article on the local newspaper after the General meeting of the Association

L’objectif de l’association Merville-Dakota est d’entretenir l’avion appelé Snafu Special exposé depuis 2008 sur le site de la Batterie, à Merville-Franceville-Plage (Calvados). Une quinzaine de personnes s’y retrouvent tous les jeudis pour le bichonner et l’équiper comme à l’épo...

03/04/2025

The two tires given by the Dutch Dakota Association are now on the wheels and inflated. Ready to be put on the landing gear.
Howard is at his position in the back of the aircraft, ready to receive orders through his headset and the intercomm which is working of course.

24/03/2025

80 years ago - Operation VARSITY
24 March 1945 - 08:29 - Douglas C-47 #43-15073, now nicknamed "Howdy Stranger", with the 95th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 440th Troop Carrier Group, took off from Orleans to take part in operation Varsity.
Serial A-16 Chalk #6 - Glider tow - 17th A/B Div. - Time over Target 12:00 BDST - LZ "N"
Pilot : 2nd Lt. George E. MORROW
Co-pilot : 2nd Lt. James F. HERPICK
Radio-operator : S/Sgt. Joseph F. BUCKNER
Crew-chief : S/Sgt. Lafette J. NERREN

20/03/2025

Some work made today on The SNAFU
- We were successful to remove the first tire from the wheel. It was not easy but we have now the process for the second tire. After cleaning the rim, we will install the tires donated to the SNAFU by the Dutch Dakota Association.
- The landing gear was cleaned and painted by a second team
- A last check to the six pararacks and their containers under the belly.

13/03/2025

[Back to her WWII configuration]
Last test made this afternoon with the parapacks in position.
Working fine 😎👍

06/03/2025

[Back to her WWII configuration]
A good afternoon at The SNAFU Special. The wiring of the 6 pararacks is now complete and the 6 pararacks are in working condition.

25/02/2025

25 February 1944.
1st Lt. James P. HARPER leave the 95th TCS and is now assigned to the 91st TCS - 439th TCG
C-47A #43-15073 "The SNAFU Special" stay in the 95th TCS and will receive a new pilot for the next missions.
She will change also her nickname and, now, will be nicknamed "Howdy Stranger"

19/02/2025

The association thanks the following people for their continued support and for donating in addition to their membership fee to help care for the SNAFU Special
Forteville C. - Ricou-Oudine JC. - Ricou-Oudine C. - Cornuault J. - Greselle JP. - Igier P. - Combée H.
You want also to make a donation? Download the form which is here or on the website.
Thank you

06/02/2025

Let me introduce you to Howard. Howard is the new crew chief assigned to The SNAFU Special.
Welcome Howard !

PS : For those who are curious and wondering : Why Howard?
On D-Day, The crew-chief aboard The SNAFU Special was S/Sgt Howard F. LINDSLEY from Martville - NY

30/01/2025

81 years old
Happy Birthday "SNAFU Special"

10/01/2025

The association thanks the following people for their continued support and for donating in addition to their membership fee to help care for the SNAFU Special

Besneux D. - Borgeais JM. - Durand N. - Poignant B. - Prevot JC. - Sevennec G. - Thevenin D.

You want also to make a donation? Download the form which is here or on the website.
Thank you

31/12/2024

Le Conseil d'administration de Merville-Dakota vous souhaite une belle année 2025.
Prenez soin de vous.